Hindu Festivals and Traditions

Description: Readers curious about world religions can explore the meaning and customs behind major Hindu holidays and festivals, including Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Diwali.

Brief description: Anita Ganeri is an award-winning author of information books for children. Educated at Cambridge University, she has written more than 300 books, including the best-selling 'Horrible Geography' series (Scholastic Children's Books) which won a 2009 Blue Peter Book Award. She writes widely on animals and the natural world. A recent title for Raintree, A Day in the Life of Rainforest Animals: Capybara, has been shortlisted for a Maryland Blue Crab Award 2012. Anita lives in the north of England with her husband, children and assorted pets.

Review Quotes: In this informative book, Ganeri introduces colorful traditions celebrated by Hindu individuals, families, and communities around the world. This volume features celebrations, such as Holi, when people splash each other with water and powdered dyes, recalling the trickster god Krishna. Other yearly events include Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, when people retell the dramatic stories of the gods. The book concludes with traditional Hindu practices related to marriage, death, and the naming of infants. A typical double-page spread features a dramatic color photo of people enjoying traditional Hindu holidays and celebrations, while the facing page offers background information related to the event shown in the illustration. This colorful volume from the Religious Festivals and Traditions series (6 titles) presents respectful, interesting summaries and photos of notable Hindu observances.--Carolyn Phelan "Booklist"