DOCSLIB.ORG

Raja Sankranti : the Festival of Swings

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Raja Sankranti : the Festival of Swings Orissa Review * June - 2006 Raja Sankranti : The Festival of Swings Pravukalyan Mohapatra Festivals of any state reflect the culture, supposed to control agricultural operations. tradition and history of the people. Festivals The tradition of such festivals have also come in India are mostly associated with seasonal down to the people of Orissa in the form of phases of the sun, the moon, birth of divinities Raja-Sankranti(swing-festival), Akhaya- and agricultural operations. Legends have trutiya, Gamha-purnima, Manabasa-gurubara, grown connecting these festivals with Nuakhai etc. mythological events recorded in the Puranas Raja is an agriculture oriented festival, and other religious literatures. They intend to mostly observed in the coastal districts of inspire faith and virtuous life among the people Orissa for three days. The last day of month as a result of which religious impact pervades "Jestha" is known as "Pahili Raja" and the first the celebration or observance of all the festivals. day of month "Asadha" is Raja Sankranti Though festivals are deeply associated (Mithuna Sankranti) from which rainy season with religion (faith), the main purpose seems starts. It also inaugurates the agricultural year to be recreational. They mitigate the monotony all over Orissa which marks the moistening of of life. Man and women tired of hard routine summer parched soil with the first shower of work need change or relaxation which festivals monsoon making it ready for productivity. The provide. Thus festivals promote a common second day of "Asadha" is known as "Bhuin cause, develop social solidarity, fellow feeling Dahana". To celebrate the advent of monsoon and mutual co-operation. They also instill self- the joyous festival is arranged for three days. discipline and emphasizes the spiritual value Even in some places of Orissa the fourth day of human existence besides providing of Raja festival is also celebrated in the name enjoyment and recreation. of "Basumata Puja". During this festival In ancient days most of the celebrations Mother Earth or "Basu Mata" is considered to were agricultural in their basic character having be a menstruating woman. Hence digging of festivals mostly related to various agricultural soil or tempering it in any way is strictly operations. People thought certain divine prohibited. The Mother Earth is said to undergo powers were associated with various aspects pollution due to menstruation and given rest of human life and festivals were scheduled in just like a woman imposed with several honour of Gods and Goddesses, who were restrictions. 122 Orissa Review * June - 2006 Raja is also considered as one of the chief types of cake, fried rice (mudhi) and vegetable festivals of un-married girls or the potential curry. mothers. The women folk, especially the While girls scatter beauty, music all virgins, forbid all kinds of manual works during round moving up and down on the swings these three days of Raja-festival. They don't during this festival, young men give themselves carry water, cut vegetables, sweep the houses, busy in various types of country games sew clothes, grind grains, comb hair, walk in bare foot etc. So, all kind of restrictions are including Kabadi competition. While 'Yatras' imposed both for the land and the women-folk. and 'Gotipua' dances are arranged at night in prosperous villages; plays and other Although Raja Sankranti is celebrated all entertainment programmees are also conducted over Orissa, it is more enthusiastically observed by amateur artists in relatively less prosperous in the coastal districts of the State. The un- places. married girls or virgins observe the restrictions prescribed for a menstruating woman. On the The communal mode of worship, from first day of Raja Sankranti they rise before the time immemorial, has taken the form of dawn,do their coiffure, anoint their bodies with festivals. All communal worships have tended turmeric paste and oil, then take the purification to assume the form of festivals. Festivals bath in the river or tank. Bathing for rest two always involves the community, a gathering, a days of the festival is strictly prohibited. During mela or a fair. It is the expression of a these three days girls are seen in the best of community on a festive and relaxed mood. their dresses and decorations, eating cakes and Festivals are an inextricable part of Indian rich food at the houses of friends and relatives. society. There are some festivals like Rakhi- They move up and down in the swings rending purnima, Holi, Diwali, Durga-puja, Shiva-ratri, the village sky with their joyous impromptu Makara-sankranti which are observed all over