Hinduism

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere). It is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolarmonth Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November…Wikipedia

Focus on Education, Indian Community Urged

The Star/Nation/Sunday, 23 October 2016 

Bagan Datoh: Malaysian Ind­ians should focus on doing well in their studies to improve their social mobility and address the problem of gangsterism within the community, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

He said while an entire family’s social status could be improved by one child’s success, there was an equal chance of a child turning to gangsterism after dropping out of school.

“No race wants their children to become gangsters or criminals. I call on the Indian community to assist one another. Forget which caste or NGO you are from and assist your community in education.

“Help each other get jobs so that there is no poverty among the Indians,” he said when opening the Victory For The Future programme by Sri Murugan Centre in Hutan Melintang near here yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said while he knew it was a difficult task, it was not impossible as the Barisan Nasional government looked after the interests of all, including those from the Indian community.

“The proposed Budget 2017 is proof of this. In general, more help will be accorded to the lower income group. Specifically, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has proposed an additional RM50mil in allocation for Tamil schools.

“This is proof of the Prime Minister and the Government’s concern,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

He also urged the Indian community to take advantage of the various micro-credit schemes available so they could become successful entrepreneurs.
Three day weekend holiday for Deepavali celebration - 4 October 2016 @ 10:52 PM ... announced that three days have been allocated for the Deepavali holidays for the 2016 schooling session...

Najib Razak:

Use Deepavali to Strengthen Multiracial ties

TheStar/Nation/Friday, 29 October, 2016

PETALING JAYA: The Deepavali celebration should be a platform to strengthen the relationship and understanding among Malaysians, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“I still remember the Deepavali celebrations when I was small, as with my parents, we would visit our Hindu friends and savoured delicious food such as thosai,chapati, murukku and others,” he said in his Deepavali message.

He said that the spirit of Deepavali comes from the victory of light over darkness.

“This spirit should reflect Malaysia’s journey as a multicultural country in facing a variety of challenges and hurdles, so that Malaysians can enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life,” he added.

He also reiterated the Govern­ment’s commitment to empower the country’s Indian community under the Indian Socioeconomy Blueprint that will be launched next year.

MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the country’s multiculturalism had always been its “greatest asset”.

“As we come together with family and friends to celebrate this special occasion, it is my hope that Malaysians will take this time to reaffirm and strengthen the bonds of unity that form the very fabric of our nation’s identity,” he said in his Deepavali message.

Liow said Malaysians were fortunate to be able to enjoy “such rich and diverse traditions” together.

“Let us strive to nurture and protect these harmonious ties that make us onerakyat.

“Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy these traditions and festivals with their loved ones,” he said.

He said Malaysians needed to be “steadfast” in their resolve to reject extremism and intolerance.

“Regardless of whatever challenges lie ahead, I am confident that where there is unity and acceptance, there is much we can accomplish and achieve,” he said.

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said Hindus in Malaysia should use the occasion to foster unity and understanding among Malaysians of all races.

“Deepavali, which marks victory over evil, is very appropriate and shows that the people need to get rid of all malice and move towards a closer rapport among themselves.

“It is a golden opportunity to create a feeling of friendship among the races and strengthen the family institution,” he said in a statement.

The Hindu community, he said, should invite Malaysians from all walks of life to come together to celebrate Deepavali.

Gerakan vice-president Datuk Kohilan Pillay said the Government’s blueprint to help better the Indian community was welcoming news.

“The advent of Deepavali offers an opportune period of introspection to reflect on the wellbeing and happiness of the Indian community,” he said in a statement.

Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Tan Sri K. Kenneth Eswaran said the strength of the nation lies in its diversity.

The sharing of the celebratory spirit would further help foster ties among Malaysians, he said.

He also urged Indians in the country to be united and to fully embrace the spirit of Deepavali.

“Unity will be the pillar of the Indian community,” he added.

Happy Deepavali

Spreading the light
Keeping cherished family traditions alive during Deepavali
Happy Deepavali
The Star wishes all Malaysian Hindus a Happy Deepavali.
There will be back on Sunday.
For news updates go to: www.thestar.com.my
Deepavali celebrates the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness.
It's a powerful message that everyone can appreciate, no matter their faith, just as we can all uphold common values like kindness, unity and understanding.
This is a beautiful example of how diverse we are as a nation.
At times when we feel darkness overwhelming us, we must use these values to light up our nation.
That is the spirit of Deepavali
Happy Deepavali from Star Media Group

Axiata/Axiata Group Berhad

Advancing Asia

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page5

In a world that's always connected, let's not forget what really connect us.

As the Festival of Light ushers away the darkness, let us strengthen our bonds with our family and friends, while honouring our age-old customs and traditions. Let us fill our hearts with laughter and  happiness while we treasure these moments that keep us together. While Axiata connects over 300 million subscribers across Asia to the world, we also know what it is that truly connects us all.

Axiata wishes you Happy Deepavali.

Axiata Group Subsidiaries and Associates:

Malaysia (celcom), Sri Lanka (Dialog), Nepal (Ncell), Bangladesh (Robi), Combodia (Smart), Indonesia (XL Axiata), Pakistan (Multinet), Singapore (m)  

Axiata Digital, e.co (enabling connectivity)

website: www.axiata.com  

Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Better, Brrighter

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page7

what do we live for, if not to light up the lives of family and friends?

Happy Deepavali from Tenaga Nasional.

Petronas

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page9

Let the light in our hearts guide our judgement.

Happy Deepavali.

Watch the full film (i am muniandy) at www.petronasofficial.com
Utusan Malaysia/Sabtu, 29 Oktober 2016/muka3
Tanpa prasangka terserlah ketulusan hati.
Selamat Hari Deepavali

Digi

Let's inspire

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page11

Let the light inside each of us.

Shine for others.

His name is Kiran kreer.

A documentary photographer 

A digital name.

A diehard traveller.

But more so, just a regular guy who wishes to make a difference.

