Hindus

Hinduism

A carved stone mandir with towers and an arched gate.

Many Hindus say, “Namaste,” with palms together. It is a greeting of respect.

What many people call it

Many people call this faith Hinduism. Some families say Sanatan Dharma.

A belief many people hold

Hinduism has many ways to worship. Many Hindus worship one God in many forms. You may hear names such as Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Durga, and Ganesha. Families do not all use the same names. Practices differ.

Sacred texts

There is more than one sacred text. The Vedas are ancient teachings. Many families also love the Bhagavad Gita and stories such as the Ramayana. A family may use one of these more than another. A sacred book is kept in a clean place. It is not put on the floor.

A mandir

A mandir is a Hindu temple. Many Hindus worship at a mandir and at home. Many homes have a shrine. People often leave shoes outside the mandir. A lamp, a bell, and flowers may be part of worship.

Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights in autumn. Many Hindus mark it. Many Sikhs and many Jains mark it too. It is not only one religion’s day. Many families light lamps and share sweets. People tell stories. One story many Hindus tell is about Rama and Sita coming home. Some families tell other stories.

A kind act

Many Hindus try to practise ahimsa, which means not harming. Hosts welcome guests. Helping others is a kind act.

Food, dress, or another rule

Many Hindus are vegetarian. Some eat meat, and many of those families do not eat beef. Some families do not follow a food rule. Dress at a mandir is often modest. Practices differ from family to family. Never tell a child their food is strange.

Pictures

A sacred image in a home or a mandir is treated with care. It is not a toy.