1. Hinduism

2. Background Third largest religion in the World Hinduism is over 5000 years old There is no prophet or founder Hindus came to Australia to work on cotton and sugar plantations in the 19th Century Hinduism is a main part of Indian law

3. March Fasting Days Sankatahara Chadurthi: Wednesday 03 March, 2010 Ashtami: Monday 08 March, 2010 Ekadasi: Thursday 11 March, 2010 Pradosham: Saturday 13 March, 2010 Sivarathri: Sunday 14 March, 2010 Amaavasai: Monday 15 March, 2010 Chadurthi: Friday 19 March, 2010 Krithigai: Saturday 20 March, 2010 Sashti: Sunday 21 March, 2010 Ashtami: Tuesday 23 March, 2010 Ekadasi: Friday 26 March, 2010 Pradosham: Saturday 27 March, 2010 Pournami: Monday 29 March, 2010 For more information and dates of fasting visit: http://www.eprarthana.com/poojas/fastdays/fastdays.asp?idfmon=3&idfyea=10

4. Products and Services All Hindus have some common requirements but stricter Hindus have requirements only observed by them and there are also requirements unique to particular groups of Hinduism. Some Hindus are vegetarian others eat meat so there would have to be a variety of meat and vegetarian meals for the Hindus to choose from.

5. In times of fasting some Hindus may turn away from water and food through the entire time of fasting. Other Hindus may not eat grains, lentils and beans, but may have milk, fruits, vegetables or nuts. Others may have only milk or fruit through the time of fasting. These foods are restricted to Hindus: Beef and cow products Meat, fish, and eggs, including gelatine Onions, garlic and mushrooms Alcohol and alcohol products Asafoetida Red lentils

6. For more orthodox Hindus they will not eat food if it is cooked in the same pots and pans used for cooking meat, fish or eggs, even if it is washed and cleaned after such cooking or heated in the same oven or microwave where meat, fish or eggs are cooked or heated. Hindus are required to pray three times a day Most Hindus have a shower before they pray and will need facilities for washing. Some orthodox Hindus will have a shower after using the toilet.

7. Hindus in Australia According to the 2006 census their is an estimated 148,119 Hindus residing in Australia.

8. Sam McGowan