India is a densely populated country of great ethnic diversity with people from many religious backgrounds. Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, and one that has been practiced in India for more than 4000 years with the religion's roots being traced to the Indus Valley Civilization circa 4000 to 2200 BCE. Today Hinduism is the world's 3rd largest religion, and 73% of India's people are Hindu. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion (belief in multiple gods) that is heavy in ritualistic practice.

Hindus believe that the way to keep the world in harmony is to please the gods, and the way to please the gods is to worship them, called "puja", at shrines which are located in homes, outdoors, or at temples. Making offerings to the gods being worshipped is an essential part of the practice. These offerings might consist of food, flowers, grains, oils, butter, etc. The statue of the deity would also be dressed by the devotee.

Hindus show respect to a wide variety of gods and goddesses depending upon an individual family's particular needs. Bhakti is the principle of "ista deva" (personal god) matched to individual’s karma.  You find a god who you are drawn to and attach to that one.  You get to know the god by the way they look. Devotees will generally have an image or statue of their personal god in their home shrine, and they will worship this deity daily. Hindus believe that the gods have extended their grace on us, and if we are devoted to them, they will protect us.

Click this link to learn about some of the common Hindu Deities.

The following site is an excellent resource for teachers giving background about Hinduism and the practice in very simple, easy to understand language. Teacher Background Information

Images of Common Hindu Deities

Shiva - brass sculpture	Shiva	Vishnu	Laksmi
Ganesh	Kali on Shiva	Krishna	Sita & Rama
Krishna & Arjuna	Vishnu Statue	Krishna & Radha	Durga w/ Lion

Click on the following links to view YouTube clips that give an overview of Hinduism.
The Story of Hinduism (Kid-friendly overview)
Hinduism

Click on the following link for information about India's Caste System.
INDIA'S CASTE SYSTEM

Click on the following link to learn about how Hindus teach their religion through stories.
LEARNING ABOUT HINDUISM THROUGH STORIES