He left a promising career to champion his own 'Give Them Light Project', bringing solar-powered lights to rural, communities living without electricity across Asia.

Kiran, like many other Malaysians, has shown us that we don't need to be qualified to be good.

We are born with it.

Every time we overcome apathy, greed or anger and reach out to help, affirm and forgive - we become a light for others.

May the festival of lights be one that shines through us all.

Happy Deepavali, everyone.

Digi Postpaid, Digi Prepaid and All Digi Customers.

Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd.

Sunway Property

Master Community Developer

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page17

One light is all it takes to illuminate many others.

Every year, we strive to bring about positive changes and make a difference in the lives of many.

This is why Sunway's Light of Hope Deepavali Cheer initiative reaches out to the underpriviledge to put a smile on their faces. We believe that each of us can play a part in keeping the beacon of hope burning bright within our communities.

Deepavali Nal vazhthukal

Living Sunway, Living Community.

Sunway integrated Properties Sdn Bhd/Sunway.

TM

Life Made Easier

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page19

May the light of tradition continue to shine

Here's to celebrating the significance of the triumph over darkness.

Let us remember to always embrace the light that illuminates our lives

TM wishes you

Happy Deepavali

tm.com.my

Pr1MA

my Home Community

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page20

Let us ignite the flames of unity and harmony.

Happy Deepavali

McDonald

The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page27

Let Joy Shine bright

This Deepavali, let goodness shine through and illuminate your lives with joy, peace and love.

ASTRO
go Beyond
Celebrating together
#EllorumKondaduvom
The Star/Starbiz/Friday, 28 October 2016/page5
Celebrating the Superstar in you
Let the brightest young stars dazzle you with their performances this Festival of Lights and fill your homes with joyous melody.
Wishing all our viewers a Happy Deepavali.

IJM LAND

The Star/Starbiz/Friday, 28 October 2016/page7

Akka's first attempt at creating Patti favourite kolam design with happy colours.

Thambi and Chinnamma squabble each year to light the most lamps at home.

Amma tries to hide the sweets from Appa and Annan who can't help sneak a nibble before prayers.

This Deepavali, celebrate the little joys that come together to create lasting memories.

These are the special that make Deepavali celebration beautiful and memorable each year.

UM Land wishes you a very happy Deepavali while you cherish the joyous moments spent together in the unmatched comfort of home.

IJM Land Berhad.

BSN

Apa lagi, Share la...
The Star/Friday, 28 October 2016/page27
Sharing is the nature of Malaysians.
This Deepavali, let us share the hope for peace and love throughout the year.
Blessed Deepavali to all Malaysians, from BSN.
#BSNSSP #BSNJanjiPapa
#BSNDeepavali

Deepavali

Brightness and Joy

Deepavali traditions ensure that family is at the heart of the festival.

R.D. Pakiam teaches her family members, comprising (from left) great granddaughter Kaaghineshwary Dase. granddaughter Veitha Sangari Ponnasammy, daughter Sumathy Dek Shana Moorthy and great granddaughter Daneswary Dase how to make perfectly shaped nei urundai. (ghee balls).

Sasitharan.Batu Mele, Veitha Sangari Ponnasammy, Vijeyandran Dek Shana Moorthy, Puvaneswary Vijeyandran, Vasundakumaran Ponnasammy and Kaaghineshwary Dase feeding each other ghee balls in the spirit of Deepavali.

Tamilmani Ganapathy takes great pride in preparing muruku from scratch.

G. Athiletchumi polishing a brass oil lamp as her daughters P. Kathiyainie and P. Kangastri learn about sprucing up the household during Deepavali.

Five-year-old Vaishnavi Ira admires a beautiful kolam as her parents Veitha Sangari Ponnasammy and Sasitharan Batu Mele look on. 

By Sheela Chandran

The Star/Star2/Family/Friday, 28 October 2016

VEITHA Sangari Ponnasammy is certainly in a cheery festive mood with Deepavali com­ing soon. When we met recently at her home in Shah Alam, Selangor, she was intricately outlining geometrical line drawings of a kolam, and arranging diyas (clay oil lamps) surrounding a kuthu vilaku (brass oil lamp).

“It’s part of our family tradition to decorate the kolam using rice grains and rice flour in our porch during Deepavali. It is believed rice flour - eaten by birds and insects - symbolises reverence for all life. It is also a sign of invita­tion to welcome guests into our home, most of all Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity,” says Veitha, 33, a busi­ness development manager, as she uniformly drops rice grains through her thumb and index finger to form a rangoli (an Indian tra­ditional art form) motif around the kolam.

Veitha’s attractive kolam, designed using coloured rice grains including pink, purple, yellow and green, is one of the many tradi­tional elements practiced by Hindu families each Deepavali.

Also known as the festival as lights, ' Deepavali is observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and is incorporated into many different cultures globally During this celebration, which originates from India, Hindus light many diyas around their homes to represent the victory of good over evil.

For Veitha, keeping traditions alive is very much a part of her Deepavali experience. Another custom that has stood the test of time is the tradition of making cookies and snacks.

Each year, her relatives, comprising 20 extended family members across four genera­tions, gather at her house to prepare between 12 and 15 types of delicacies.

They include Veitha’s grandmother, moth­er, aunts, cousins and nieces.

Family treats

Grandmother R.D. Pakiam, 83, says the rec­ipes are passed down (the generations) with great pride, and (kitchen) secrets are shared between mother and daughter(s).

“I learnt the art of making snacks such as muruku, omapodi and ladoo from my moth­er. Over the years, I taught my daughters and granddaughters how to prepare these treats. Taste wise, the flavour is just like how my mother used to make it,” says Pakiam, while shaping a perfectly round nei urundai (ghee ball), made from green pea flour, fine sugar, ghee, cashew nuts and raisins.

It’s always the same frenzy each year, admits Pakiam, but it always makes celebrat­ing Deepavali so much fun.

