Anonymous wrote:I got this beautiful Indian yellow cloth with small mirrors sewn round the edges. I want to use it as a decorative table covering but I always wondered if it was a religious object and if my ignorant use of it might be offensive to Hindus?

OP here. From your description, it sounds just decorative. Are there any symbols or pictures? As for offending Hindus, the only real offense to religious objects are if you somehow use it with meat (Hindu temples are vegetarian places) or shoes (sign of disrespect). And obviously, for any religion, anything to do with a toilet.

I got this beautiful Indian yellow cloth with small mirrors sewn round the edges. I want to use it as a decorative table covering but I always wondered if it was a religious object and if my ignorant use of it might be offensive to Hindus?

Anonymous wrote: Are you a practicing Hindu or were you just raised that way and you don't know anything about your religion?

Do you understand what is going on during religious ceremonies? Do you know the purpose and story behind religious ceremonies and holidays?

I am a practicing Hindu. I was born into a very religious family and it helped solidify my faith. I was so intrigued by my faith that I studied it in college and have a bachelors degree in religion. I have a dedicated temple room in my house and do a pooja (daily prayer ritual) everyday.

Generally I can follow the ceremonies. Though most are done in Sanskrit and I don't fully understand Sanskrit. If the pravachan or spiritual talk is in Hindi, I can understand that as I'm fluent in Hindi. I probably follow the ceremonies a bit better than most people in my generation (American born) due to my studies, my readings and own practices.

There are a lot of Hindu holidays, varying by region, so while I don't know all of them, I do understand the significance of most.

Anonymous wrote:Is Hinduism an organized religion? If so, what is the structure? What "denomination" do you belong to?

Are you American or Indian?

Hinduism is not really an organized religion. In Sanskrit, the name is Sanatana Dharma or eternal truth. It's more of a way of life rather than dogmatic practices. For every belief, there's a sense of adapt if you wish. There are 2 basic truths, dharma and karma. Dharma being your duty/responsibility/truth. Karma being your actions and the result of your actions.

There are "denominations". Kind of. Different schools of philosophy really - but those distinctions aren't as critical to the masses.

I'm an American born of Indian deccent woman. Interestingly, Hindus don't aim to convert others. Ultimately, since your birth in this life is reliant on your previous lives, you can only really be born a Hindu.

Anonymous wrote:Where do you get lovely saris, or do you not wear them regularly?

I get almost all of my saris from India. I wear them to social gatherings or religious events. But in the winter, I don't really because its just too cold for such thin fabric and belly exposed

Anonymous wrote:Are you in an arranged marriage?

I'm not but 95% of my family is (aside from my siblings). Most of that family is still in India. I did choose to marry a man from my same caste and subcaste bur not sub sub caste. I did this largely because I thought that our families would be similar and that my father and grandfather would be proud. Unfortunately, our families are very different and this is much cause for tension for me.

Anonymous wrote:What's your caste?

Op here. That's a tricky question. Traditionally there are 4 castes and the Harijans/untouchables. But the are many many subcastes largely influenced by region. So while I am of the large caste Vaisya, I more identify with being a Rajasthani (Marwadi.) and even within that, I am of a smaller subcaste.

Anonymous wrote:Do you wear a bindi on a day to day basis?

Op here. I don't. My mother does. I was born and brought up here but my parents came here 37 years ago from India.

Are you a practicing Hindu or were you just raised that way and you don't know anything about your religion?

Do you understand what is going on during religious ceremonies? Do you know the purpose and story behind religious ceremonies and holidays?

Is Hinduism an organized religion? If so, what is the structure? What "denomination" do you belong to?

Are you American or Indian?

Where do you get lovely saris, or do you not wear them regularly?

Are you in an arranged marriage?

What's your caste?

Do you wear a bindi on a day to day basis?

I'll do my best to answer.