Devotional Singing
In Hindu worship, music is gift to gods. · Krishna Das (born Jeffrey Kagel; May 31, 1947) is an American vocalist known for his performances of Hindu devotional music known as kirtan (chanting the names of God). · Hugging Saint Amma who has given 35 million hugs, sings Mata Rani.
Dances
Indian dances are often rooted in Hinduism and honor God.
Bhangra
Mehndi
Mehndi or henna is a paste that is bought in a cone-shaped tube and is made into designs for men and women. Mehndi is derived from the Sanskrit word mendhikā. The use of mehndi and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. It was originally used for only women's palms and sometimes for men, but as time progressed, it was more common for women to wear it. Haldi (staining oneself with turmeric paste) as well as mehndi are Vedic customs, intended to be a symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun. Vedic customs are centered on the idea of "awakening the inner light". Traditional Indian designs are representations of the sun on the palm, which, in this context, is intended to represent the hands and feet. -Wikipedia
Freedom of Expression in Clothing for Women
Hindu Symbols: Bindi and Tilak
You must have seen many Indian people with a mark on their forehead. It’s called Tilak.
In the Hindu tradition, our body consists of 7 chakras where several nadis or channels come together. There is one on the top of the head called the Crown Chakra. Then there is another one between the eyebrows that is the seat of our consciousness. By applying this scared symbol, l Hindus ignite our conscientiousness. It’s red or yellow turmeric and ash. It is as a circular mark applied with the ring finger in the right hand or, horizontal or vertical lines indicating ones devotion.
Research Question: Compare and contrast Hindu symbols with another world religion’s symbols.
Being a Hindu without Converting
Hinduism is more than a religion; rather it’s a tradition - a way of life. Therefore living by its beliefs is what counts - not just the believing beliefs. Whoever follows this tradition and lives accordingly is a Hindu and thus being born in a Hindu family or conversion from some other religion is absolutely not necessary.
Related Stories: Julia Roberts and the Hindu Community · Hindu convert a spiritual teacher at temple in Omaha
Discussion question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of not requiring conversion?