“Romba santhosam (very happy) because my family, especially my daughters, grand­daughters and great granddaughters, are

gathered to prepare many snacks from scratch,” adds the great-grandmother-of-four.

The atmosphere at the cook-out session - held on the weekend before Deepavali - is redolent with celebration.

The aroma of muruku spices is irrestible, and the merrymaking as each family member lends a helping hand to prepare the tradition­al goodies is infectious.

Veitha’s mother Sumathy Dek Shana Moorthy, 62, takes the lead to make all items, especially mixing the ingredients that go into each delicacy. The grandmother-of-one’s crunchy muruku is one of the most sought-af­ter treats among family members.

The other relatives are tasked with mixing the dough, shaping it into spirals or coils and putting the muruku into a frying pan of boil­ing oil. They start at 10am and by evening, each family member has a large tin of muru­ku to bring home. Throughout the day, other delicacies such as achi muruku, chippi and omapodi are prepared, too. A couple of days before Deepavali, the relatives join forces again to prepare sweet treats including palko- va, ladoo, rawa urundai, chittu urundai, and ellu urundai. The works, really.

Veitha, the second of three siblings, says the annual cook-out sessions have further strengthened the family’s bond, especially in terms of caring and looking out for each other.

“Despite our hectic work schedule, these annual get-togethers allow us to catch up,” says Veitha, adding her extended family members also chip in to pay for ingredients used for the delicacies.

These traditions and values of Indian cul­ture have shaped Veitha’s childhood. She hopes it will enable her younger cousins to

further understand the core traditions of the festival, especially importance of thanksgiv­ing, reunion and purification.

“The festival cannot be celebrated if there isn’t a sense of togetherness among family members. We also want the younger genera­tion to learn the art of making traditional cookies and (the) ceremonial activities,” says the mother of five-year-old Vaishnavi Ira.

Seeking blessings

On Deepavali morning, G. Athiletchumi, 41, rises at 6am and starts the auspicious day by giving an oil bath to her two daughters P. Kathiyainie, 15, and P. Kangastri, seven. Three drops of oil are placed on die girls’ forehead, then slowly rubbed on the face, body and limbs.

“The oil bath symbolises the cleansing of one’s body and soul. Hair is washed with shi- kakai powder, a herbal rub, followed by a prayers in our house. “It’s also part of our tra­dition to wear new clothes for Deepavali, which is believed to symbolise good luck and prosperity,” says Aathiletchumi, a senior bank executive in Kuala Lumpur.

After putting on new clothes and praying, the children will seek blessings from her and husband P. Puspanathan, 45. Following that, the family will proceed to the Sri Muneeswaran Amman temple near their home in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, where they will present a thenggai archanai (coconut offering).

“In Hinduism, the coconut is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The coconut is cracked and placed before Goddess

Muneeswaran Amman to welcome prosperity as we celebrate Deepavali,” explains Athiletchumi, who has two siblings.

Since last week Athiletchumi has been busy cleaning the house, where it is believed a spruced up home will have blessings from Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune.

“It’s customary for families to clean the house and if possible, add a fresh coat of paint. This year, I’ve stitched new curtains and cushion covers,” she says. Athiletchumi has also been helping her mother Tamilmani Ganapathy, 65, prepare traditional cookies such as adhirasam, achi muruku, chipi and muruku.

Tamilmani takes great pride to prepare these mouth-watering delicacies from scratch.

“Raw ingredients such as rice, urad dhal are cleaned, rinsed and dried for a week before being sent to the mill to be ground into flour. Muruku is made from rice and urad dhal flour, butter, coconut milk, fennel and caraway seeds. What makes it special is it is made with extra love,” explains Tamilmani, a grandmother-of-eight, with a warm smile.

While Deepavali preparations take a lot of effort and time, Athiletchumi isn’t complain­ing. It brings her joy to celebrate the occasion with the family. Even her daughter is tasked with household chores, including polishing the kuthu vilaku, wiping the altar and throw­ing out unwanted items.

“What’s really important is the family close­ness. No matter how modem or Western we might be these days, this is part of our tradi­tion. It’s important to teach our children these beliefs so that the flame of Deepavali will con­tinue to illuminate brighdy.”

Hinduism is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal. Hinduism has been called the "oldest religion" in the world, and some practitioners and scholars refer to it as Sanātana Dharma, "the eternal law" or the "eternal way" beyond human origins…read more>>

Communal violence in India includes acts of violence by followers of one religious group against followers and institutions of another religious group, often in the form of rioting. Religious violence in India, especially in recent times, has generally involved Hindus and Muslims, although incidents of violence have also involved atheists, Christians, Jews, and Sikhs. There is also history of Muslim – Parsee riots (List of riots in Mumbai)…
Hindu-Muslim Conflict in India - May 24, 2002. India, which is mostly Hindu, and Pakistan, which is mostly Muslim, are once again on the brink of war over the disputed region of Kashmir. And both nations have nuclear weapons. Hindu-Muslim tensions extend beyond Kashmir. Within India, where Hindus make up 80 percent of the population and Muslims make up 14 percent, violent outbreaks that began in February may already have taken thousands of lives. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports…read more>>

Hinduism has numerous sacred writings, and its believers worship many gods and goddesses. The priests shown on the left are reading from the Rig-Veda, the oldest sacred book in Hinduism. On the right, Hindus pray before an image of the many-armed goddess known as Durga or Kali. .This divinity is the wife of the god Shiva. She is worshipped as the feared goddess of destruction.

The god Shiva is known as the Lord of the Dance. The circle of fire around Shiva represents birth and rebirth.

Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune, is honoured in this Hindu temple in Delhi, India's capital city.

Krishna with his wife Radha, are shown in this Punjabi painting of the 1700’s.

Hindus seek aid from Canesha the ele­phant-headed god, before beginning a project.

A Hindu woman worships the god Brahma in this illustration made in the 1600’s.

A saddhu, or Hindu holy man, devotes his life to meditation and religious practices.

