Gods & Goddesses
Stories & Symbols
Festivals of India
Food & Feasting
Temples & Traditions
100
This elephant-headed god is known as the remover of obstacles
Ganesha
100
This sacred symbol, often chanted during meditation, represents the universe.
Om 
100
This colorful spring festival is known for people throwing colored powders.
Holi!
100
This flatbread is often served with curries in Indian meals.
Naan!
100
A Hindu place of worship is called this.
Temple, or a Mandir
200
This goddess is associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
Lakshmi
200
This animal-faced monkey god is known for his strength and loyalty to Lord Rama.
Hanuman
200
The festival of lights, celebrated with candles and sweets.
Diwali! Today's Celebration!
200
This golden spice gives curry its yellow color and is used for health
Tumeric
200
Before entering a temple, people do this to show respect
Remove their Shoes!
300
Known as the destroyer and transformer, this god carries a trident.
Shiva
300
This colorful powder is thrown during the Indian festival of Holi to celebrate joy and the arrival of spring
Coloured Powder or Gulal
300
This festival lasts nine nights and honors the goddess Durga.
Navratri
300
This round sweet, often made with chickpea flour and ghee, is common during festivals.
Ladoo!
300
This small red or orange mark is often worn on the forehead during worship
A Tilak or a Bindi
400
This blue-skinned god played the flute and is known for his childhood stories with butter.
Krishna
400
This flower is often seen in Hindu art and symbolizes purity and spiritual growth
Lotus
400
Celebrated in January, this harvest festival is especially important in South India
Pongal
400
A full Indian meal served on a round platter with small portions of many dishes
Thali! 
400
A Hindu prayer ceremony, often done with flowers, lamps, and offerings.
A Puja 
500
This goddess rides a tiger and has many arms, each holding a weapon.
Durga
500
This animal, considered sacred in India, often symbolizes life, motherhood, and nourishment
A Cow! In Hinduism, cows are honored and protected, and it's common to see them roaming freely in many parts of India.
500
On this festival, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life.
Raksha Bandhan
500
These small, fried pastries filled with potatoes and spices are a popular snack.
Samosa's!
500
This is rung at the beginning of a temple visit to awaken the divine.
A Bell