Hinduism and Buddhism

Tanner Tyson11/4/09

Period 9/10

Mahashivratri

• Dedicated to Shiva who is one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity

• Also celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Sati (the mother of divine)

• Celebrated during the night just before the new moon

• Tradition says that Shiva appeared in order to save the world from darkness and ignorance

Mahashivratri

• Pandits (a scholar or teacher skilled in Hindu law, religion, music, or philosophy) perform puja (religious worship) four times throughout the night

• Shiva linga (the symbol of Lord Shiva) is bathed with milk, water and honey, and then rubbed with sandalwood paste, and decorated with flowers and garlands.

Losar

• Buddhist New Year• Celebrated in February• Three day festival; Day One = celebration with

family, Days Two and Three = time to visit with friends and exchange gifts

• Also a time to visit monasteries and make offerings

Losar

• Marked with many activities that welcome the new year

• Buildings are white washed• People wear new clothes• Special food is prepared• Buddhists decorate monasteries and conduct

religious ceremonies