1. Why do Hindus light diyas in Puja?
Diyas represents of enlightenment, knowledge or wisdom. Fire is one of the five principal elements of earth (earth, water, fire, sky & air) & represents purity.
2. Why do we ring the bell in Mandir?
A large bells are generally hung at the temple dome in front of the Garbhagriha.
It is said that by ringing the bell, the devotee informs the deity of his/her arrival. One should stand directly below the bell & ring it, so the whole vibration goes through the body.This welcomes divinity and dispels evil.
3. Why do Hindus worship Kalash?
A symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality. The Purna-Kalasha is worshipped in all Hindu festivities related to marriage and childbirth, as a mother goddess or Devi. It’s a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.
4. Why do Hindus write in red?
Red indicates both sensuality and purity. It attracts positive energy.
Red colour is used for auspicious occasions like marriages, birth of a child, festivals, etc. A red mark is put on the forehead during ceremonies and important occasions.
5. Why do we pour water to Sun?
The Sun God, called Surya Devta is worshipped early morning. The rays of the sun breaks down into & rainbow colours, through the refraction, which energise the seven chakras of the body for a complete balance of mind, body & spirit.
6. Why do Hindus use Gangajal in Puja?
River Ganges is considered the sacred river and is worshipped and considered as Mother Goddess. The Holy Water is used in Pujas as it associated with purity, sanctity and good will.
7. What is sindoor?
Sindoor is red powder, which is put in the middle parting of the woman’s head. Its first put by the husband after the wedding ceremony. It is believed to energy the chakra near the brain to increase sensitivity & sexual desire. It can only be applied by married women.
8. Why do we touch elder’s feet?
When you touch the feet of an elder person, you pay respect to them and in return you are blessed with their knowledge, intellect, strength and good wishes.
9. Why do we take their shoes off?
We take off shoes in places of worship and also before entering someone’s house.
Shoes bring in dust and germs with it. We even believe feet are unclean and never touch books with feet.
10. Why do we kneel before Gods?
Kneeling before God is an important part in prayer and rituals, as an act of respect and submission to a higher power. We touch the floor first, then touch our forehead and then chest. This indicates our request for forgiveness for any sins that we may have committed.
11. Why do we clap our hands in prayer?
We clap our hands for the appreciation of God. Clapping and laughter creates a jovial atmosphere and provides energy to our body system. It’s believed improve the overall heart health and improve blood pressure. Blood circulation to various organs is also improved by regular clapping.
12. What is Sharad?
Sharad, which means “doing with sincerity”. It’s a ceremony performed in honour of a dead ancestors by all male Hindus. Hindus believe that the Soul never dies. It only transforms from one external body to another. If we do charity and offer food during 14 days of sharad, it reaches our ancestors.
13. What is Navratri fast?
Hindus believe fasting is a way to get closer to Goddess Durga. Fasting, if done for all nine days can detoxify the body. It facilitates spiritual purification leading to a stronger willpower.
14. Why we are vegetarians?
Hindus believe in non-violence to animals & avoid eating meat. Also, scientifically been found that Vegetarian diets tend to be naturally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Vegetarians have been shown to have a 24% lower risk of dying of heart disease than non-vegetarians.
15. Why do Indians believe in educating our children?
Hindu culture is passed on from generation to generation. The language, food, clothing, beliefs, rituals, behaviour, customs, architecture and everything else that we gather from our society is culture. We believe in order to be good citizens, its imperative to educate both girls & boys in modern subjects as well as our culture. Indians now hold top jobs throughout the world.