Shalu Sharma's Blog

Hinduism for Kids: A Gentle Guide to Beliefs, Gods, Festivals and Family Traditions Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions in the world, and for children it can be introduced in a warm and simple way. It is full of colourful festivals, beautiful stories, family prayers, temple visits, music, lamps, flowers and ideas about kindness, truth and respect for all life. Many children first learn about Hinduism at home, through grandparents, parents, stories, festivals and small everyday traditions. A child may see a diya glowing during Diwali, hear the sound of a bell in a temple, watch someone place flowers before a picture of a deity, or listen to stories about Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, Shiva, Ganesha and Durga. Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices is a child friendly introduction to Hinduism by Shalu Sharma. It is written for young readers who are curious about Hindu beliefs, Hindu gods and goddesses, t...

There’s something special about this time of year. As Diwali approaches, the air feels different softer somehow, filled with the scent of diyas, incense, and freshly cleaned homes. You can almost feel the excitement building up. Families are busy polishing silverware, shopping for gifts, and deciding which sweets to make. And before Diwali night itself, it all begins with Dhanteras the day that sets the tone for the festival of lights. Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the 5 day Diwali celebration . The word Dhan  means wealth, and T eras  refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Together, they remind us that abundance isn’t just about money it’s about blessings, health, and hope. According to Hindu mythology, this is the day Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the ocean during the divine event known as Samudra Manthan. It’s believed that worshipping her on this day invites good fortune and positive en...

  I am so excited to share some wonderful news with you! My new children’s book, Diwali For Kids: Why We Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights , has just been published and is now available on Amazon USA and Amazon UK . This project has been a true labor of love. As a parent and a storyteller, I wanted to create something special for children that not only celebrates Diwali but also explains the meaning and traditions behind it in a way that is simple, engaging, and fun. Why I Wrote Diwali For Kids Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India and by millions of people across the world. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, a time when families come together to clean their homes, decorate with rangoli, light little clay lamps called diyas, share sweets, exchange gifts, and enjoy fireworks. But Diwali is more than just lights and sweets. It is a festival filled with stories, values, and traditions that teach children about hope, kindness, togetherne...

  Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, with a history spanning over 4,000 years. It is not a single unified belief system, but a collection of diverse philosophies, rituals, and traditions. Central concepts include dharma (living a righteous and ethical life), karma (the law of cause and effect), samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth), and moksha (liberation from this cycle). Hinduism has a rich pantheon of gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of life and the universe. Commonly worshiped deities include Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer and transformer), and Durga (the warrior goddess). Worship often involves rituals such as offerings, prayers, and chanting, which can be seen in temples and homes across India. Festivals are an important part of Hindu life. Major celebrations like Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and Navratri (nine nights of devotion) reflect spiritual, seasonal, and cultural sign...

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Rooted in Hindu mythology, Holi brings people together, erasing social barriers as they play with colors, dance, and enjoy festive delicacies. The festival is celebrated over two days. The first evening, known as Holika Dahan , involves lighting a bonfire to signify the burning away of negativity and evil. This tradition is inspired by the legend of Prahlad and Holika , where the young devotee Prahlad was saved from fire while his evil aunt Holika perished. This event reinforces the belief that righteousness always triumphs. The next day is the main celebration, Rangwali Holi , where people smear each other with colored powders and drench one another with water. Streets, parks, and open spaces become lively as friends, family, and even strangers come together in a riot of colors. Music, dancing, and laug...

  Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with a rich history full of colorful stories, gods, and traditions! In Hinduism, the sacred texts and ancient stories are filled with fascinating characters and life lessons. In Hinduism, there isn’t just one god, but many! Hindus believe in a supreme spirit called Brahman, but Brahman can take on different forms, like the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. Vishnu is known as the protector, Shiva is the destroyer (which means he clears away the old so new things can come), and Brahma is the creator. They each have unique personalities and symbols – like Vishnu’s conch shell, which he uses to call for good things, and Shiva’s trident, a powerful symbol of strength. Hindus believe in karma, which means that if you do good things, good things come back to you, and if you do bad things, you might get a bit of bad luck in return. Karma teaches that our actions have consequences, so it’s always a good idea to try to be kind and hel...

  Visitinga Hindu temple as a non-Hindu can be a spiritually enriching experience, and showing respect for the traditions and rituals of the place is key. Here is a detailed guide on what to do and how to behave when visiting a temple as a non-Hindu. 1. Dress modestly In Indian culture, modesty is greatly valued, especially in religious spaces. Both men and women should wear simple, clean, and modest clothing. If in doubt, ask a Hindu friend or colleague. For Men : A kurta and pyjama or loose-fitting trousers with a shirt is appropriate. For Women : Sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with a modest top are ideal. Covering your head with a dupatta or scarf is sometimes appreciated but not always necessary. Footwear : You have to remove your footwear before entering the temple premises. Shoes are typically left outside at designated places.  2. Entering the temple Cleanliness : When entering the temple, ensure you are clean, bo...

Navaratri is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and is observed with great enthusiasm, especially in different parts of India. Each day of Navaratri is associated with a different form of the goddess and has its unique rituals and traditions. Here’s a detailed explanation of each day of the festival: Day 1: Pratipada – Shailaputri Puja The first day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Shailaputri , the daughter of the mountains (Shaila means mountain, Putri means daughter). She is considered a form of Goddess Parvati and represents nature and strength. Devotees perform the Ghatasthapana , an invocation to Goddess Durga, and place a clay pot filled with water as a symbol of the goddess. The colour of this day is Yellow , symbolising joy and happiness. Day 2: Dwitiya – Brahmacharini Puja The second day is devoted to Maa Brahmacharini , who is k...

Hinduism for Kids : A Fun Guide to One of the World’s Oldest Religions Namaste friends , Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, practiced by millions of people mainly in India and Nepal. It has a rich history, filled with fascinating gods, traditions, festivals, and teachings that guide people in how they live their lives. If you're a kid curious about Hinduism , this guide will give you a great introduction to its many colorful aspects! What is Hinduism? Hinduism isn’t just one religion, but a collection of various beliefs and practices that have evolved over thousands of years. Unlike some religions, Hinduism doesn’t have just one holy book or one founder. It is a way of life, focusing on spiritual growth and connecting with God in different forms. Hinduism Made Easy: Hindu Religion, Philosophy and Concepts The Big Ideas in Hinduism 1. Dharma: This is a key idea in Hinduism. It means living a life of responsibility, duty, and righteousness. Everyone has their own D...