Q: See if there are any Hindu temples or community centers where you live that would allow you to join their congregation. The widespread acceptance of the major world religions has made finding places of worship in unlikely locations more common. As a member of a temple, you will be guided through puja and be given advice on yoga meditation and understanding the Vedas (scriptures), which will help you on your spiritual journey. Unfortunately, it is still somewhat common for Westerners and those of other religious foundations to be rejected from practicing Hinduism in a formal capacity. If this happens to you, keep looking until you find a temple that will accept you, or continue your study and worship on your own. Learn about different ritual activities from the leaders of your temple or community and incorporate them into your practice. In addition to puja and yoga, there are many other rituals that encompass important aspects of Hinduism. While most of these are spiritual in nature and center around paying tribute to divinity, others are more personal and practical, and function almost as good-luck rituals or reminders of the need to excel in your station of life.  Puja is the most commonplace form of ritual in Hinduism, and is usually performed every day. Other important rituals for the Hindu follower to observe include making offerings and sacrifices (symbolic in meaning) to the various deities of the pantheon, decorating the body with markings that represent spiritual aims and sitting in meditation of the truths of the Vedas. Other more sophisticated rituals, collectively identified as a yajna, require the oversight of qualified holy men and typically entail systematic group offerings and blessings. These rituals are more akin to what you might expect to find in churches where Abrahamic religions are practiced. If you belong to a Hindu temple or spiritual community, a yajna is likely to be conducted by the group's most prominent leaders. Hindu festivals are based around the seasons and usually commemorate or symbolize important events in Hindu theology. Some of these celebrations, such as Makar Sankranti, require visiting cultural landmarks like the Ganges river, but many holy events can be honored anywhere with prayers and offerings particular to the day. In becoming immersed in the Hindu religion, make an effort to learn the significance marking these occasions and take part in observing them.  Among the most venerated annual Hindu festivities are Holi, a celebration of springtime and rebirth occurring the day after the full moon in early March; Diwali, the "row of lights" ceremony that commemorates the end of the Vikram calendar; and Mahashivaratri, a birthday celebration for Shiva, one of the three highest deities in the Hindu religion.  The majority of Hindu celebrations are scheduled by the Vikram calendar, which follows a lunar progression, and fall on notable days of the moon cycle. If you have fully committed yourself to following the Hindu religion, you might plan a pilgrimage to visit holy sites in India and its outlying regions and pay your respects. Embarking on a pilgrimage will offer you a rare opportunity to see the shrines of deities and saints, refocus your spiritual devotion and purify yourself of sins and impurities. Pilgrimages are time-consuming and expensive undertakings and may not be feasible for all practitioners, but they are venerated tradition in Hinduism nonetheless.  Some of the most famous sites for pilgrimages include the “big four” Indian towns Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Badrinath, as well as Nepalese stops like the Pashupatinath Temple. A small percentage of larger Hindu organizations that are funded by local communities may offer all-expense-paid group pilgrimage opportunities for those who could not otherwise afford them. Check and see if your temple or organization is one of these.
A: Become a member of a temple. Take part in ritual practices. Attend Hindu celebrations and festivals. Undertake a spiritual pilgrimage.

Q: Being outside for the day often means tanning (voluntarily or involuntarily) so showing skin has become not only socially acceptable, but actually encouraged.  Crop tops, cut-offs, cutouts, bathing suits, bandeaus and  bustiers are all popular. Outdoor festivals are almost always in the thick of summer, when it is hot and sunny. Always bring and wear sunscreen religiously. You don't want to get sunburned. Prepare for rain. Always remember to bring a poncho or rain jacket to avoid being soaked all day. If you are revealing a large amount of skin on top or bottom, even out it out with a more conservative counter-part.  Pair a cropped top with a maxi skirt, or cut-offs with a baggy button-up. Using a "flowing" top or bottom creates a chic look without looking too conservative. Loose flowing components to your clothes will be more comfortable in hot weather. Try a one piece instead. Rompers, dresses, and jumpsuits are very popular music festival choices. This "balances" your outfit for you since most designers dance on the "conservative" and "revealing" line. Patterned one-pieces add depth to an outfit. Floral patterns, abstract patterns and animal prints play into the indie look. Sandals or flip flops are fashionable summer footwear.  The important thing is to play into the summer look (gladiator sandals, chunky heel or jeweled flip flops). You can also look chic in something more structured (loafers, boots, or high fashion sneakers). Keep in mind that if it rains it will be muddy. Plan to bring several changes of shoes, including a pair or sneakers for wet days. You should choose accessories that complement your outfit and hot sunny weather.  Big floppy hats and over-sized or wafer sunglasses will help you protect yourself from the sun. Scarves, cross side bags, dangling earrings, and layered necklaces also pull together the look. Natural or neutral accessories are best. Wear your hair down, pulled back in a curled ponytail, in a messy bun, or up in a cute braid. Make-up should be minimal and natural. Make sure you wear sunblock to protect your skin from the sun.
A:
Choose a casual outfit that shows some skin. Balance out your outfit. Complete the look with the right shoes. Throw on some accessories. Keep your hair and makeup styles minimal.