Festivals play an important part in Hindu life. People gather to make offerings in the Bhai Dooj Festival at Va­ranasi. Many thousands travel to the city of Varanasi to bathe in the sacred waters of the River Ganges.

A Hindu wedding ceremony lasts several days and is con­ducted by the village priest.

Hindu funeral ceremonies involve cremation, or burning the body on a wood fire.

 Selected Videos

Hinduism

History of Hindu India

Religious of the World (Hinduism)
More Videos

Hinduism, the major religion of India, is one of the oldest living religions in the world. It evolved in India. Most Hindus live in India, where 83 per cent of the pop­ulation is Hindu. Hinduism in India affects family life, food, dress, and architecture. The caste system as applied to Hindus determines their way of life, often even their occupations. Hindus have settled throughout the world and have taken their faith with them. So Hinduism is found nowadays in many countries, and Hindu litera­ture and philosophy have influenced people throughout the world.

Beliefs of Hinduism

The word Hindu is of ancient Persian origin. The Per­sians used the word to describe people who lived be­yond the River Indus (called Sindhu in the ancient San­skrit language) and their religion. Many Hindus themselves call their faith Sanatana Dharma, meaning the eternal or ancient religion. Hinduism includes the Varna-ashrama-dharma. This phrase refers to the duties of the four varnas, or social divisions, and the ashramas, or stages in life. Unlike other major religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, Hinduism was not founded on the teachings of one person. It developed gradually over thousands of years. Many sects (groups) arose within Hinduism, and each developed its own phi­losophy and form of worship. Hinduism has many sa­cred books divided into Shruti (revealed or heard), and Smriti (remembered) texts. 

Generally speaking, most Hindus believe in the au­thority of the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures and the oldest sacred writings of any major religion. A Hindu also accepts the teachings of the Dharma-Shastras, or ancient law books, and the philosophical writings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita. Most Hindus believe in a supreme spirit, called Brahman, and in the reincar­nation of a person's atman, or soul. Hindus must practise satya (truth) and ahimsa (noninjury). They must respect other people's property. Every Hindu follows the dharma (religious and moral duty) of varna, jati(caste), kula (family), and ashrama as best they can. Hindus be­lieve in life after death. An individual can follow various paths to achieve moksha (release from the cycle of birth and rebirth), and ultimate union with Brahman, or God.

Divinities. Early Hinduism was polytheistic— that is, the Hindus worshipped many gods. Early Hindu gods represented powers in nature, such as the rain and the sun. The Hindu idea of a supreme power, or God, evolved from the ancient writing of the Rig-Veda (as early as 1500 B.G) to the early verse stories called the Puranas (from the 500's A.D.). The deities of the Rig-Veda represent natural forces. They include Indra (thunder), Agni (fire), Varuna (waters), Mitra (daylight), Rudra (storms), Ushas (dawn), Prithivi (earth), and the gods called the Adityas (light). Hindu philosophers believed that these gods were different forms of the supreme spirit. The philosophers of the Upanishads (begun in the 700's B.G) named this supreme spirit Brahman.

Brahman was everywhere and had no form, quality, or gender. Such an abstract Brahman was beyond the understanding of ordinary people, so symbols, or im­ages, were created to represent it in worship. Since Brahman is abstract, it can be represented as male or fe­male; human or animal; or a combination of these. Many different images are used in modern Hindu worship. But images are only an aid to worship and not themselves objects of worship. They represent different aspects of Brahman. The three most important aspects of Brahman are Brahma, the Creator of the Universe; Vishnu, the Pre­server; and Shiva, the Destroyer and Regenerator.

These three male deities are represented by a single image called the Trimurti. Their female consorts are re­spectively Saraswati, goddess of learning and the arts; Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune; and Shakti (also known as Parvati), the Mother Goddess. Shakti, in her destructive mood, is known as Durga or Kali. Other im­portant deities of modern Hinduism are Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who removes obstacles; Hanuman, the personification of devotion and strength; and Kartikeya or Subrahmanya, who is widely worshipped in south India. All these gods are aspects of Brahman.

Hindus believe that Vishnu, the Preserver, came down to earth in nine A vatars, or incarnations, to protect humankind; the tenth incarnation is still to come. The popular incarnations of Vishnu are Rama, the hero of the epic story Ramayana, and Krishna, the philosopher- god of the philosophical work, the Bhagavad-Gita. De­spite seeming to have many gods, Hindus worship only one supreme spirit, in many forms and under different names.

Reincarnation. Hindus believe that the soul does not die with the body. They believe the soul is rehoused in a new body. When the body dies, the soul is reborn. This continuous process of rebirth is called reincarnation. Reincarnation depends on karma (a person's actions and their results). Every action influences how a person's soul will be born in the next incarnation. The soul goes through many existences in a cycle of births and rebirths called the samsara. Eventually, the soul can achieve a new level of existence, called moksha, when the soul is united with or comes as near as possible to the su­preme spirit, Brahman. According to his or her capaci­ties and natural inclination, a person may follow various paths to this goal.

The path of knowledge, jnana, involves deep study of the Vedas and the Upanishads, under the guidance of a learned teacher. Understanding the scriptures frees an individual from attachment to the material world and en­ables his or her soul to approach the supreme spirit.

The path of yoga, or discipline, involves the study of philosophy, meditation, and physical exercises to achieve bodily control, again with the help of a teacher. Yoga joins the spiritual force of the mind with the mate­rial forces of the body to give health, long life, and inner peace. Yoga liberates the soul from the cycles of successive lives.

The path of karma, or action, involves a person doing his or her religious and social duty with respect to varna, jati, ashrama, and family tradition, in a spirit of detachment. Karma includes all physical activity, as well as the result of a person's actions. If a person acts in expectation of selfish reward, his or her soul cannot progress. Hindus believe that selfless activity is the correct way to use human talent. All actions done as duty benefit both the individual and society, and lead the soul towards God.