songs. The swings are tied to the branches of India though their mode of celebrations are Mango or Banyan trees and decorated with different from state to state. On the contrary, garlands of different flowers. The virgins of there are also certain festivals which are purely the village gather there on this festive occasion regional and sectarian. In India the months are and one of them is elected as Dolo-rani (queen counted on the basis of solar or lunar of the swing). When the queen takes her seat movements. While the month is calculated, in on the swing, the virgins move her forward solar system, from Sankranti to Sankranti, that and backward with chorus of charming songs. is counted in lunar system from Purnima to These songs are full of jolly spirit of girl-hood Purnima (full-moon). The number of festivals days and refer to glorious future, happy love observed in Orissa are many compared to other and would be marriage with suitable husbands. regions of the country. Amongst them Raja- Special varieties of cake prepared out sankranti, Kumara-purnima, Prathamastami of recipes like rice-powder, molasses, coconut, are some of the festivals which are specifically camphor, ghee etc goes in the name of Poda- meant for the young. pitha (burnt-cake ). The size of the cake varies according to the number of family members. Cakes are also exchanged among relatives and Pravukalyan Mohapatra is a Bhubaneswar based friends. Young girls do not take rice during freelance journalist, and lives at Qr. No: V/R 3/2, this festival and sustain only with different Unit-3, Bhubaneswar-751001, 123.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sacred-Profane Waters and the Dialectics of Everyday Religion
    HIMALAYA, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies Volume 36 Number 2 Article 11 December 2016 Beyond Contradiction: Sacred-Profane Waters and the Dialectics of Everyday Religion Georgina Drew University of Adelaide, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/himalaya Recommended Citation Drew, Georgina. 2016. Beyond Contradiction: Sacred-Profane Waters and the Dialectics of Everyday Religion. HIMALAYA 36(2). Available at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/himalaya/vol36/iss2/11 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. This Research Article is brought to you for free and open access by the DigitalCommons@Macalester College at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in HIMALAYA, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Beyond Contradiction: Sacred-Profane Waters and the Dialectics of Everyday Religion Acknowledgements I offer heartfelt thanks to Mr. Jayhari Srivastava, a lifelong Uttarkashi resident, who served as an assistant for the fieldwork outlined in this article and for portions of my PhD research from 2008-2009. His input and expertise was invaluable. I also extend my gratitude for funding from the Henry Luce Foundation and the Provost Office of The New School. Finally, I offer my sincere appreciation to Thomas J. Mathew, who provided comments
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Life of the Tribals of the Koraput Region
    Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 Cultural Life of the Tribals of the Koraput Region Rabindra Nath Dash If one thinks of cultural history of primitive tribes Literarily the definition of their culture is so broad one must turn towards south Odisha, the hub of that we appreciate and accept every aspect of tribals. So this Koraput region, the domain of their life style which is associated with culture. tribals has become centre of study and research. In 1863 this region was under direct Although the tribal population in Odisha administration of British. The Government of India has around 25%, their contribution in the Act of 1919 declared the entire area of Koraput development process of the state is outstanding. district as Scheduled Area and the major tribes Their tradition and culture is broad and inhabiting the district have been declared as uncommon. And the cultural history of tribals of scheduled tribes. this undivided Koraput has special importance all over India. The tribal population consists of Normally the primitive tribes express the 53.74% in the undivided Koraput (now divided cultural identity through their custom, tradition, into 4 districts Koraput, Rayagada, Nawarangpur, festivals, dress and ornaments. Every tribe has a and Malkangiri) as per 2001 census. The certain place of origin and its spreading. They anthropologist study gives an account that there have their own oral and written language for are 62 types of tribes in Odisha. They all live in interaction of each other. The matrimonial alliance the above districts although their number is so of a tribe is arranged byits own community as small.
