Rites of passage

• Varnashramadharma


  . Hindus believe society depends on everyone fulfilling their dharma (duty) according to their ashrama (stage of life) and varna (position within society)

  . It is linked to the law of karma; our varna (caste / position in society) is based on karma from past lives
• Upanayana (Sacred Thread) Ceremony

  . A Hindu initiation ceremony where a boy will be given sacred threads which he will wear for the rest of his life

  . Wearing the threads shows that the young person is ready to carry out his religious duties

  . The guru and the boy sit near to the sacred fire ‒ hymns and prayers are chanted
• Nam Samskar (naming) Ceremony


  . The Om symbol drawn on the tongue with gold pen dipped in honey

  . The father whispers the name in the baby’s ea

  . The mother washes and the father shaves for the first time since the birth
• Mundan (shaving) Ceremony


  . It usually takes place during the child’s first year

  . The shaved hair is either offered to a deity or to a sacred river e.g. Ganges

  . The hair from birth is associated with bad karma from past lives. The child is freshly shaven to signify freedom from the past and moving into the future
• Hindus Funeral Rites


  . The funeral is held the day after the person dies

  . Cremation is usually practiced, on a funeral pyre, as it is believed to help release the soul (atman)

  . The body is placed with the feet facing south towards the god of death (Yama)
• Hindu Marriage Ceremony


  . Greeting of the groom by women and children to show the coming together not only of two people, but two families

  . Lighting a fire and sprinkling of grain into the flames to symbolise the wish for fertility

  . Placing of bride's toe on a stone – signifying obedience and loyalty to her husband