Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world with many historians pegging the origin of Hinduism around 1500 BC. The exact origin of the term Hinduism or Hindu can still be debated but some common theories are:
1. Persian Word: Many people believe that Persians called people living beyond Sindhu (Indus) River as Hindus.
2. From Himalaya & Bindu Sarovar (Cape Comorin Sea): According to an ancient Indian Scripture Hindu refers to “The country lying between the Himalayan mountain and Bindu Sarovara (Cape Comorin sea) is known as Hindusthan by combination of the first letter `hi’ of `Himalaya’ and the last compound letter `ndu’ of the word Bindu.’”
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Hindu Festivals
Festivals, traditions and rituals form an important part of Indian Society; and it has always been like this. Many Hindu Festivals like Diwali, Holi etc. are know to all and have attained the status of Indian national festivals or the festival of masses. People from all the religions, castes & creeds celebrate these festivals with passion and fervor.
But there are other Hindu Festivals which are very specific and are celebrated by deeply religious Hindu devotees. Here we provide details of all of these Hindu Festivals, Fastings and traditions. The details include Rites (Traditional & Vedic), Origin, significance and Hindu mythologies related to these festivals. We also take a socio-cultural look at these festivals and how these festivals pervade Indian Society at large.
Hindu Rituals
Rituals play an important part in the life of Hindus. From Birth till death there are various rituals that guide the devotees through to lead them to salvation. These rituals have been carried over from centuries and have undergone various changes over a period of time. Hindu Rituals may also vary according to region and sects.
Hindu Rituals can be divided in to following parts: Daily Rituals, Rituals of Life Samskaras, Festivals or Celebrations
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