Test Your Knowledge of Hinduism

Exploring Hinduism through the Eyes of a 14-Year-Old

• Simran and her brother Viraj are Hindu and follow a vegetarian diet which is a big part of their religion.

• Hinduism is over 4,000 years old and is made up of various Indian religious traditions and practices.

• Hindus believe in one God who exists in everything, but millions of gods and goddesses are given names, images, and qualities to help people understand and relate to God.

• Worshiping God is an everyday practice for Hindus, and they use sacred images called Murtis to represent God.

• Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrated by Hindus that honors the love between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a Rakhi on their brothers' wrists for protection, and brothers give their sisters gifts.

• Karma is the belief that every action has an effect that impacts how a person will live in their next life on earth. Good or bad karma can impact a person's next life, and the cycle of rebirth affects how Hindus think about death.

• Pilgrimage is a journey people take to get closer to God, and Hindus visit different sacred places such as rivers, mountains, and temples linked to different gods and goddesses.

• Hindu weddings are big celebrations that bring two whole communities together, and there are many rituals and traditions involved.

• Mehndi parties are pre-wedding celebrations where intricate henna patterns are drawn on the bride's hands and feet.

• The wedding ceremony involves many rituals and traditions that symbolize the couple's love for each other, such as walking around a sacred fire four times and taking seven steps together.

• Hindu funerals involve cremation, and the ashes are typically scattered in a river, such as the Ganges, which is considered a holy place. Hindus believe that bathing in a river removes bad karma.

• Hinduism emphasizes the importance of family, compassion, and striving to be the best version of oneself. Hindus believe that by doing good, they can improve their next life and eventually become one with God.Hindu Festivals: Holi and Diwali

• Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the start of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

• Bonfires are lit during Holi to purify the air of anything evil, and offerings are made to God.

• During Holi, people throw colored paints at each other to make their lives colorful and forgive past misgivings.

• Each color thrown during Holi represents a virtue of the soul, such as power, purity, and love.

• Diwali is the Hindu festival of light, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and the hope that good will happen.

• Diwali marks the start of the Hindu new year and is celebrated with spring cleaning, new clothes, and gift exchanges.

• Hindus clean their homes during Diwali to make a good impression on visitors and invite the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

• Doorsteps are decorated with colorful patterns to welcome Lakshmi, and candles are lit to guide her into homes.

• Diwali is a time for families and communities to come together in celebration, with streets and homes decorated with lights.

• The Hindu community in the UK and India come together during weddings, which are a great reason to celebrate and bring people together.

• Holi and Diwali are both fun and exciting festivals, but they also have important religious messages at their heart.

• Through these festivals, Hindus celebrate their faith, traditions, and values, and share their joy with others.

How much do you know about Hinduism? Take this quiz and test your knowledge on various aspects of this ancient Indian religion. From beliefs about God and karma to festivals like Holi and Diwali, explore the rich culture and traditions of Hinduism through the eyes of a 14-year-old. Learn about Hindu weddings, funerals, and pilgrimage, and discover the importance of family, compassion, and striving to be the best version of oneself. With this quiz, you'll gain a deeper understanding