    [Show full text]
  • Full Ten Years to Be Sure, America’S Record of Tems As They Are Today
    y k y cm LITTLE CHOICE MINORS MOST EXPOSED ‘RE-ELECT TRUMP’ Actor Urvashi Rautela says it is difficult Coronavirus most prevalent in the 5-17 age Top Republicans, including Nikki Haley urge to shoot following protocols but group, according to findings of a Delhi the voters to re-elect Donald Trump for another term work has to go on LEISURE | P2 serological survey TWO STATES | P7 INTERNATIONAL | P10 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 145 | www.orissapost.com BHUBANESWAR | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 | 2020 12 PAGES | `4.00 IRREGULAR by MANJUL GOVT SLASHES COVID TEST State joins postpone COST TO `1,200 POST NEWS NETWORK Bhubaneswar, August 25: The state government Tuesday re- JEE-NEET movement duced the price of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik seeks intervention of Union HRD Reaction (RT-PCR) tests con- ducted to detect Covid-19 infec- tions in private laboratories to To safeguard our democracy Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal in postponing the national level tests ` ` Heavy rains disrupt I hereby pledge not to raise 1,200 from 2,200. inner-party democracy issue POST NEWS NETWORK the important examinations. Due to 1st fortnight of September, 2020 may The tests can be done only at four fewer examination centres, many stu- be postponed to a later date to ensure private laboratories in the state ap- Bhubaneswar, August 25: Chief dents from remote areas would travel safety and security of students,” he said. proved by the Indian Council of normal life in state Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday ob- long distances. The CM also urged the HRD minis- Medical Research.
    [Show full text]
  • UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 25-08-2020
    UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 25-08-2020 National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) RBI has released the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE): 2020-2025 document for creating a financially aware and empowered India. It is the second NSFE, the first one being released in 2013. It aims to strengthen the ecosystem for various modes of digital financial services in all Tier-II to Tier VI centers to create the necessary infrastructure to move towards a less-cash society by March 2022. NSFE has been prepared by the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), under the aegis of the Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy (TGFIFL). NCFE is a Section 8 (Not for Profit) Company under the Companies Act, 2013 promoted by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA. It has recommended a ‘5 C’ approach for dissemination of financial education in the country: 1. Content - Financial Literacy content for various sections of population. 2. Capacity - Develop the capacity and ‘Code of Conduct’ for financial education providers. 3. Community - Evolve community led approaches for disseminating financial literacy in a sustainable manner. 4. Communication - Use technology, media and innovative ways of communication for dissemination of financial education messages. 5. Collaboration - Streamline efforts of other stakeholders for financial literacy. TGFIFL Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy (TGFIFL) was set up in November 2011 by the FSDC. It is responsible for periodic monitoring and implementation of NSFE under the oversight of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC). Nuakhai Juhar Nuakhai Juhar is an agricultural festival, also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat.
    [Show full text]
  • Parameswar Mund Lecturer in Oriya, J.P Sandhya Mahavidyalaya (Evening College), Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Orissa-766001, India
    Parameswar Mund Lecturer in Oriya, J.P Sandhya Mahavidyalaya (Evening College), Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Orissa-766001, India. Phone No-06670-231180 (O), 09437153656(M) E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] 1. Personal Details: - Name- Parameswar Mund Father's Name - Gagan Bihari Mund, Mother’s Name - Aparna Mund. Gender -Male, Marital Status -Married, Nationality -Indian Date of Birth: - 01/01/1974 (1 st January, 1974). Permanent Home Address:- At-Polaka Munda, Po-Baner, Via-Jaipatna, Dist-Kalahandi, Orissa-766018, India, Phone No-06673-290149®. 2. Academic Records: - * Doctoral Research Student (PhD) in Folklore Studies at the University of Viswa Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, (Cont.). Research Topic: - “folk Tale of Western Orissa A Study on Type and Motif Theory” * M.A in Oriya (First Class & Gold Medalist) from Sambalpur University, Orissa (1997). * B.A (Hons.) Oriya from the Government College, Bhawanipatna, Orissa (1994). 3. Fellowships, Scholarships and Awards:- a) Academic Awards and Fellowships:- * Junior Fellowship for the study on “Folk Culture of Orissa”, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi (2000-2002). * Qualified and Awarded “ National Eligibility Test (NET, July 2000)” in Oriya from the University Grant Commission (UGC), India. * National Scholarship for the “ Young Artists in Traditional and Indigenous Arts ” from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi, (1999). 1 b) Awards and Felicitations for Extra-Curricular and Literary Activities :- 1 * Awarded “ National Doordarshan Award”-2005 for the Play Mignina at Mumbai by the Prasar Bharati, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi. 2 * Awarded “ Akashvani Annual Award ” -2007 for the Play Sharabani by the Prasar Bharati, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi.
