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Hindu:
The word Hindu originally meant people living on the
banks of the river Sindhu. Now it has
religious-cum-philosophical connotations. The roots of
Hindu Philosophy are the ideas of the Vedas. The Vedas
are called Shruti or `that which is heard' and are
regarded as revelations to sages passed down orally to
disciples and students. Such ideas led to the Samkhya
system of philosophy, which is astik (Theist), rational
and systematic in its approach. The sage Kapila of 7th
century BC is considered to be its founder.
Christianity:
Christianity is not native to the Indian soil, although
there have been Christian communities in Kerala almost
since the founding of the religion by Jesus Christ. Born
in Bethlehem, to Mary and Joseph (who was a carpenter),
Jesus spread love and mercy to all. In the environment
of the Roman Empire, his message acquired a unique force
of its own, the powers-that-be had him |
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crucified after he had been betrayed to
them by one of his own disciples. But he rose from his
tomb and this Resurrection gave new strength to his
other followers, who went on spreading his message.
Sikhism:
Sikh philosophy is a young, indigenous, monotheistic
one. Guru Nanak (1469-1539) who was trying to unite
Hinduism and Islam, founded the Sikh religious order.
The word `Sikh' derives from the Sanskrit word shishya
or disciple. Sikh philosophy is a set of ideas developed
by ten gurus or teachers and passed on to their shishyas
or disciples. It conceives of God as nirakara or
formless and also as one. It admits of no idols or
superstitions, whether Hindu or Islamic. It recognizes
all human beings to be equal. However it retains certain
Hindu ideas, such as those of the immortality of the
soul, of transmigration and karma. The sacred book of
the Sikhs is the Adi Granth or Granth Sahib (completed
in 1604), of which the Japji section was written by Guru
Nanak himself.
Islam:
Islam had its genesis outside India, in what is now
Saudi Arabia. Followers of this faith are called
Muslims. Islam was basically propounded by prophet
Mohammad (born around 570A.D. in Mecca), although the
belief is that it was brought to the world by Adam and
different messengers were sent by God to preach this
lesson and Mohammad was the one who came last. In other
words, Mohammad gave the final form to an already
existing religion. Muslims are also referred to as
Mohammedans. |
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Festivals Of India |
India is a country of sub continental
dimensions. It is an ancient civilization and an
inheritor to a rich and diverse cultural tradition. The
Fairs and Festivals celebrated across the length and
breadth of the land present a fascinating pageant and
showcase the resplendence of its arts and crafts
tradition. Some festivals are of religious nature,
others are linked with the lives of the people, change
of seasons and harvesting.
There are fairs which in past played an important role
in the commercial life of the people and continue to be
celebrated with great gusto.
Browse Indian festivals by months
(January February March April May June July August
September October November December)
- Holi
- Diwali
- Dussehra
- Baisakhi and other harvest festivals
- Onam
- Eid
- Maha-Mastikabhishek
- Guru Purnima |
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