Indian culture is rich and due to its rare and unique tradition, it should be explored. India is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories and each one of them have their cultural qualities which is different from other states. Thus India’s culture is incredibly different due to its diverse population.
Now, Fasten your seatbelt, and let’s explore India’s culture and traditions.
Culture and Traditions in India
India’s culture and tradition is known worldwide for its diversity. It should be noted that India’s traditions are very unique and colorful, and it is celebrated every year all across the Indian land. Because of the unique culture and tradition, millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit India. Apart from this, many tribes are residing in India who are known for their tradition and you can also witness them.
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Namaste
A gesture to greet and to welcome guests in India is well -known parts of its culture. Namaste or Namaskara, is one of the ancient salutations mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures. Hinduism believes that God resides in every human being and Namaste means ‘I bow to the divine within you’. People generally fold their palms places before the chest. Also, the other meaning of it is Namaha which can be translated as ‘na ma’ (means not mine) which denotes the reduction of ego in the presence of one other.
Festivals
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Indians celebrate hundreds of festivals every year as it is home to several religions and groups. Muslims celebrate Eid and Muharram, Christian celebrates Good Friday and Christmas, Sikhs celebrate Guru Parab and Baisakhi, Hindus celebrate Dussehra, Diwali, Holi Makar Sankranti, and many more. There are also two major religions in India namely Jains and Buddhism that celebrate Mahavir Jayanti and Buddha Poornima respectively. Apart from there, there are many regional festivals such as Chhath puja which is celebrated in North India, and Pongal which is in South India. All their festivals and religions have their own set of values and they cherish them and celebrate it together.
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North India Travel Guide
- About North India
- Ananda In the Himalayas, Rishikesh
- Ayurveda Resorts - North India
- Best Time to Visit North India
- Culture of North India
- Festivals in North India
- History of North India
- How to Reach North India?
Religions
Religions play a prominent role in every sphere of India, be it cultural political, or social. India is home to people with many faiths and religions and all of them live together. Every religion has its own culture and you can sense it while you are in India. Hinduisms are most widespread in India with Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrian and many more. Every one of them enhances this country with their culture and belief and makes it more beautiful.
Language
Language is another way to showcase the culture of India. India is blessed and fortunate to speak many languages. India is home to 22 national languages and also more than 1600 different dialects are spoken here. The languages spoken here are diverse and exquisite and most of them have their script. The prosperity of Indian culture lies in that people of direct language are unified as one!
Architecture
India is also well known for its magnificent architecture which is another significant part of its culture. From ancient times many invaders came to India and they all contributed their mites to its architecture. Also, many ancient dynasties made magnificent temples which are still standing today. Many locations all across the country will never fail to mesmerize you. The Taj Mahal, Meenakshi Temple, Sun Temple, Jantar Mantar, The Ajanta and Ellora Temple, Nalanda University, and many more are highly noticeable and tell the glory of the past of ancient India.
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Joint Family
The concept of a Joint family or combined family is unique and universal in India. Families used to live together with their father, uncle-aunt, and grandparents. This is a unique way of managing standards and stress and also a unique behavior of Indian society.
Fasting
One of the unique and important parts of Hindu culture is Fasting which means Upvas or Vrats in Hindi language. Generally, it is a way to show their sincerity and give thanks to their god and goddess. People observe fast generally on special occasions and also people observe fast on different days of the week which is often connected with a particular day with a special God or Goddess. One common belief behind this tradition is that it strengthens the body and is a way to cleanse one's sins by taking fast.
Cow Worshipped
The cow is considered a Holy animal in Hinduism and it is worshipped in Indian culture. It is worshipped as a symbol of mother. Since ancient times Cows have been the center of the economy of Indian society and they are even mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. That’s why cows play an important role in Indian Culture and Hinduism. Raising a cow or making any contributions to cow shelter or anything related to cows is an important belief of Indians. It is also a source of livelihood for the major rural population of India. Killing cows in any form of consuming meat of cow is considered a crime and many states of India have laws related to cow slaughtering just to save them.
Marriage
The idea of arranged marriage can be traced back to as early as the Vedic period. Scriptures mention the Swayambar which was generally organized by the royal families for the bride. Competitions from all over the states were called to compete to win the bride or the bride got a chance to choose the best groom for her. Even today, the arranged marriage concept is in Indian society and is an integral part of Indian culture.
Symbols
Indian traditions and scriptures are filled with many signs and symbols that have many meanings. For Example, Swastika is famous in the Indian context, and it does not refer to Adolf Hitler Nazism. While the sign of Lord Ganesha is the removal of curtains. The four hands of the four Vedas, the four groups, and four themes that people often pursue.
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“Athithi Devo Bavah”
The term ‘Athithi Devo Bhavah’ is an Indigenous concept of India. It means the guest is like a God to us. It is a verse that is taken from Hindu scriptures and later it became part of Methodology for Hindu groups because the visitor is often considered very important in Indian culture.
Popular India Dances
The diversity of India can be also seen in different forms of Dances which are classified as folk or classical dance which come from different parts of the country. These folk dances represent the cultural background of that geographical location. There are eight dance forms, referred to as Indian Dance and also known as Natyashashtra.
Some famous Dances are:
1. Kathak from Uttar Pradesh
2. Kathakali from Kerela
3. Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu
4. Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh
5. Oddisi from Odisha
6. Manipuri from Manipur
Indian Food
Indian food is not only part of the Indian culture but they are also the main factor behind the popularity of India worldwide. How the food is cooked varies from state to state and the people use extensive spices and herbs in it. Just like religious activities, dances clothing, and language, people also find a variety of food throughout the country. Every region of the country is known for its signature dish. Although vegetarian food constitutes a major part of Indian culture non-vegetarian dishes are one of the main foods of North India, Punjab, and Bengal.
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