Hindusim

The religion of Hinduism is highly diverse and is practiced by many people in many ways. Hindus comprise 80% of the Indian population, however other religions exist in India as well such as Buddism, Sikkhism, Islam, and Christianity.

Most Hindus today practice Bhakti, or devotional, Hinduism. This centers around the ishta devita, or "god of one's choosing". Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, is a popular Hindu deity. Read the story of Krishna and his beloved Radha and look at a real temple to Krishna and Radha.

In the film "Lagaan" the villagers worshipped Krishna in their temple. A statue of his love, Radha was also present. The villagers enact a kind of storytelling dance in "Radha Kaise Na Jale" that conveys the tension between Krishna, Radha, and the other gopis (cow herd girls). Later the villagers pray to Krishna to give them help and victory in "O Paalanhaare".

Watch the two videos then complete the venn diagram thinking about the following questions:

1. What aspects of Hinduism and the Krisha/Radha story are depicted in song and dance?

2. How are the two songs (story and prayer) similar or different in words, mood, and musical elements (tone color, tempo, dynamics, etc)?