Explores the world of Hinduism and covers its art, teachers, beliefs, traditions and festivals.
I am Hindu follows Jasmine as she talks about her faith. She tells us about her: beliefs, books, worship, mandir, family, clothes and food. - Publisher
Explores important events in the life of a follower of Hinduism. The emphasis is on what it's like to be religious and the meaning of religion in children's and adult's lives.
A Year of Festivals introduces the main religious festivals as they occur through the year. The books include prayers, songs, quotations from religious writings, colourful photographs and fun activities to bring the festivals to life and help children join in the celebrations.
The 'festival of lights' is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. Like most Hindu festivals, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Explains what happens when Hindus worship in the mandir including how they greet and take gifts for the "murtis" of gods and goddesses, and how the priest performs the "aarti" ceremony.
Hinduism does not have a single holy book, but many ancient texts and scriptures.
Thosai, also known as Dosa, is a thin vegetarian pancake made from a batter of various fermented pulses and rice flour
Many Hindus are vegetarians who do not eat meat because of their respect for life or ahimsa, the belief to do no harm. Hindus who do eat meat do not eat beef. This is because in Hinduism, the cow is a symbol of life and of the Earth, and thought of by many as a mother, because she gives food and nourishment through her milk.
Hinduism is over 4,000 years old, making it one of the world's oldest religions. It is made up of a variety of different religious beliefs and practices. It originated near the Indus River in India. The name 'Hindu' comes from the word Indus. Hinduism is the world's third largest religion, There are approximately 1.15 billion Hindus which are 15-16% of the global population. The vast majority of Hindus live in India, Nepal and Mauritius. Hindus are also found in other countries.
For many Hindus there are four goals in human life:
The Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
Hindus have a multitude of gods and goddesses that symbolize the one abstract Supreme Being, Brahman. The most fundamental of Hindu deities are the Trimurti or Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
There are many other gods such as Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, and goddesses like Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati. They all represent different forms of Brahman and are sent to help people find the universal God (Brahman).
Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore
Hindus worship in a temple called a Mandir. Mandirs vary in size from small village shrines to large buildings, surrounded by walls. People can also visit the Mandir at any time to pray and participate in the bhajans (religious songs). Hindus also worship at home and often have a special room with a shrine to particular gods.
The symbol of Hinduism "Aum"
Image source: Kiddle.co
Aum is the sacred symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is said to be the name most suited for God.
There are two major holidays celebrated by Hindus around the world:
Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Diwali, also known as Deepavali in Singapore, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
Holi (Festival of Colours)
Holi is a two-day Hindu festival that originates in India. On the first day, people will gather around a bonfire and celebrate good triumphing over evil. But it’s the second day that most people will recognise - that’s when perfumed powder called gulal is pelted at everyone and made to stick with water pistols and balloons.
Pongal dish made from rice in milk, with cane or white sugar, is cooked for the festival.
Image source: Kiddle.co
Pongal, also referred to as Tai Pongal, is a three-day Hindu festival held throughout South India. It is observed at the start of the month Tai, according to Tamil solar calendar, and this is typically about January 14. The name of the festival comes from the Tamil word meaning “to boil”; rice is boiled in milk and offered first to the gods, then to the cows, and then to family members.
