REFLECTION
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions yet remains a very confusing aspect for non-Hindu
believers. As for me, I don’t know nothing about the in depth of the cultures and tradition of Hindus
but studying and understanding it the way it is will enlighten my views as a person. When I was a
kid, I only learned the religion that I was born with and the traditions we usually follow. But as
time passed by, I grew up realizing that there are still more to learn and explore about certain things
and to become more open to other people’s beliefs, opinions, and their cultures while nurturing
yourself to become a fully developed individual. As I’ve watched the video and research more
about Hinduism, I admit it was very confusing at first because learning their beliefs and absorbing
all the information given just a short period of time is just too unbearable. As a matter of a fact, it
took me years to comprehend the religion of Christianity knowing that I am an Islam believer and
there are a lot of differences between the two but as what I’ve said I am really open in acquiring
new knowledge to each and every unique person God has created. To cut it short, I’ve learned
many things not only about the religion itself but also to the people in it that even though somehow
there is a difference but what matters is that we have a huge faith and respect to each that lies ahead
of us.
Just like other religions, Hinduism are taught to Hindus ever since they were a child. Other
Hindu students goes back to their original traditions like becoming gods to the temple to satisfy
their inner needs. Confusing as it may have seemed, it is said to be diverse as it is not a monotheistic
religion but is constituted by thousands of gods and goddesses. They praised and worshiped them
by having annual celebrations of festivity. However, Hindus are not required to worship all deities
at once nor worship a particular deity. It remains a choice to the believer himself. They also
believed in the ancient scriptures known as Veda which is just like the Bible for Christians, Torah
for the Hebrews and Qur’an for Muslims. They are also denominated depending on who they
choose to believe in. We are more likely similar in regards to having faith, making celebrations to
commemorate and be thankful to our God. Every religion is complicated when you are just starting
to know more about it. But as we learn and understand every information, good or bad, we may
agree or disagree at some point, we should also be considerate and respect our own differences.
After all, one thing is for sure; that in every religion we are taught to have a genuine respect to
other faiths and that’s a fact.
TASK NO.2
Major festivals of Hinduism
a) Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival in countries like India and Nepal which literally
means "the great night of Shiva". On the new moon day in the month of Maagha according
to the Hindu calendar, the feast is celebrated to venerate their important deity in Hindu
culture named Lord Shiva. During this day, Hindu people do activities such as fasting,
singing worship songs, and praising their Lord Shiva. Hindu temples are also decorated
with lights and colorful ornaments and people can be seen offering long prayers and foods
that are believed to be their Lord’s favorite.
b) Sarasvati Puja (The Festival for the Goddess of Knowledge)
In the arrival of the spring season marks a feast for Hindus Goddess of Knowledge,
Saraswati Puja. She symbolizes creative energy and power in all its form, including longing
and love (kama). It is celebrated along the agricultural fields' ripening with yellow flowers
of mustard crop. People dress in yellow saris or shirts or accessories, share yellow-colored
snacks and sweet as they believed it is her favorite color. Some add saffron to their rice
and then eat yellow cooked rice as a part of an elaborate feast. Students participate in such
activities like starting the day with a ritual bath in the morning followed by a day – long
fast.
c) Holi
One of the most awaited and anticipated festivals in town where every people living
in India are gathered together. It is sometimes referred to as “the festival of love”. On this
day, people unite while forgetting all the resentment and bad feelings towards each other.
Holi festival is celebrated with utmost joy and enthusiasm in which people play with
multiple of colors among families and friends. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and
a night which signifies that victory of good triumph over evil.
d) Rama Navami
Navami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama. Ram Navami is the
festival of great importance for the people of Hindu religion. Celebrating the festival
of Ram Navami on the 9th day of Chaitra month indicates the removal of bad powers and
entrance of divine power on the earth.
e) Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan signifies an eternal love of brother – sister relationship among the
community. This means “the tie or knot of protection” wherein the word “protection”
means “Raksha” for Hindus and “Bandhan” stands for “to tie or knot”. It is also celebrated
among cousins, sister and sister-in-law (Bhabhi), fraternal aunt (Bua) and nephew (Bhatija)
and other such relations. Traditionally, during the festival sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet
made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their
relationship. It is believed that when a woman ties a rakhi around the hand of a man it
becomes obligatory for him to honor his religious duty and protect her.
f) Janmashtami
The birth of Lord Krishna Janmashtami is traditionally celebrated in India with
great zeal and respect. Sri Krishna is considered to be one of the most powerful human
incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the
midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end
the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. On this day, it is celebrated with devotional songs
and dances, pujas, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.
g) Navaratri
Navaratri is nine-night festival which is celebrated every year in autumn season full
of lights and joyous activities. Goddess Durga is worshipped during Navratri. People stay
awake the whole night during the nine days of Navratri and play Dandiya and Garba.
Navratri is famous for the ritual of fasting or avoiding food grains like rice, wheat and
pulses for nine consecutive days.
h) Nivali (DIWALI)
Diwali is religious event celebrated not just the Hindus but also other religions all
around the world. The festival of lights is observed during autumn season where people
are gathered to attend firework displays, prayer services and other events in the celebration.
Usually, every people lights all over the place to always remember that good triumphs the
work of evil.