What is the story behind Diwali in Hinduism?
In one of the main stories in Hindu mythology, Diwali is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana return to their homeland after 14 years in exile. The villagers lit a path for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana. After he slayed the demon, Lord Krishna declared it a day of festivities.
Why is Diwali important in Hinduism?
Diwali is India’s most important festival of the year—a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The dates of this festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, which marks each month by the time it takes the moon to orbit Earth.
What are important dates in Hinduism?
Hindu Holidays and Observances
- Diwali — Festival of Lights is a major holiday that is also celebrated by Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.
- Dussera — This is the important tenth day of Navratri.
- Ganesha Chaturthi — celebration the birth of Ganesha, son of Shiva.
- Holi — Festival of Colors.
- Navratri — Nine Nights.
What are some Hinduism rituals?
The most common rituals practiced in all Hindu households are puja, meditation, silent prayers, yoga, recitation of scriptures from Bhagavad Gita or bhajans, reading religious books, participating in Satsang (prayer meets), performing charitable work, visiting a temple, and chanting the name of their beloved God.
What are the three main Hindu rituals?
Major types of Hindu rituals include life-cycle rituals (saṃskāra), especially initiation, marriage, and death and ancestor rituals; worship and prayer (pūjā); sacrifices, especially Vedic fire sacrifices (yajña, iṣṭi, homa) and blood sacrifices; collective and individual festivals (utsava) and processions (yātrā.
Is Hinduism a religion or a way of life?
Hinduism has been variously defined as a religion, a religious tradition, a set of religious beliefs, and “a way of life”. From a Western lexical standpoint, Hinduism like other faiths is appropriately referred to as a religion. In India, the term dharma is preferred, which is broader than the Western term religion.
Is Hindu is a good religion?
Hinduism Beliefs Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality. Hindus revere all living creatures and consider the cow a sacred animal. Food is an important part of life for Hindus.