Page 28 - 07_Social Studies and Population Education Book 7_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

Lesson
1 OUR RELIGIOUS RITUALS

Our country is a multi-religious and secular nation. People from various
religious backgrounds like Hindu, Buddhist, Islam, Kirant, Jain, Sikh, Christian,
Bon, Bahai, etc live in our country. Hence, our country is very rich in religious
rituals. Religious rituals are the formal behaviours established according
to the religion. All religions are treated equally here. Nepal has recognized

all these religions, their rituals, traditions and festivals equally. We celebrate
public holidays on various religious festivals. There is unity amongst people of
different religions. The main features of some of the religions and their rituals

are given below:
Hinduism

Hinduism is based on the
philosophy of Veda. It is also

called “Sanatan Religion” or
“Vedic Religion”.

Hindus read classical texts
like Ved, Upanishad, Puran,
Gita, Astrology, Mahabharat,
Ramayan, etc. Veda is considered

as the oldest religious epic in
the world. There are four Vedas.
They are: Rigveda, Samaveda, Worshiping gods/goddesses
Atharbaveda and Yajurveda.

Hindus believe and worship various Gods and Goddesses like Brahma,
Bishnu, Shiva, Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi, Ganesh, Surya, Chandra, etc.

Omkar (ç) is always respected. Polytheism is a major feature of Hinduism.
They worship idols. They perform daily duty and practice worshipping

methods like Panchopachar, Dasopachar and Shodshopachar and fast on

28 SOCIAL STUDIES AND POPULATION EDUCATION - BOOK 7