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Yajna

Early Vedic Hindu sacrificial ritual used to please the gods and bring well-being to the sponsor and their family

Yajamana

The person who sponsors a yajna

Surya

Hindu sun god

Indra

Hindu rain god

Agni

Hindu fire god

Soma

Hindu god associated with a plant that was used in early Vedic rituals

Puja

Common form of Hindu devotional worship performed in temples or household shrines

Bhajana

Singing devotional hymns

Sahasranama

Recitation of the thousand names of a god or goddess

Tirtha

A sacred “crossing” between the ordinary and sacred worlds or between life and death

Ganges

Sacred river in India where bathing is believed to provide spiritual merit

Janmashtami

Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna

Ganesh Chaturthi

Hindu festival celebrating Ganesh, the elephant-headed god who is associated with removing obstacles

Dussehra

Hindu festival celebrating Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana

Navaratri

Nine-night Hindu festival that takes place during Dussehra and includes worship of Durga

Diwali

Hindu festival of lights that includes lighting lamps and exchanging gifts

Shivaratri

Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva

Holi

Hindu spring festival where people throw colored powder and water

Kumbh Mela

Major Hindu pilgrimage and festival held at four locations in North India

Purna Kumbha Mela

Kumbh Mela that takes place every 12 years in Allahabad

Sacred Animals

Animals such as cows, monkeys, snakes, and rats that can be considered sacred in Hinduism

Pilgrimage

Journey to a sacred or holy place for religious purposes