Devotion and ahimsa. The path of devotion, bhakti, is for most individuals the easiest way to experience the supreme spirit. The follower of this path centres his or her devotion on a chosen personal deity (ishwara); of­fers worship to the image of the deity; chants the deity's name constantly; and serves others by doing good deeds in the deity's name. The ultimate goal is to let the soul merge into the spirit of God.

Ahimsa means noninjury, and in Hindu ethics is an important virtue. To practise ahimsa ideally, a Hindu must avoid all physical, mental, emotional, and moral hurt to any living creature. Because Hindus believe that animals as well as human beings have souls, they have reverence for cows, monkeys, and other animals. They have special reverence for cows.

A devout Hindu's life is divided into four ashramas, though in practice women usually share in only the sec­ond and third. Ideally, each stage brings its own special duties. The ashramas are: brahmacharya (student), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (retirement), and sannyas (renunciation). The fourth ashrama is optional, and only men can become sannyasins, though these days a few women are also claiming the right to take sannyas.

From about 500 B.C, Hindus have upheld four aims in life. These provide a value system for each individual. Dharma (religious and social duties) is the most impor­tant. It governs the other three: artha (earning a liveli­hood by honest means), kama (enjoying the good things in life in moderation), and moksha (leading the soul to­wards God and achieving release from the cycle of re­births). Even the burden of karma does not bind the soul if actions are performed selflessly and according to dharma.

The six schools of philosophy. Many schools of Hindu thought have developed in India. The six most prominent schools are (1) nyaya, (2) vaisheshika, (3) samkhya, (4) yoga, (5) purva-mimamsa, and (6) vedanta.

Nyaya deals with logic. Vaisheshika concerns the nature of the world. Samkhya examines the origin and evolution of the universe. Yoga is a set of mental and physical exercises designed to free the body so that the soul can unite with Brahman. Both purvamimamsa and vedanta interpret the Vedas.

Hinduism in daily life

Social divisions. India has an ancient system of so­cial divisions called varna, which may have existed even before the references to it in the Vedas. The word varna in Hi.nduism signifies a social category. Originally soci­ety was divided into three categories: the white varna— Brahmins (priests and scholars); the red varna—Kshatriyas (rulers, administrators, soldiers); and the yellow varna— Vaisyas (peasant-farmers and merchants). But these divisions were not rigid. Later a fourth category was added: the black varna, which included Sudras. These were skilled artisans such as potters, weavers, and basket-makers, and servants.

With the evolving of a more complex society, these social divisions became rigid, and a fifth category of people emerged, ranking below the Sudras. These peo­ple did the dirtiest jobs. The upper varnas treated them badly and even avoided touching them. These pancha- mas (fifths) or "untouchables" were the most oppressed people in society. Untouchability was abolished by law in India in 1950. The Indian leader and teacher Mahatma Gandhi named the untouchables Harijans (children of God), but they prefer to call themselves dalit (de­pressed).

The countless castes of India probably began as occu­pational groups. They were gradually placed within the varna system, and ranked according to the dignity of work done. Originally each caste had specific duties, but today people from the different castes do jobs very dif­ferent from their traditional occupations. In modern times, the caste system has weakened. Educated Hindus nowadays mix freely with people from different castes. But caste continues to be an influence on Indian life. See Caste.

Food in Hinduism. In Hinduism the word "pollution" includes both physical, and spiritual or ritual impurity. This philosophy affects many aspects of social and reli­gious practice, and especially food.

In middle-class Hindu families of the three upper varna, the kitchen is the purest part of the home. Food is prepared there and the household shrine is situated there. The person doing the cooking must have a bath and wear clean clothes. Only the right hand is used in the preparation and eating of food. Different foods are served on separate plates. Cooked food which has been touched by a member of a lower caste is considered polluted. Food touched by another person's lips is con­sidered polluted. Certain foods like meat, poultry, and fish, and alcoholic drinks also cause ritual pollution.

Death in a family puts blood relatives of the deceased person in a state of ritual pollution. Food touched or cooked by them passes on their ritual pollution to oth­ers.

Hindus use water for personal purification, both physical and ritual. Running water is "pure", but stagnant water or water touched by someone from a lower caste is considered polluted.

Food cooked in water is kacha and becomes easily "polluted." Such cooked food is not accepted from a member of a lower caste. Food well fried in ghee (clari­fied butter) is pukka food. A Brahmin can accept such food from another person of a close caste but not, f_0r example, from a Sudra.

Fasting. Fasting, to a Hindu, does not always mean going without food. Food prepared from wheat, rice, millet, or pulses (beans) cannot be eaten during fasting and "fasting food" is less tasty than the normal vegetar­ian diet. Special dishes are associated with some Hindu festivals, and food offerings are important in worship.

Village Hinduism. The practice of Hinduism differs widely throughout India. Middle-class Hindus living in towns behave differently from Hindus living in villages.

In India, many more Hindus live in villages than in towns and cities. Villages differ, yet some common features distinguish village Hinduism from urban Hinduism in India.

A village population in India is usually made up of one or two Brahmin families, and some service castes such as barber, washerman, potter, and leather worker. The majority of villagers, though, are farmers, of land­owning castes. The village has a temple dedicated to the local guardian deity.

Village deities are minor gods, but they are less re­mote than the major deities. The guardian deity is often female. The villagers call her Mata, Ma, Amba, Amma, or some other name meaning "mother". Villagers believe that local deities can answer prayers and solve prob­lems. Villagers refer to Brahman as "Bhagwan."

In large villages, people celebrate the annual festival of the guardian deity with a fair. Ritual offerings are made to the deity by the most important man in the vil­lage. Villagers make offerings of food, fruit, and some­times chickens, to the mother deity to thank her for the rains, for curing a sick child or an animal, and for pro­tecting the village.

Hindu worship

Hindus offer daily worship to family deities at the household shrine. They celebrate annual festivals dedi­cated to different deities, and they go on pilgrimages to distant shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, or the god­dess Shakti. Broadly speaking, Hindus can be divided into three groups: those worshipping Vishnu in his vari­ous incarnations; those worshipping Shiva; and those worshipping Shakti. Hinduism has many sects, or groups, and each has its own form of worship. In some sects, a human guru, or spiritual teacher, is revered with the same fervour as a deity.

