Hindu Religious Traditions

p Hindu Traditions and Religious Beliefs

Hinduism is a vibrant , diverse religion that is over 3 ,000 years old This religion began in the Indus Valley of Pakistan and currently has more than 900 million followers worldwide . It is greatly known as an accepting and tolerant religion that encompasses peoples of many different races , social classes and ethnicities . More than 80 of all Indian citizens follow the tenets of the Hindu religion and it has become popular amongst middle to upper class Caucasians as well . Much as with Christianity there is no

one single path in Hinduism . There are nearly as many different doctrines , and ways of practicing Hinduism as there people who practice Hinduism itself

According to Hinduism ( HYPERLINK "http /www .bbc .co .uk http /www .bbc .co .uk ) the Hindu religion only recognizes a single god whom they term Brahman . Brahman much as the Christian god is seen as the creator of life , and the reason behind the existence of the world itself . The other gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion are primarily different aspects of Brahman himself . The three main aspects of Brahman include , Brahma , Vishnu , and Shiva . Brahma is a creator and giver of life , and responsible for the creation of the world . Vishnu 's role is to preserve life , and to protect all of the diverse life forms in the universe . Shiva is seen primarily as a destructive force in the universe , and the reason behind events such as war , natural disasters and death

Hindu 's do not primarily worship Brahman himself but , rather the different incarnations of Brahman . Hindus often divide themselves into three primary groups , followers of Vishnu , followers of Shiva , and finally those who follow Shakti who is seen as the Mother Goddess of the Indian religion . Indians tend to be very pragmatic about belief in the gods and goddesses . Which aspect of Brahman they worship changes dependent upon what the needs of the individual worshipper are at any given time . Each aspect has their purpose , and each aspect of Brahman is worshipped differently

Several major holidays are considered important to followers of the Hindu religion . Diwali commonly known as the Festival of Lights is one of the most widespread of Hindu holidays . Other religious sects of Southeast Asia such as the Jains and the Sikhs celebrate this holiday as well . Krishna Jayanti or Janamashtami is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Krishna one of the most commonly followed aspects of Vishnu Another key holiday is Navaratri , this holiday celebrates good winning out over evil . Finally , is the traditional Hindu New Year celebration called Varsha Pratipada that is celebrated in the spring

These holidays are celebrated at key points during the years . There are also lesser holidays that celebrate the births of various lesser aspects of Brahman . Holidays are also used to celebrate the change of seasons and the harvest . According to Hinduism ( HYPERLINK "http /www .bbc .co .uk " http /www .bbc .co .uk ) Hindu holidays are often joyous celebrations filled...