Hinduism Practices Rituals Symbols Festivals and Milestones Puja

Hinduism: Practices, Rituals, Symbols, Festivals and Milestones

Puja n n Daily offering made to deities in thanksgiving Some of the food is shared at the end of puja as prasad: a gift from the deities

Prasad

Yoga and Meditation n n Spiritual disciplines Yoga means “yoke”, where atman is united with Brahman (soul with God). Meditation is needed to achieve this union A common comfortable sitting posture is the ‘lotus’

Cows are sacred n Cows are revered n Seen as a manifestation of all that is good and precious n Docility (gentleness) is attributed to vegetarianism

DIWALI n n n Most popular festival Celebrates the triumph of goodness and knowledge over dark forces of evil and ignorance Feast honours Lakshmi, Goddess of good fortune…

…and Vishnu, who defeated demon Naraka

HOLI n n Spring festival usually celebrated in March A bonfire is lit the day before to signify the burning of evil Coloured water is squirted on friends and family for fun Sweets and other special foods are shared

HOLI (cont. )

Navaratri n n “Nine Nights” festival held in spring and fall First three nights: Goddess Durga is worshipped (a manifestation of Parvati) who washes away laziness and evil thoughts

Navaratri (cont. ) n Next three nights: puja is offered to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth of good fortune

Navaratri (cont. ) n n Final three nights: dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and learning The tenth day: Day of Victory, or, Vijayadasami

Symbols: OM n n Represents the supremacy of Brahman Chanted at beginning and end of prayers and readings of scripture

Symbols: Swastika n n Symbol of good luck and “well being” (balance) Usually in red Used on wedding invitations, decorations, textiles and in rituals for luck and to protect against evil Nazis “adopted” it (changed) and ruined it so now has negative connotations

Milestones n n n n Naming a child Child’s first outing First Solid Food First Haircut Thread initiation ceremony (Upanayana) Marriage Death and cremation Death Annniversary

Hinduism in Western Culture n Yoga and meditation are loved and practiced by many “Westeners”, regardless of faith