HINDUISM

Background and beliefs: Hinduism is a congregation of religious communities ranging from different theistic to monistic traditions, each with its own beliefs, rituals, texts and organisation. Though distinct, these traditions share certain characteristic elements such as the acceptance of the sacred texts of the Vedas (the oldest Vedic texts were composed around 1200 BCE), the doctrine of karman (retribution of deeds), the reincarnation and ultimate salvation of an immortal self, and the existence of a socio-cosmic order (dharma) as the basis of individual life.

Different gods (Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Rama etc) and goddesses (Durga, Kali, Lakshmi etc,) are worshipped at home and in temples, according to one's religious affiliation. Hindus following a monistic doctrine regard the different gods as manifestations of an absolute reality (Brahman) that is without name and form. Hinduism is characterised by a remarkable tolerance with regard to religious practice, embracing devotion, asceticism, ritual and different paths to knowledge.

Texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavadgita.

Places: The river Ganges (ie the Goddess Ganga) is regarded as holy across the Hindu communities.

Leaders: Since Hinduism consists of a variety of religious communities, there is no central administrative institution or hierarchical representation. However, the individual religions are organised on local and regional levels and are often represented by spiritual teachers.

Community profile: There are between 400,000 and 550,000 people in the UK Hindu community, concentrated in London (especially Wembley and Harrow), Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester. Membership has increased by 40% since 1975.

Important dates: 
January 14: Makara Sankranti. 
February 14: Mahashivratri - celebration of the birthday of the Lord Shiva. 
March 2: Holi - spring festival. 
March 3: birthday of Sri Ramakrishna. 
March 25: Rama Navami - birthday of the Lord Rama. 
March 31: Hanuman Jayanti. 
July 14: Ratha Yatra. 
August 26: Raksha Bandhan - Hindu sisters tie a special thread (Rahki) round their brothers' wrists to protect them from evil. 
September 3: Janamashtami - birthday of Lord Krishna. 
September 13: Ganesh Chaturthi. 
September 25-October 9: Sharadh. 
October 10-18: Navaratri. 
October 17: Durga Puja - festival of worship of the goddess Durga, the most important female deity. 
October 19: Dusshera - festival celebrating Ram's rescue of his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king Ravana. 
November 5-9: Diwali - Festival of Lights focusing on Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Websites
The Hindu Universe 
Hindu Youth UK