Hindu worship takes different forms. Ways of wor­shipping include offering water to the rising sun or a river deity; sitting cross-legged in front of an image in a temple and saying the name of the deity; walking around the shrine of a deity in a clockwise direction; or singing hymns in a temple. The most common form of worship is called puja. People make offerings of red kum-kum and yellow turmeric powders, rice grains, san­dalwood paste, flowers, fruit, incense, and light to an image, either at the home-shrine or at a temple. Puja is offered to the family deities each morning after bathing. A more elaborate puja is performed at times of festivals. Food and fruit are offered to the deity at puja and re­ceived back after they are blessed. This blessed offering is called prasad.

Daily puja in a Hindu temple is conducted by the chief priest and his helpers. After the morning and evening puja, the sacred light called the arati is brought into the hall of the temple. Worshippers receive the light and place offerings of money in the arati tray.

Pilgrimages. Hindus go on pilgrimages to distant temples to view the image of God and to offer worship, or to fulfil a vow. There are many centres of pilgrimage throughout India dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, or the Mother Goddess. Important places of pilgrimage for Hindus are Badrinath in the Flimalaya, Mathura on the River Jumna, Varanasi on the River Ganges, Puri in Orissa, Tirupathi and Kanchipuram near Madras, Madu­rai in Tamil Nadu, and Rameshwaram and Kanya Kumari at the southern tip of India.

Festivals. Hindu festivals are colourful, joyous occa­sions. They are celebrated either as private worship at a household shrine or as public neighbourhood festivals. Everyone in the neighbourhood takes part in the public festival, but the celebrations at home are restricted to each family and close friends. Some festivals such as Raksha-Bandhan, Diwali, Navaratri, Dusserah, and Holi attract large crowds all over India. Other festivals such as Durga-Puja, Saraswati-Puja, Naga-Panchami, and Ganesha are more regional in their popularity. Every large temple celebrates the annual festival of the deity to which it is dedicated. At this time a replica of the main image is taken in a chariot procession, called ratha-yatra, through the town. The processions at Jagan- nath Puri and Udipi are famous for their colourful pag­eantry.

Navaratri is the Nine Nights festival dedicated to the goddess Shakti. On the eighth night, Durga-Puja is cele­brated as a public festival in Bengal. On the day after Na­varatri is Dusserah, the climax of the Rama-Leela festival in north India. It commemorates the exploits of Prince Rama, as described in the epic Ramayana. Twenty days after Dusserah, usually in October or November, comes the festival of Diwali, dedicated to Vishnu and his con­sort Lakshmi. On the Raksha-Bandhan day, in August, women tie a silk thread round the wrists of their broth­ers to renew ties of affection. Holi is celebrated towards the end of the Hindu calendar year, with a bonfire and merry-making. People worship Saraswati in a public fes­tival in Bengal. In August in western India, Hindus in rural areas worship live snakes on the day of Naga- Panchami.

In Maharashtra in western India, the Ganesha (or Ganapati) festival is celebrated for ten days in many towns and cities. A large clay image of the deity is in­stalled in a temporary pavilion, and puja is offered morning and evening. Recitals of Indian classical music, folk song contests, and plays are arranged as entertain­ment. On the last day, images from the different locali­ties are taken in procession to the local river, and im­mersed in the water.

Hindu Iife-rituals. Hindus perform rituals at impor­tant stages of development in life. Hindus believe these rituals purify the body and ennoble the personality. The ancient Sanskrit word for such a ritual is samskara, meaning sacrament. There are 16 samskaras recom­mended in the Dharma-Shastras, or ancient law books, but only a few people undergo all of them. Most well- to-do Hindu families perform some of these rituals, but only boys experience the sacred thread ceremony.

Three samskaras are performed during pregnancy; after the birth of a baby come six childhood sacraments: to mark the birth, the naming of the child, its first outing, first solid food, first hair cut (also experienced by girls in south India), and earlobe piercing. The tenth, and initia­tion, sacrament is called the upanayana, when boys of the three upper varnas are invested with a sacred thread before they begin their study of the scriptures and start formal education. The next two sacraments are included symbolically in the thread ceremony. The 13th samskara is vivaha, or marriage. The 14th is the householder stage, and the 15th is the so-called forest-dwelling stage when a special puja is performed after a person retires from regular employment on the 60th birthday. The 16th and final sacrament is cremation of the dead.

The upanayana sacrament is important as the "sec­ond-birth" of a boy. After this ritual, he can represent his family in religious rituals. Worship and prayers are of­fered to Agni (sacred fire) to endow the boy with strength and understanding. Worship is also offered to the Sun so that the boy may have intelligence to study the scriptures. The boy is then taught the Gayatri-Mantra from the Rig-Veda scriptures. (A mantra is a sacred ut­terance, often a single syllable.)

Fifteen different rituals are performed in a Hindu mar­riage ceremony. The most important one is the saptapadi, or seven-steps, which the couple take near the sa­cred fire at the time of their marriage vows.

Hindus cremate their dead. The funeral pyre is lit ei­ther by the eldest or the youngest son of the deceased person. The son also has a religious duty to perform shraddha, a ritual in annual remembrance of deceased parents or grandparents.

Literature

Hinduism has no single book that serves as the          source of its doctrines. But Hinduism has many sacred writings, all of which have contributed to its fundamen­tal beliefs. The most important of these writings include the Vedas, the Puranas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad-Gita.

The Vedas. The teachings of the Vedas existed for centuries before they were finally written down. There are four Vedas—the Rig-Veda, the Sama-Veda, the Yajur Veda, and the Atharva-Veda. Each has four parts—the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upani­shads. The Samhitas contain prayers and hymns, and are the most important part. The Brahmanas deal with ritual and theology, and include explanations of the Samhitas. The Aranyakas deal with the philosophy of devotion for hermits and saints. The Upanishads are works of philos­ophy written as dialogues.

