Year 4
Hinduism
Worshipping and Celebrating
Key Questions:
Why is the home shrine special for Hindus?
How and why do Hindus celebrate the festival of Divali?
Why is a mandir important to Hindus?
What is the purpose of life?
1) Special objects
Think about things that are special to you. Do they have a ‘keep box’ with your special things in? What things do/would you place in a special keep box? Why would you choose these things? Draw and label a picture of your 'special keep box.'
2) Puja
Watch the video above and have a look at the information PowerPoint below.
Make notes on how each artefact is used. How does puja involve all the senses?
Perhaps you could have a go at making some traditional Indian sweets?
Hinduism - activities and information
3. The story of Rama and Sita
Read the story of Rama and Sita, or watch the video below. You could make shadow puppets and perform a play of the story.
A central concept contained in the story is the triumph of good over evil.
What does good mean? Does it have one meaning or many meanings? What does evil mean? Does it have one meaning or many meanings? How do you decide what is good/evil?
The triumph of good over evil is the subject of many traditional stories. Can you think of any? Can you think of any reasons why this is a popular theme in stories?
The Story of Rama and Sita - activities
4) The Mandir
Look at the pictures below of the outside of a variety of mandirs. Ask them: What are these buildings? Who goes there? When? Why? What do you notice about the architecture?
Look at the pictures of the inside of mandirs. Watch the film of worship taking place.
Draw and write about the different features found in a mandir, what happens during congregational puja, and how performing puja helps Hindus to feel closer to God.
For Hindus in the UK, the mandir is not only a place of worship, but a community facility for social and cultural activities. Find out more about this. What communities do you belong to?
Pictures inside and outside mandirs
Other online resources and information
Info on all aspects of Hinduism for KS1 & 2 - http://www.hinduism.fsnet.co.uk/
Fun Activities for children – http://www.hindukids.org
Gateway to the Hindu World – http://www.hindunet.org
Light a lamp and say prayers - http://www.hindunet.org/puja/
Hindu Resources Online –http://www.hinduismtoday.com/
The Mahabharata - http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Sanskrit_in_Classics_at_Brown/Mahabharata/
Puja described for primary pupils - http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/manorlh/hinduism/hindui.html
Good site for Kumbh Mela -www.kumbhmela.net
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/hinduism-in-varanasi/3617.html
Stories:
https://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism-for-kids/category/children-stories