Origins
Hinduism originated from the india formed in c. 2000 B.C.E. exact beginnings of Hinduism are impossible to determine, since they evolved as time and culture impacted the religious ideas of early India.
ROOTS OF BELIEF SYSTEM
There are many theories as to the origins and roots of Hinduism. The accepted one right now is that of the Indo-Aryans coming to the northern part of India and mixing their culture with the indigenous people (eventually called the Indus Valley or Harrappan Civilization) already there. The beliefs of certain gods and goddesses that belong to the Aryans eventually effected in what beliefs Hindus have now. Some Hindus, and others of different religions oppose the idea of Indo-Aryans helping with the start of Hinduism. They believe that the so called northern part of India that the Aryans came to was not India. It is what is now called Pakistan.
HISTORY
Around 1500 B.C, Indo-Aryans came to India, infusing their customs with the indigenous people of India and started the beginning of Hinduism. They caused the creation of the caste system that left a major mark on all of the Hindus. A few hundred years later the Hindus created their texts, including Vedas, Rig-Vedas, and so forth. Britain takes over control of India when the Islamic Mogul Empire fell. They sent Indians as laborers to other parts of SouthEast Asia this caused part of the reason to the spread of Hinduism of other areas of the world. Another major fact is the rise of Gandhi who was an important figure in Hinduism. His belief in non-violence and equilibrium in human importance made many Hindus a lot from the Untouchables caste support him. In the 1990s, India had broken into two nations, one of mostly Hindus and another of Muslims.
BELIEFS/VALUES
In hinduism they have many beliefs and values a lot of them are vegetarians, meaning no meat and ect because cows are sacred animals. One of the main beliefs they have is the cycle of rebirth, people are reborn in other bodies whether human or animal. That belief also supported their caste system that affected the lives of everyone. There are four main castes and one that added later on Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishya, Shudras, Untouchables. Though they outlawed the caste system, it left a major mark on their lives. There was also scriptures that were made that talked about ways of rituals and ceremonies. The Island of Bali also developed their own beliefs and values they had a caste system but it was less brutal than that of India's.
DEMOGRAPHICS/GEOGRAPHY
There are about 1 billion Hindus around the world, representing 15% of the global population
IMPORTANT FIRGURES
Hinduism has very few important figures and they're known as consider temple priests, storytellers, gurus, and leaders. One of the most important figures in Hinduism history was Gandhi and his belief of nonviolence. A modern day important guru can be known as Sathya Sai Baba.
HOLIDAYS/CELEBRATIONS/SIGNIFICANT DAYS
- Holi - festival of colors and spring (February-March)
- Mahashivaratri (Shiva Ratri) - night sacred to Shiva (February-March)
- Rama Navami - birthday of Lord Rama (April)
- Krishna Jayanti - birthday of Lord Krishna (July-August)
- Raksābandhana - renewing bonds between brothers and sisters (July-August)
- Kumbh Mela - pilgrimage every 12 years to four cities in India (July-August; last one 2003)
- Ganesha-Chaturthi (Ganesha Utsava) - festival of Ganesh (August-September)
- Dassera - victory of Rama over demon king Ravana (September-October)
- Navaratri - festival of Shakti (in Bengal) or Rama's victory over Ravana (South India) (September-October)
- Diwali - festival of lights and Laksmi (September-October)
WORSHIP/RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Hinduism has many types of ways of expressing their worship in gods/goddesses. The most common of them is in home worship and temple worship. In temple worships, they would have curtsy to the one another and in front of the deity, statue/image of God. It is always important for them to make their entrance and departure known. Offerings of food, money, and other things are accepted. Everyone tries to enjoy the worship while following the tradition and it keeps everyone together and home worship goes more or less the same way.
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/holidays.htm
http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-hindu/
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism.html
http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-hindu/
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism.html