The Story of Ganesh

Here is one version of how Ganesh got his elephant head. When his father, the great god Shiva went away to meditate, his wife Parvati created a model of a beautiful boy and breathed life into him. She told the child that he was her son Ganesh, and he must protect her while she bathed.

When Shiva returned after a long absence he found a strange lad guarding his wife's rooms. He was so angry that he cut off the boy's head.  

Parvati heard the noise and rushed out of her rooms to see her beloved son lying dead.

When Shiva realized that the boy was her son he was overcome with remorse and sent the servants out to fetch the head of the first living creature they found who was sleeping with its head facing North. That turned out to be an elephant. Shiva put the elephant head on to the boy's shoulders. Shiva then breathed life into the boy. As both had given life to the boy he really became their son. Parvati was still distressed to see their poor ugly son. 

Shiva could not bear to see his wife unhappy so he made her a promise that Ganesh would have the power to answer prayer. Parvati knew that nothing could be a success unless her son was present, and because of this he is one of the most popular gods and always present at Hindu weddings.

The story of Ram and Sita

A King had four sons named Ram, Laxman, Bharat and Satrugan by his three different wives. The oldest son was called Ram, by rights he should have been the next king after his father. When Ram married a lovely princess called Sita the old King decided to give up the throne and let his son take over.

 His newest wife was very jealous. She wanted the throne for her Son, but he was the youngest. A long time before, the Queen had saved the King's life. He had promised her two wishes. She decided that it was time to claim her wishes so she went to the King and said that she wanted Ram to be sent away for fourteen years and her own son Bharat to have the throne. The old King was very upset. He knew that he had been tricked, but there was nothing that he could do about it.

Ram and Sita went off to the forest where a wicked demon King: Ravana was always trying to get Sita. Every time that Ram went off hunting he used to leave Sita in a magic circle that protected her. One day an old man came by and asked for her help. She stepped out of the circle and Ravana caught her, he had dressed up like an old man to trick her. He took her away to his land. It took Ram a long time to find her, he was helped by the monkey King: Hanuman, and all of the monkeys.  

When they found Sita the fourteen years were over so they returned home. There was a huge celebration. Bharat did not want the crown, but he had looked after it until Ram came back. Everybody rejoiced, they lit candles and lamps to celebrate.

The Story of Prahlad

Prahlad believed in God, but his father the King did not. King Hiranyakshup wanted Prahlad to treat him as a god, but Prahlad refused. The King did not like being refused by his son - he plotted revenge. He told his soldiers to throw Prahlad into a pit of poisonous snakes. Even though he was bitten many times God saved Prahlad from death.

The King, still determind to destroy Prahlad, sent a troop of elephants to trample him as he slept. God saved him again. This happened many times.

In a temper the King asked for help from his wicked sister Holika. Holika was like a god, she had a special gift... fire could not harm her. Holika took Prahlad to the top of a huge bonfire and had her servants light it. Once again God protected Prahlad, he stepped out unharmed. Holika lost her magical power and died in the bonfire.

The Story of Krishna

Krishna was sat on the banks of the River Yamuna. It was a lovely spring evening. Krishna was playing his flute and others were dancing. Suddenly Krishna threw some coloured water over a beautiful girl called Radha. Soon everyone joined in throwing coloured water and enjoying the spring evening.

Hindu people celebrate Holi in various ways. After the dancing or story telling they very often throw coloured water just like Krishna, powder paint or pretty coloured bits of paper over each other. They usually wear their oldest clothes for this part of the festival so they do not spoil good clothes with paint.