The Puranas are long verse stories that contain many important Hindu myths about Hindu gods and goddesses and the lives of great Hindu heroes. They also describe the Hindu beliefs about how the world began and how it periodically ends and is reborn. There are 18 important Puranas. The Bhagavata Purana is the most widely read text for the worshippers of Vishnu.

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are long epics. The Ramayana tells the story of Prince Rama and his attempts to rescue Sita, his wife, who has been kid­napped by the demon king Ravana. The Mahabharata describes a battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two families who are cousins.

The Bhagavad-Gita, a philosophical work, forms part of the Mahabharata. In it, the god Krishna and the Pandava warrior Arjuna discuss the meaning and nature of existence.

The Dharma-Shastras are books on Hindu law and custom. The important ones are those written by Manu, Yajnavalkya, Parashara, and Narada.

philosophical ideas. Vedanta philosophy and the Bhagavad-Gita define atman as the divine energy in very creature. Atman, the soul, continues to exist when he body dies, when it is rehoused in a new body. Each atman, because of its karma, experiences many lives until it achieves moksha. The philosopher Shankara held hat atman and Brahman were identical. Ramanuja maintained that atman does not merge with Brahman when it achieves liberation. Madhava stated that atman and Brahman were quite separate. Hindu philosophers teach that three qualities, prakriti (the matter necessary for all creation), gunas (the attributes built into the character of every created object), and maya (which makes this impermanent world appear merely as an illusion) bind atman to the material world. It is trapped in the cycle of successive lives.

History

Excavations in the Indus Valley in the 1920's revealed he existence of an ancient civilization which flourished between 3000 and 2000 B.C at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, now in Pakistan. The ancient Indus Valley people probably worshipped a Mother Goddess and a male deity, the forerunner of Shiva in later Hinduism. When tribes speaking an Aryan language settled in northwest India in about 1500 B.C, the Indus cities were probably in decline. The new settlers probably adopted some reli­gious ideas from the earlier inhabitants and incorpo­rated them into their rituals.

The Aryan-speakers worshipped spirits of nature.

What is known of their religion comes from the hymns of the Rig-Veda, composed in stages from around 1500 B.C, which praise the spirits controlling natural forces. The Vedic deities were mostly male, and the Mother Goddess concept may have been taken from the Indus Valley people. Among the Vedic deities, Indra, Mitra, and Varuna were important, along with the Adityas, Rudra, and Prajapati. In time the first three gods were forgotten but the others gave rise to the Trimurti of modern Hinduism. Prajapati became Brahma, Rudra be­came Shiva, and one of the Adityas became Vishnu. These gods came to be represented as a single image.

The Upanishads are the earliest books of Hindu phi­losophy, and were begun over 2,700 years ago. During the next 2,000 years, important compositions like the an­cient law books, the epics Ramayana and the Mahab­harata, and the Puranas firmly established the Hindu tra­dition in India. Each of these texts was compiled over hundreds of years.

Hindu reform movements. After 1498 when the Por­tuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sailed to India from Portugal, Indians came into contact with Western sea­manship, science, European (and particularly English) lit­erature, and European Christian missionaries. The Brit­ish eventually became the dominant European power in India. From the 1700's, the British East India Company employed Indians in large numbers as clerks, minor rev­enue officials, and common soldiers. Contact with very different and challenging cultural patterns gave rise to new ideas in India, which resulted in important Hindu reform movements in the 1800's.

Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was born into a Brahmin family in Bengal and experienced the orthodox practice of Hinduism in his youth. He studied the Quran, Bud­dhism, and the New Testament. He disliked image wor­ship and hated the practice of suttee ever since the time he saw his brother's widow burned alive on her hus­band's funeral pyre. He fought to abolish polytheism, image worship, the caste system, child marriage, animal sacrifice, and suttee.

In 1828 he founded the Brahmo Samaj (Society of Brahma (God)), in an attempt to reform Hindu religious practice. The hall of worship of the Samaj had no im­ages, statues, or pictures. Only prayers and hymns af­firming One God were selected. Members offered wor­ship as a group. This congregational form of worship was new to Hinduism. The form of worship adopted by the Brahmo Samaj was based on the Christian way of worship, since the founder was inspired by Western ideas.

The Samaj inspired progressive development in Hindu society, religion, and politics. The various impor­tant laws passed between 1829 and 1950 concerning sut­tee, caste disabilities, Hindu widows' remarriage, child marriage, women's property, and untouchability were indirect results of the reform movement of Ram Mohan Roy.

Dayananda (1824-1883) founded the Arya Samaj in 1875. Dayananda was born in Gujarat, into a rich Brah­min family who worshipped Shiva. He was invested with the sacred thread at the age of eight. Three years later, when he was keeping vigil in a Shiva temple at night, he saw that rats appeared from the holes in the walls and began to eat the food offered to Shiva. He began to doubt the deity's power and formed a dislike for image worship. When his parents arranged his marriage he left home. From the age of 20 he travelled widely to meet holy men to widen his knowledge of religion and phi­losophy. He studied the Vedas for three years at Ma­thura until 1863. When his studies were completed, his teacher charged him with the duty of spreading the Vedic faith.

In 1875 Dayananda founded the Arya Samaj (Society of Aryans). He claimed the Vedas to be eternal, infallible, and a complete revelation of God. He accepted the doc­trines of karma and rebirth, but opposed image wor­ship, polytheism, animal sacrifice, caste based on birth, untouchability, pilgrimages, and ritual bathing. He con­demned child marriage and the segregation of women, but opposed the remarriage of widows. He introduced "purification rites'to reconvert those Hindus who had been converted to Christianity or Islam. Arya Samaj fol­lowers worship on Sundays. They make offerings to Agni (fire) while reciting the Gayatri Hymn from the Rig- Veda, and read, preach and teach the Vedas. There is no image worship. The Samaj is a democratic organization without regular priests. Every member is required to practise austerity, truth, and devotion to God.

