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Hinduism
This ancient religion was brought to Trinidad and Tobago by indentured labourers from India in the 19th century. Today, almost a quarter of the population practices the Hindu faith. Christian denominations account for about 50% of the population.
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Hinduism - Festival and Language
The Hindu festivals of Divali and Pahgwa are regarded as national events. Hindi is still spoken in many households, is taught in some schools and many words are part of common linguistic heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. |
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Hinduism - Music
The religious music of India has influenced the development of indigenous music in Trinidad and Tobago. Listen to Calypso, Soca, Chutney and Pitchakaree, even local rock and pop music and you will often hear the musical phrasing and some instruments of India mixing with those of Africa and Europe to create something truly unique to Trinidad and Tobago. |
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Hinduism - Symbolism
The murtis of Hinduism are as familiar to most Trinidadians as the Christian cross or the star and crescent of Islam. |
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Orisha
Once outlawed by the colonial authorities, this religion derived from the Yoruba people of West Africa (Nigeria & Benin) is seeing a resurgence among Trinidadians and Tobagonians of African descent. |
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Orisha
The Orisha religion survived the centuries in secret, often cloaking itself in the trappings of Catholicism to avoid the attention of the colonial authorities. |
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Islam
The Trinidad Muslim League mosque in St. Joseph. Mulsims make up just over 5% of the total population. The Muslim festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Hosay are regarded as national events. |
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Cultural Crossover
Our students have a unique opportunity to learn about and participate in religious rituals that have their genesis in India and Africa and have taken root here in the Caribbean. |
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Cultural Crossover
The welcoming and open spirit of sharing and understanding that exists among most Trinidadians and Tobagonians is readily extended to visitors. |
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Cultural Crossover
Few other countries in the world can lay claim to so many different cultural traditions from Europe, Africa, India, China, and the Middle East. |
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