    [Show full text]
  • Art and Culture.Pmd
    QUICK REVISION NOTES www.iasscore.in ART & CULTURE National symbols of India 1. National Flag • It is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. • The ratio of width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel which represents the chakra taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. It has 24 spokes. 2. National Emblem • It is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capitol of Ashoka. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the Capitol is crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra). • The words Satyameva Jayate from Mundaka Upanishad, meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script. 3. National Anthem • The song Jana-gana-mana, composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore, was adopted in its Hindi version as the National Anthem of India on January 24, 1950. • It was first sung on December 27, 1911 at the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress. 4. National Song • The National song of India is Vande Mataram. It was composed by the famous poet, Bankim Chandra Chaterjee in the year 1875. 5. National Calendar • The National Calendar is based on the Saka Era, with Chitra as its first month. 6. National Flower • Lotus 7. National Fruit • Mango 8. National River • Ganga 9. National Tree • Indian Banyan 10. National Animal • Royal Bengal Tiger 11. National Aquatic animal • River dolphin 12. National Bird • Indian peacock Notes Art & Culture 1 www.iasscore.in Performing Arts A.
    [Show full text]
  • Odisha As a Multicultural State: from Multiculturalism to Politics of Sub-Regionalism
    Afro Asian Journal of Social Sciences Volume VII, No II. Quarter II 2016 ISSN: 2229 – 5313 ODISHA AS A MULTICULTURAL STATE: FROM MULTICULTURALISM TO POLITICS OF SUB-REGIONALISM Artatrana Gochhayat Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Sree Chaitanya College, Habra, under West Bengal State University, Barasat, West Bengal, India ABSTRACT The state of Odisha has been shaped by a unique geography, different cultural patterns from neighboring states, and a predominant Jagannath culture along with a number of castes, tribes, religions, languages and regional disparity which shows the multicultural nature of the state. But the regional disparities in terms of economic and political development pose a grave challenge to the state politics in Odisha. Thus, multiculturalism in Odisha can be defined as the territorial division of the state into different sub-regions and in terms of regionalism and sub- regional identity. The paper attempts to assess Odisha as a multicultural state by highlighting its cultural diversity and tries to establish the idea that multiculturalism is manifested in sub- regionalism. Bringing out the major areas of sub-regional disparity that lead to secessionist movement and the response of state government to it, the paper concludes with some suggestive measures. INTRODUCTION The concept of multiculturalism has attracted immense attention of the academicians as well as researchers in present times for the fact that it not only involves the question of citizenship, justice, recognition, identities and group differentiated rights of cultural disadvantaged minorities, it also offers solutions to the challenges arising from the diverse cultural groups. It endorses the idea of difference and heterogeneity which is manifested in the cultural diversity.
