Prayer On!

A string of beads is used to remember and offer prayers to God. A prayer is chanted in a particular way and each bead is moved forward.

The japa in Hindus is the same as the rosary among Catholics and the tazbi in Muslims.

About Respect

In quite a few religions, covering the head on entering a religious place is common practise and is a symbol of respect.

While Christians use the veil, Hindus use a duppatta or handkerchief, Muslims wear a crotchet cap or a makkanna, rida or burqa and Parsis wear the traditional Parsi topi.

Ring Forever!

Gold lasts for ever and couples from most religions exchange rings made of gold to represent a long, married life. The 'engagement' ceremony is seen in Christians while Hindus have the sagai.

Hey Mom!

Christians call it the 'baby shower' while Hindus and Parsis call it godh bharai. Family and friends pray for the good health of mother and child. The mom-to-be is taken to her mother's home and showered with new clothes, gifts and blessings. The 'baby shower' is generally performed in the seventh or ninth month or pregnancy.

Lots in a Name

Among Christians, the christening ceremony is where the child is named by the parents and baptised by the priest. Muslims follow a practice where the priest whispers the azan in the baby's ear and the child is named on the sixth day after birth. Many Hindus have the naming ceremony on the sixth day.

Endure a Fast

Fasting, in several customs, is done either as a tribute to God or to get closer to Him. Catholics fast for 40 days and 40 nights during Lent and do not consume food that they enjoy.

Hindus fast for a particular deity or during a religious festival like Navratri. During karwa chauth married women pray for the health of their husband and avoid food or water for the day.

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan. The fast is broken at the end of the day with prayer and a meal.