The underlying beliefs of Hinduism cannot easily be defined as there is no unique philosophy that forms the basis of the faiths shared by a majority of the Indian population. Hinduism is sometimes called a “museum of religions” as it is perhaps the only religious tradition that is so diversified in its theoretical premises and practical expressions. This religion cannot be traced to a specific founder and it also does not have a “holy book” as a basic scriptural guide. A few examples which can be described as sacred texts of the Hindus include: The Rig Veda, Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita.
Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity, unlike many other religions. One may worship Shiva or Vishnu or Rama or Krishna or some other gods and goddesses or one may believe in the 'Supreme Spirit' or the 'Indestructible Soul' within each individual and still be considered an acceptable Hindu. This gives an indication of the kind of contrasts this religion is marked by. At one end of the scale, it is an exploration of the 'Ultimate Reality'; at the other end there are cults that worship spirits, trees and animals.
There are many festivals and ceremonies associated with gods and goddesses; however, there are also many associated with the sun, moon, planets, rivers, oceans, trees and animals. Some of the popular Hindu festivals include: Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pongal, Janamasthmi and Shiva Ratri. These innumerable festive occasions provide Hinduism with its astonishing popular appeal while making the Indian tradition rich and colorful.
Link(s):
http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/india/religion.htm
Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity, unlike many other religions. One may worship Shiva or Vishnu or Rama or Krishna or some other gods and goddesses or one may believe in the 'Supreme Spirit' or the 'Indestructible Soul' within each individual and still be considered an acceptable Hindu. This gives an indication of the kind of contrasts this religion is marked by. At one end of the scale, it is an exploration of the 'Ultimate Reality'; at the other end there are cults that worship spirits, trees and animals.
There are many festivals and ceremonies associated with gods and goddesses; however, there are also many associated with the sun, moon, planets, rivers, oceans, trees and animals. Some of the popular Hindu festivals include: Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pongal, Janamasthmi and Shiva Ratri. These innumerable festive occasions provide Hinduism with its astonishing popular appeal while making the Indian tradition rich and colorful.
Link(s):
http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/india/religion.htm