HINDUISM - Festivals, Rituals & Symbols : Hinduism, An Introduction. , Volume 1: Hinduism, An Introduction.

By Sadhu, Vivekjivandas

Book Id: WPLBN0100750246
Format Type: PDF (eBook)
File Size: 9.96 MB.
Reproduction Date: 1/2/2015

Title:	HINDUISM - Festivals, Rituals & Symbols : Hinduism, An Introduction. , Volume 1: Hinduism, An Introduction.
Author:	Sadhu, Vivekjivandas
Volume:	Volume 1
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Religion, HINDUISM - Festivals, Rituals & Symbols
Collections:	Authors Community, Hinduism Today
Historic Publication Date:	2015
Publisher:	Swaminarayan Aksharpith Shahibaug Road, Ahmedabad-4 Gujarat, India.

Member Page:	BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
Citation APA MLA Chicago Sadhu, D. V. (2015). HINDUISM - Festivals, Rituals & Symbols : Hinduism, An Introduction. , Volume 1. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.cc/

Description
India is a land of holy festivals and celebrations that rejuvenate and relieve its people from the monotony of daily life and its burdens. Its social and predominantly spiritual content make its people vibrant and religious. For devout Hindus festivals provide a mystical connection with God and their own atman. Festivals also lighten the burden of bad karma and help integrate devotion and knowledge in their lives. Festivals provide a beautiful and joyful mosaic of colour, pageantry, beauty, music, dance and rituals. Hindu festivals reinforce the innate fundamentals of each individual’s existence, both spiritual and temporal, which are otherwise overshadowed by mundane and rational activities. The spiritual fervour inspired through festivals convinces one that life is worthwhile, and that it is possible to live happily, religiously and righteously in the midst of an increasingly materialistic and indulgent society. Before we briefly explain how some of the main festivals are celebrated by Hindus in India and abroad, let us consider the Hindu calendar system.

Summary
India is a land of holy festivals and celebrations that rejuvenate and relieve its people from the monotony of daily life and its burdens. Its social and predominantly spiritual content make its people vibrant and religious. For devout Hindus festivals provide a mystical connection with God and their own atman. Festivals provide a beautiful and joyful mosaic of colour, pageantry, beauty, music, dance and rituals.

Excerpt
India is a land of festivals and celebrations that are held to worship and honour God and his manifestations. Hindu festivals dissolve bad karma, consolidate devotion and knowledge, and bring joy and freshness in the lives of people of all backgrounds. The celebrations of festivals like Makarasankrãnti, Mahã-Shivarãtri, Holi and Pushpadolotsava, Rãma Navami and Swaminarayan Jayanti, Ratha Yãtrã, Guru Purnimã, Rakshãbandhana, Janmãshtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Onam, Navarãtri and Vijayã Dashami, Deepãwali, Annakuta Utsava and Kumb- ha Mela usher in joy and devotion to millions of Hindu. Mostly all activities were centred in and around the mandir. So, the rituals of darshan, ãrati, sevã and celebrating festivals became an intrinsic part of a Hindu’s life. The various rituals include pranãma, puja, mahãpujã, darshan, ãrati, naivedyam, nãma japa, dandavat, pradakshinã, yajna and others.

Table of Contents
1. Preface 2. Holy Festivals 3. Devotional Rituals 4. Sacred Symbols and Objects 5. Glossary 6. Index