Hinduism

History-Caste study

There are four castes : Brahmins-priests, Kshatriya-soliders and nobles, Vashya- farmers and merchants, Shudra-servants and laborers, untouchables

Every caste has Dharma (duties)

The caste, The untouchables was a caste that was abolished but the people in that class were looked down upon and usuallly lives in rural areas

Beliefs

Concept of God

Symbols

Worship

Holidays

Hindus believe that animals are sacred, so they won't eat them.

They believe in karma, meaning that actions will dictate the next life

They believe in reincarnation

"om" begins hindu prayers

Dussehra, a ten day festival held in September/October, celebrating either the victory of the goddess Durga over the Buffalo Demon or the victory of the god Rama over the demon king Ravana.

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Holl, a festival held in February/March, where people gather in the streets and throw colored powders at each other to celebrate the pranks that Krishna played as a young man.

Diwall, a five day festival of lights held in October/November, honoring the god Rama, where people exchange gifts, eat special foods, and watch the firework display.

Gods and Godedsses shown in images, statues, and sculptures

"om" First sound heard in world

Worship at many special ceremonies for events such as naming of a baby, first haircut, and more

Sacred Thread Ceremony- a 12 year old boy's passage into adulthood

Worship individually in temples or small shrines at home

Shiva - Destruction

Vishnu - Preservation

Brahma - Creator