Hinduism

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Aum is the most sacred symbol in Hinduism.

Aum is the sound of the start of creation

Aum is said at the start and end of prayer.

Aum symbolizes Brahman(the ultimate reality) and the entire universe.

Festivals

The Hindu festival of light is called divali. Divali means row of lights. It remembers the story of rama and sita. This story can be found in the Ramayana(a Hindu collection of stories).

The festival takes place in October/November in the Gregorian calendar

During this time homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and divas are lit as a greeting to Lakshmi the goddess of wealth.During divali, gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared.The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians. Because there are many religions in India, there are many versions of the Divali festival.

The festival of Divali is often celebrated with huge firework displays and the exchange of sweets. As with other Indian festivals, Divali signifies many different things to people around the country.

Everywhere that it is celebrated, Divali signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. It also heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.

Diva lamps remind Hindus' of the lights that Rama and Sita followed in order to get home.

Hinduism is an unusual religion in the respect that it has no founder. Hinduism has a number of sacred books called Holy books. These are known as Vedas.

Worship

Hindus believe in a supreme soul called Brahman. Brahman does not have any real shape or form. The Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism represent different aspects and characteristics of Brahman. The three main Gods are called the Trimurti.

They are:

Brahma-the creator

Vishnu-the protector

Shiva-the destroyer

Brahma's job was creation of the world and all creatures. His name should not be confused with Brahman, who is the supreme God, force present within all things.

Families often have their own special God which they have worshiped for generations. Some part of every Hindu home is set aside for worship and prayer- this may even be in the form of a separate room.

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