    [Show full text]
  • Raja Ravi Varma 145
    viii PREFACE Preface i When Was Modernism ii PREFACE Preface iii When Was Modernism Essays on Contemporary Cultural Practice in India Geeta Kapur iv PREFACE Published by Tulika 35 A/1 (third floor), Shahpur Jat, New Delhi 110 049, India © Geeta Kapur First published in India (hardback) 2000 First reprint (paperback) 2001 Second reprint 2007 ISBN: 81-89487-24-8 Designed by Alpana Khare, typeset in Sabon and Univers Condensed at Tulika Print Communication Services, processed at Cirrus Repro, and printed at Pauls Press Preface v For Vivan vi PREFACE Preface vii Contents Preface ix Artists and ArtWork 1 Body as Gesture: Women Artists at Work 3 Elegy for an Unclaimed Beloved: Nasreen Mohamedi 1937–1990 61 Mid-Century Ironies: K.G. Subramanyan 87 Representational Dilemmas of a Nineteenth-Century Painter: Raja Ravi Varma 145 Film/Narratives 179 Articulating the Self in History: Ghatak’s Jukti Takko ar Gappo 181 Sovereign Subject: Ray’s Apu 201 Revelation and Doubt in Sant Tukaram and Devi 233 Frames of Reference 265 Detours from the Contemporary 267 National/Modern: Preliminaries 283 When Was Modernism in Indian Art? 297 New Internationalism 325 Globalization: Navigating the Void 339 Dismantled Norms: Apropos an Indian/Asian Avantgarde 365 List of Illustrations 415 Index 430 viii PREFACE Preface ix Preface The core of this book of essays was formed while I held a fellowship at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library at Teen Murti, New Delhi. The project for the fellowship began with a set of essays on Indian cinema that marked a depar- ture in my own interpretative work on contemporary art.
    [Show full text]
  • Folklore Foundation , Lokaratna ,Volume IV 2011
    FOLKLORE FOUNDATION ,LOKARATNA ,VOLUME IV 2011 VOLUME IV 2011 Lokaratna Volume IV tradition of Odisha for a wider readership. Any scholar across the globe interested to contribute on any Lokaratna is the e-journal of the aspect of folklore is welcome. This Folklore Foundation, Orissa, and volume represents the articles on Bhubaneswar. The purpose of the performing arts, gender, culture and journal is to explore the rich cultural education, religious studies. Folklore Foundation President: Sri Sukant Mishra Managing Trustee and Director: Dr M K Mishra Trustee: Sri Sapan K Prusty Trustee: Sri Durga Prasanna Layak Lokaratna is the official journal of the Folklore Foundation, located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Lokaratna is a peer-reviewed academic journal in Oriya and English. The objectives of the journal are: To invite writers and scholars to contribute their valuable research papers on any aspect of Odishan Folklore either in English or in Oriya. They should be based on the theory and methodology of folklore research and on empirical studies with substantial field work. To publish seminal articles written by senior scholars on Odia Folklore, making them available from the original sources. To present lives of folklorists, outlining their substantial contribution to Folklore To publish book reviews, field work reports, descriptions of research projects and announcements for seminars and workshops. To present interviews with eminent folklorists in India and abroad. Any new idea that would enrich this folklore research journal is Welcome.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Dallas Vaisnava Calendar
    2020 Dallas Vaisnava Calendar 7 – Tue Purnima (Time adjusted for Daylight Savings Time) Sri Balarama Rasayatra Sri Krishna Vasanta Rasa January Sri Vamsivadana Thakura App. 6 – Mon Putrada Ekadasi (fasting from grains and beans) Sri Syamananda Prabhu App. 7 – Tue Break fast 07:30-10:52 13 – Mon Sri Abhirama Thakura Disapp. Sri Jagadisa Pandita Appearance Tulsi Jala Dan begins 10 – Fri Purnima 17 – Fri Srila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura Disapp. Sri Krishna Pusya Abhiseka 18 – Sat Varuthini Ekadasi (fasting from grains and beans) 14 – Tue Pancami 19 – Sun Dvadasi , Break fast 06:52 – 11:15 Sri Ramachandra Kaviraja Disapp. 22 – Wed Amavasya, Sri Gadadhara Pandita App Srila Gopala Bhatta Goswami App. 25 – Sat Aksaya Trtiya, Candana Yatra starts (continuses for 21 days) 15 – Wed Sri Jayadeva Goswami Disapp. 29 – Wed Jahnu Saptami Ganga Sagara Mela 16 – Thu Saptami May Sri Locana Dasa Thakura Disapp. 1 – Fri Srimati Sita Devi (consort of Lord Sri Rama) App 20 – Mon Sat-tila Ekadasi (fasting from grains and beans) Sri Madhu Pandita Disapp. 21 – Wed Dvadasi, break fast 07:28 – 10:55 Srimati Jahnava Devi Disapp. 24 – Fri Amavasya 3 – Sun Mohini Ekadasi (fasting from grains and beans) 29 – Wed Vasanta Pancami 4 – Mon Dvadasi , Break fast 06:36 – 11:08 Srimati Visnupriya Devi App. 5 – Tue Trayodasi Sarasvati Puja Sri Jayananda Prabhu Disapp Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura Disapp. 6 – Wed Nrsimha Caturdasi – App. Of Lord Nrsimhadeva Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi App. (Fast today till dusk) Sri Raghunandana Thakura App. 7 – Thurs Pratipat Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami App. Krishna Phula Dola, Salila Vihara 31 – Fri Sri Advaita Acarya App – Fast today until noon Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura Disapp.
