3. The term "Hinduism" derives from a Persian
word that refers to the Sindhu (or Indus) river in
northwest India; "Hindu" was first used in the
14th century by Arabs, Persians, and Afghans to
describe the peoples of the region. By the end of
the 19th century, "Hinduism" was adopted by
the British colonial administration in India to
describe the various religious beliefs and
practices of the majority of India's population. It
is, however, extremely difficult to say when
Hinduism began. The tradition itself maintains
that it is a timeless religion that has always
existed. Historians generally hold that the origins
of what we call Hinduism can be traced to the
ancient Indus Valley civilization. This would
mean that the religion is over 4,000 years old,
although it is a dynamic religious tradition that
4. Lotus Flower
This symbolizes that,
even when it is
surrounded by dirt
and impurity, it
can still grow proud
and beautiful.
A single lotus growing
in a pond can
make even the moss
and mud look
beautiful.
5. The Sri Siva Subramaniya temple is
a Hindu temple in Nadi, Fiji. It is
at the southern end of the main road
through Nadi. It is the largest Hindu
temple in the Southern hemisphere.
Historical background
The original temple had been in existence for a
long time. It was at the old temple building that
the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI
Sangam) was formed in 1926. The TISI Sangam
was rejuvenated following the Golden Jubilee
celebration in 1976. The revival of Sangam
activities together with the arrival of
Shivacharya Mahalinga Gurukkal, whose
services were made available to Nadi Siva
Subramaniya Temple in 1984 by the
Government of Tamil Nadu as the Chief Priest
boosted the activities at the Temple, and
devotees flocked to the Temple in very large
numbers to witness and participate in the many
new and unique religious ceremonies conducted
at the Temple for the first time.
6. There are thousands of gods and
goddesses in Hinduism. When the
religion began, the people probably
Believed that these gods and goddesses
Really existed. Today Hindus see the gods
As symbols for describing Brahman, The
great power.
7. SHIVARATRI: The special worship of Lord Shiva is done all night with
chants and rituals. (February)
HOLI: It is known as festival of colours. Effigies of evil are burnt in fire to
signify the victory of good and colours are sprayed on family members
and friends. (March)
JANMASHTAMI: This is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. The
young and old alike love the life of Lord Krishna. The Bhagavad-Gita is
well known. (August)
DEEPAVALI: This is festival of lights. The lamps are lit to show victory of
the light of knowledge over darkness of ignorance and also for new
beginnings. (November
There are about 50 Hindu festivals but these are the important one's
8. Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the
brightest of all Hindu festivals. It's the festival of lights
(deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights)
that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally
illumines the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all
with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali
is separated by a different tradition, but what remains
true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment
and goodness.
9. Prayers before Starting Studies
Goddess Saraswati is the
Goddess of studies.
All educational pursuites
are starting after paying
respect to Goddess Saraswati
sarasvatii namastubhyaM
varade kaamaruupiNi
vidyaarambhaM
karishhyaami siddhirbhavatu
me sadaa ..
O Goddess Saraswati,
salutations to you, the
giver of boons, the one
who fulfills all desires.
I begin my studies.
May there always be
accomplishments for me.
10. Rangoli, also known as kolam, is a folk art from
India. Rangoli are decorative designs made on
living room and courtyard floors during Hindu
festivals typically consisting of bright colours. They
are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the
Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been
passed down through the ages, from each
generation to the next, keeping both the art form
and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically
created with materials including colour rice, dry
flour, (colours) sand or even flower petals.
