Marriage and Family Functions in India and Kenya

Marriage and family are not very different in India and Kenya. As marriage is a religious obligation and in both of the countries the religion is same which is Hinduism. This is the reason why the traditions are same. Hinduism is the name given to one of the most ancient religion practices in India. Vedanta is the true name of this religion. When British rule began to populate India this ancient religion evolved into what is known today as Hinduism. Hinduism constitutes an extremely intricate religion upon which a single definition cannot be composed. The premier feature of this religion is the huge difference of beliefs and rituals among its practitioners. (Eleanor 1999)

The two largest sects of Hinduism are the Shivaite and the Vaishnavite sects, based upon the recognition of Shiva and Vishnu as the ultimate manifestations of Brahma. Vaishnavas constitute approximately 70% of all Hindus. The major holy days are The Kumbha Mela festival that is held four times a year, and the Dusserah farming festival in honor of Kali is held at the end of October. Also Ramanavani (Lord Rama's birthday), Rathayatra (pilgrimage of the Chariot at Jagannath), Jhulanayatra ("Swinging the Lord Krishna"), Rakshabandhana ("Tying on Lucky Threads"), Janamashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna), Navaratri (festival of "Nine Nights"), Lakshmi-puja (homage to the goddess Lakshmi), Diwali or Dipavali ("String of Lights"), Maha-Sivaratri (Great nigh of Lord Shiva), and Holi (the festival of fire, a spring festival dedicated to Krishna). (Krier 2006)

There are several principals of Hinduism. The theme of spiritual oneness between the one ultimate reality, known as Brahma, and the soul, or atman, is mandated. In accordance, everything in the world is an illusion, merely a part of Brahma, praised as Creator. Brahma is considered the creator of all entities of the world, including Gods. The ultimate goal of all Hindus is to achieve pure reality through unification of the soul with Brahma. However, as mandated, each soul must first achieve liberation, or moksha, from the cycle of life known as samsara. This prompts the Hindu theme of reincarnation. (Eleanor 1999)

Upon death each person is reborn as an animal, human being, or heavenly body. The status of a person's next life is determined by the deeds committed in the previous life. This principle is referred to as karma. The status of lives within the life cycle prompted the establishment of the caste system. This system exhibits significant social and economic implications on the Hindu population. It dictates choice of occupation, marriage partners, foods consumed, and other issues. Classes were originally based on an individual's natural qualities and functions evolved into rigid divisions over time. (Krier 2006)

In modern times, the primary characterization of the caste system is based on occupations that are assessed by the amount of pollutants, such as blood and waste water involved in the job. This has prompted Hindus of higher status to refrain from eating animal meat and practice vegetarianism. In general, strict divisions have traditionally been imposed by ...