Page 42 - Social Studies 7

Lesson Religious Customs of Our Society
2.1

According to 2011 census, 81.3 percent of the Nepalese
FACTS population was Hindus, 9 percent was Buddhist, 4.4
to Understand percent was Muslim, 3 percent was Kirant, 1.42 percent
was Christian and 0.9 percent follow other religious or
no religion.

Nepal is a multi-religious country. In Nepal, more than 10 religions are followed.
The religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirant, Christianity, Sikhism,
Jainism and the Bahaism, etc. are followed in our country. The Hindu religion
is considered as the oldest religion among the other religions. Some of the major
religions have been discussed in detail.

Hinduism

Hinduism is considered as the oldest
religion among all the religions. It is based
on the philosophy of four Vedas. It is also
called Sanatan Dharma or Vedic religion.
Polytheism is practiced in this religion.
There are many gods and goddesses in
Hinduism who have their own identify. For
example, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswora
(Shiva) are considered as creator, preserver
and destroyer respectively, Lord Ganesh is praying God Ganesh
the symbol of success, Hanuman removes
pains, Goddess Laxmi, Durga and Saraswoti are the symbol of wealth, power and
wisdom respectively. The holy books of Hinduism are the Vedas, the Ramayan,
the Mahabharata, the Upanishads, etc. The Hindus recite mantras and hymns.
They worship their deities by using the method of Panchopachar, Dasopachar and
Shodashopachar. Hindu followers take fast in various religious occasions and visit
temples. The major festivals are Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Holi, Mahashivaratri,
etc. People believe to help the poor, needy, old people, sadhus and santas (sages
and saints). Omkar is highly respectable. These are forms of the special features
of the Hindu religion.

Dynamic Social Studies and Population Education - Book VII 42