Unique Indian Traditions and Culture You Need to Know
Chaitrali Datar
India
Officially known as the 'Republic of India', this country is world famous for its culture, customs and traditions, each which hold a special significance.
In the words of the famous author, Mark Twain," India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history and the grandmother of tradition"
Indian Traditions
Namaste
It is a form of greeting where it is used to either welcome someone or bid someone farewell.
It is done by joining both the palms together.
Significance
The word is derived from the two Sanskrit words meaning, namas and te.
Namas means to bow and te means salutation before you.
The entire meaning is 'I bow to the divine in you'.
Applying the Tilak
It is a traditional mark applied at the centre of the eyebrows as a sign of auspiciousness, blessing or greeting.
The Tilak
It is normally vermillion or red in colour as it symbolizes purity and to prevent the loss of energy in the body.
It is also applied with a view to increase concentration in the body.
Aarti /Chanting of Devotional Songs
A devotional song , called as aarti is chanted especially during auspicious occasions.
Aa means 'towards' and rati means virtue in Sanskrit.
The aarti is normally done to praise the deity and make the atmosphere around pure and calm.
Garlands are offered to the deity in India and it is a very common tradition. It symbolizes deep respect and humbling oneself in front of the almighty.
The marigold flowers are commonly used for any kind of auspicious occasion.
A diya or an oil lamp is normally lit in Indian houses in the evening. It is done to bring in positive energy and prosperity in the house.
Drawing of Rangoli/ Intricate Designs
The rangoli is normally drawn outside homes or temples during a celebration. The rangoli stands for strength, generosity and good-luck.
Fasting is an important ritual, which Indian women observe.
It is carried out as a devotion to God, or for one's husband or family's well being.
Observing Fast
More importantly it is done to have a control over one's desires and increase mental strength.
The ritual is considered complete in the night or after sunset by eating fruits.
Culture of India
The Indian culture is an interesting mix of various religions.
They are particularly Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity and Islam.
The roots of Indian culture dates back to the civilization of India, which is more than 5000 years old!
Temples
Most of the temples in India are located around the magnetic waves of the earth.
It helps increasing the positive vibrations around the vicinity of the place.
The majestic Golden Temple, Amritsar
People and Customs
As diverse are the religions so are the people, their attire and their lifestyle.
Though clothing differs greatly throughout India, Sari is one of the most prized possession of the Indian women as it brings out her grace perfectly.
The Red Bindi or Tikka is of a special importance as it signifies Goddess Parvati, and symbolizes the strength of the Indian women. It is also said to retain the energy and concentration.
The diversity in attire is less for men, but even then it differs from state to state with a mixture of ethnic and western.
Other religious customs and traditions
Indian Dance forms are one of the most popular and differ from state to state. Each of the dance form has a religious significance.
Bharatnatyam - Tamil Nadu
Kathakali - Kerala
Kathak - North and Central India
Odisi - Orissa
Manipuri - Manipur
Kuchipudi -Andra Pradesh
The Indian Martial Art is one of the best form of exercise and was invented in India itself. It is well-known all over the world.
The Indian cuisine is one of the best in the world as it is prepared with several spices which has important natural medicinal properties.
People in India consume food with hands, as it also has a scientific significance.
Fingers are heat receptors which prevent our mouth from burning and further eating with hands aids in digestion.
Trivia at a glance
There are a total of 29 states in India and 7 Union territories.
There are a total of 22 languages spoken in India.
Chess, the Zero and trigonometry was invented in India.
India has the world's only floating post office in Dal Lake, Srinagar.
India has the highest number of tiger population in the world.