Modern Hinduism is developing in many ways. There are several modern examples of sectarian worship such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (the Hare-Krishna Movement); the Swaminarayan Reli­gion; and the Sathya Sai Baba Movement These forms of Hinduism lay great emphasis on worship through bhakti (devotion).

Related articles

Asia (Way of life in South Asip)

Bhagavad-Gita

Brahman

Caste

Culture (picture)

Dharma

Ganges River India

History of India,

Philosophy of India

Jagganath

Karma

Mahabharata

Manu

Ramanuja

Ramayana

Religion (picture)

Religious life (Hinduism)

Sculpture (pic­tures: The Hindu goddess Durga/ The Hindu god Shiva)

Shankara

Shiva

Upanishads

Vedas

Vishnu

Yoga

Questions

What are the oldest Hindu scriptures?

Why is the kitchen an important part of a Hindu household?

How was early Hinduism polytheistic?

What is puja?

What name is given by Hindus to the supreme spirit?

Which Hindu deity is known as the Preserver?

What does a Hindu mean by ahimsa?

What do Hindus believe happens to the soul after death?

How many Hindu life-rituals are there?

How has Hinduism influenced social divisions in India?

Malaysia

Deepavali Treats

Here's a round-up of what to watch during the festivities.

WHETHER you prefer hard-hitting shows such as Malaysian film Maravan, which shines a spotlight on the issue of human trafficking, or light-hearted fare such as rom-com Bride And Prejudice, there's something for everyone this Deepavali. 5tar2 wishes alt readers Happy Deepavali and we hope these shows will bring you and your family closer together.

Putu Piring Vs Putu Mayam

71/3, 12pm noon

Pia, who sells putu piring, thinks lowly of her husband Hadi. She tells him the reason they're living a good life right now is because of her putu piring business. She berates her husband in front of other people about how little he earns. Hurt, Hadi is determined to make a change. Starring Jihan Muse, Azhan Rani, Rafael El Arash and Bodt Sharadee.

Bangalore Naatkal

Astro Vinmeen, Ch 231,2pm

Cousins Arjun, Divya and Kutty's childhood dreams of living in Bangalore finally comes true. But then reality sinks in and they have to deal with the twists and turns that their lives take there. Starring Arya Divya and Simhaa.

Fan

Sony Max, HyppTV Ch 308,9pm

Who are celebrities without their fans? This 2016 movie sees ardent fan Gaurav Chandana (Shah Rukh Khan) whose world revolves around his favourite movie star Aryan Khanna (also played by Shah Rukh). Gaurav travels from Delhi to Mumbai just to wish his idol a happy birthday but what happens when things don't go according to plan?

English Vinglish

TV2,2pm

Shashi's husband and children look down on her poor command of English. Whenever she tries to speak, they make fun of her. Later, Shashi is invited to a relative's wedding in New York and with four weeks to go, she decides to take English classes without her family's knowledge. She gradually improves and to her family's surprise, she even delivers her speech in English fluently during the wedding. They feel guilty for making fun of her and realise how important it is to encourage one another in order to reach their full potential. Staring Adil Hussain, Priya Anand, Sujatha Kumar and Sri Devi.

Maravan

Astro Vaanavil, Ch201, 7pm

Don’t miss this 2015 local movie, which picked up three nominations at the recent Malaysia Film Festival, including Best Film. A poor rubber tapper wanting to get rich quickly finds himself involved in human trafficking activities. Starring Kumaresh, S Haridhass, Denesh Kumar and Sangeeta Krishnasamy.

Sivaji The Boss

71/3,2pm

After returning from the United States, Indian software architect Sivaji sets up a non-profit foundation aimed at building hospitals and educational institutions to benefit the poor. Meanwhile, businessman Adiseshan feels threatened as he runs a chain of profit-making hospital and educational institutions. Starring Rajinikanth and Shriya Saran.

Manam Niranitha Deepavali

Astro Vaanavil, Ch 201,5.30pm Eight local celebrities give back this Deepavali by bringing joy and cheer to the underprivileged, providing essential items such as groceries, clothes and cookies.

Muse: Live At The Astoria

iConcerts HD, HyppTV Ch 603,6.35pm

Have a rocking Deepavali with a live performance show by British rock band Muse in 2000. Re-live its earlier tunes Uno, Sunburn, Plug In Baby, Falling Down, Cave and Agitated.

Dawn Of The Dead

Universal Channel HD, HyppTV Ch 6 12,8pm

 If you feel like watching something heart- pounding, this 2004 remake of the 1978 zombie film of the same name is just the thing. The town of Everett, Wisconsin, is attacked by zombies and its remaining survivors take refuge in a shopping mall. Starring Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames.

24

Astro Vinmeen, Ch231, 10pm

This sci-fi thriller, which was released early this year, is about a scientist whose invention - a time machine - leads to a battle between his evil twin brother and his son. Starring Suriya Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Nithya Menon.

Bride And Prejudice

71/2, 10.30pm

If you're looking for some romance, look no further than this Bollywood interpretation of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice. Set in Amritsar, Aishwarya Rai plays the modern and independent Lalita who resists the advances of the rich and handsome Will Darcy, an American who works for his family's hotel business. Martin Henderson, Daniel Gillies and Naveen Andrews also star.

Kari Sanjana

71/3,9pm

Newlyweds Farhan and Linda have just moved in to the neighbourhood. One day, Linda catches a whiff of her neighbour's cooking. Unde Kumar and Aunty Sonali call their scrumptious curry, Kari Sanjana. When asked the meaning behind the dish's name, they clam up. But the two are determined to find out who Sanjana is. Later, a pregnant Linda gets a call that her husband has been involved in a car accident. Will they ever learn the story behind Kari Sanjana? Starring Syafiq Kyle and Nadiya Nisaa.

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