The Hindu Student Association (HSA), founded in 2002, explores the many facets of Hindu faith. The group promotes an understanding of the complex Hindu culture and tradition by having open membership and sponsoring events at which everyone from the campus community is welcome. The HSA also works towards an understanding and integration of the different religious and cultural groups on campus by hosting and participating in interfaith activities. HSA helps create a fun and cozy environment for the members, which includes Hindu students along with their friends and general students interested in not just Hinduism but South Asian culture as a whole. The Hindu Student Association is under the Office of the Chaplains and is advised by University Chaplain David Levy.
Diwali: Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated during fall semester. It is the biggest event organized by HSA. We bring a Hindu priest from Syracuse who holds a short Puja (ceremony).
Holi: Holi is the Hindu festival of colors which is celebrated during spring semester to mark the death of a demoness, which signifies the victories of good over evil. This festival is marked with a lot of joy, celebration, and fun as we throw "colors" at each other.
Temple Trip: Hinduism is extravagantly polytheistic and temples form a large part of Hindu religious tradition. Therefore, HSA organizes regular trips to the Hindu temple at Syracuse.
What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the world's oldest extant religion, with a billion followers, which makes it the world's third largest religion. The term "Hinduism" simply derives from the word "India" and refers to a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophies that have developed in India over thousands of years. Most Hindus worship one or more deities, believe in reincarnation, value the practice of meditation, and observe festive holidays like Diwali and Holi. For the millions of people who practice this religion, it is a way of life that encompasses family, society, politics, business, art, and health behaviors.
The sacred scriptures contain instructions on all these aspects of life and have a strong influence on art and drama. While the practices of yoga are a well-known aspect of Hinduism, family life is also considered a sacred duty. According to Hindu scriptures, one's ignorance of the true nature of the self (atman) as one with Brahman is what traps one in the cycle of endless death and reincarnation (samsara). Thus, the highest goal of Hinduism is liberation (moksha) from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth.
Contact Us
Ashish Raman Shah ~ Senior Advisor .. ashah@colgate.edu
Ruchira Rajan ~ Co-President … rrajan@colgate.edu
Bharadwaj Obula Reddy ~ Co-President … bobulareddy@colgate.edu
Utsav Dhoj Adhikari ~ Treasurer … uadhikari@colgate.edu
Ananya Das Avi ~ Secretary … adas@colgate.edu
David Levy~ Chaplain Advisor ... dlevy@colgate.edu