    [Show full text]
  • PONGAL and Makar Sankranti- Book for Kids
    Written by Srividya Vishwanathan for itsallaboutkidsplay.com Story of Pongal/Makar Sankranti www.itsallaboutkidsplay.com Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in southern part of India. It is known as Makar Sankranti in other parts of India. India is an agricultural land. Pongal/ Makar Sankranti is a thanksgiving festival, thanking nature and deities for the bountiful produce. The 4 days of PONGAL include This festival is celebrated for 4 days in 1. Bhogi Pongal month of January. Rice, pulses, 2. Thai Pongal turmeric, and sugarcane are harvested 3. Mattu Pongal during this time. 4. Kannu Pongal Story of Pongal/Makar Sankranti www.itsallaboutkidsplay.com \ Day 1 - Bhogi Pongal This day is celebrated thank the rain god Indira. People thank him for the proper rain which resulted in abundant crops. Another ritual performed is burning of unnecessary household items in a bonfire. Household is cleaned in preparation of the main day of Pongal. Story of Pongal/Makar Sankranti www.itsallaboutkidsplay.com Praying to sun god Sweet Pongal Salted Pongal Day 2 - Thai Pongal This day is celebrated to thank the sun god. In Tamil the word “Pongal “means “Overflowing” signifying abundance and prosperity. Kolam Traditional prasad of rice cooked in milk is prepared. Sweet and Salt versions of Pongal are made. Traditionally Pongal is cooked in earthen cookware. Kolam/Rangoli are drawn in front of household. Pongal being cooked in earthen pot Story of Pongal/Makar Sankranti www.itsallaboutkidsplay.com Day 3- Mattu Pongal This 3rd Day of Pongal is dedicated to cows. Cows help a lot in farming and are treated as a holy animal.
    [Show full text]
  • What Do You Know About Hinduism?
    UWS An Inclusive Community UWS Multifaith Chaplaincy September 2008 What do you know about Hinduism? Followers of the teachings of the Vedas are called Hindus. Hindu staff and students form a substantial part of the UWS community. Acknowledging and respecting Hindu identities at UWS therefore requires, in part, a basic understanding of what Hinduism and being a Hindu is about. About Hinduism Hinduism originated and developed in India over the last 3,000-3,500 years. It is the majority religion in India. Hindus believe in one Supreme God who manifests him/herself in many different forms. Some of these include Krishna, Durga, Ganesh, Sakti (Devi), Vishnu, Surya, Siva and Skanda (Murugan). Hindus believe: • in the Vedas (scriptures) • there is one Supreme God who is the creator of the universe • in reincarnation • that everyone creates their own destiny (karma) There are four major Hindu denominations classified according to their respective focus of worship. Vaishnavism Vaishnavism worship Vishnu and his incarnations, particularly Krishna and Rama, as the Supreme God. Saivism Saivites worship Siva (also spelt Shiva) as the Supreme God. Shaktism Shaktas worship God as the Shakti, Sri Devi or the Divine Mother in her many forms. Hindu Dress Code Traditional Hindu women wear the sari. Traditional male Hindus wear the Smartism white cotton dhoti. Smarta Hindus view the different manifestations of God as equivalent. They accept all major Hindu gods and are commonly known as liberal or Women in particular may wear a dot (tilak) of turmeric powder or other non-sectarian. coloured substance on their foreheads as a symbol of their religion.
    [Show full text]