Finding my Hinduism
A journey of self-discovery challenging what Hinduism means in the modern era.
Colourful temples, bells , incense and a multitude of deities and festivals - journalist Nalini Sivathasan grew up immersed in her parents’ religion, Hinduism. But as she has grown older, she has found it harder to connect with her faith and speaking to her friends, she finds she is not alone.
Unlike most other religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no single scripture nor commonly agreed set of teachings – which for some, can make it tricky to navigate.
On her journey to discover ‘her Hinduism’, Nalini talks to the Hindu Academy, which provides online classes and resources on the religion.
It’s seen a rise in engagement among young people over the past few years, yet the number of young people attending temples has fallen across the UK. Nalini visits a temple she grew up visiting to find out why and discovers how it’s trying to engage young people in ways other than worship.
For charity Go Dharmic, which was founded on the Hindu principle of dharma, practising seva - or selfless service - is the best way for young Hindus to connect with their faith and the world around them. While for vlogger Parle Patel, social media is the place to connect with young Hindus. But Parle says he is often criticised for proudly showcasing his Hinduism identity online.
Couple Abhinaya and Rahul are planning their Hindu wedding ceremony. For them the ceremony is more of a cultural event, rather than religious. Will understanding the importance and symbolism of the rituals bring them any closer to their faith?
Nalini also speaks to Indian politician Shashi Tharoor. While unsparing in his criticism of certain elements sometimes linked to Hinduism, he describes himself as a proud, believing Hindu. How is he able to navigate the apparent contradictions he sees within his religion?
Nalini tries to make sense of what it means to be a Hindu today, talks to those practising the faith in their own distinct way and decides whether there is a version of Hinduism out there which best suits her.
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Finding my Hinduism
Duration: 01:58
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- Fri 25 Jun 2021 03:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
- Fri 25 Jun 2021 04:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
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- Sat 26 Jun 2021 15:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service News Internet
- Sun 27 Jun 2021 08:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Sun 27 Jun 2021 09:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Sun 27 Jun 2021 18:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service Australasia, UK DAB/Freeview & Online only
- Sun 27 Jun 2021 22:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Sun 27 Jun 2021 23:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service News Internet
- Fri 29 Oct 2021 03:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
- Fri 29 Oct 2021 04:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
- Fri 29 Oct 2021 12:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
- Sat 30 Oct 2021 15:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service News Internet
- Sun 31 Oct 2021 09:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Sun 31 Oct 2021 10:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Sun 31 Oct 2021 19:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service Australasia, UK DAB/Freeview & Online only
- Sun 31 Oct 2021 22:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Mon 1 Nov 2021 00:32GMT´óÏó´«Ã½ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
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Heart and Soul
Personal approaches to religious belief from around the world.