Indian Culture threads of mythology beliefs and everday life

• 2021-08-07 12:10:18

1. A country where caste system exists- Unfortunately Caste system in India has earned it a bad name over the decades. Although according to ancient manuscripts, it was introduced to maintain order and create a pool of skillful sections within the society without any discrimination. With invaders coming in and colonial supremacy, created a barrier by dividing the society and dominating the rule hence, the present era of discrimination. Sadly, there are still notorious acts such as honor killing and alike. It is advisable to not discuss or ask anyone of their caste.
2. Cows are protected and revered at God- The cow is regarded as a spiritual and holy animal in Indian culture. Cows are revered all over the country and it is well known that Lord Krishna is also known as Govinda, which means "friend of the cows." As a result, all cows in India are treated with tremendous respect and are given special protection. For many Indians, feeding and caring for a cow is a very sacred experience. This idea is so widespread in India that it has been outlawed in some locations. Indian culture and religion show their gratitude to this gentle creature who returns to Mother Earth and her people in a variety of ways. They regard the milk supplied by cows as life-giving. It's usually a good idea to keep this in mind when visiting India. Making a remark about beef, or worse, asking for some in a restaurant, is the last thing you want to do!
3. Ghunghat or veiled face system- Women were once known for their beauty. Their hair just enhanced their beauty. They did, however, experience some hair troubles as a result of the sun's heat, as they discovered that the rays were hazardous and destroyed their hair. As a result, they began to cover their heads with a cloth to protect themselves from the elements. The same tradition is being observed, but the basis for belief has changed. That is something we are all aware of.
4. Celebration never stops here- There is always something celebratory going on in Indian culture because it is made up of different religions and cultures. To name a few, there are Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus. This means that the streets will be packed with people celebrating Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, Diwali, and other festivals throughout the year. This may appear intimidating at first, but as long as you are respectful, you are welcome to inquire about what is going on and what is being celebrated. It is both an honour and a privilege to be present on one of these religious days. This will be something you will remember for the rest of your life.
5. Namaste: A universal code of greeting- Namaste, also known as namaskar or namaskaram, is a common Indian salutation that means "I bow to the divine within you." During the Coronavirus outbreak, this respectable form of saying hello, farewell, and thank you became extremely popular around the world as an alternative to handshakes and hugs. Place the palms together in a prayer stance in front of the chest to make the motion of bowing slightly in front. 'Atithi Devo Bhava,' a Sanskrit line from Hindu texts that translates as 'the visitor is similar to god,' is another popular saying. Guests have traditionally been accorded prime importance in Indian society. Depending on the circumstances of the conversation, you may also meet the Indian head shake, which might imply yes, thank you, or indicate understanding.
6. Fasting- Fasting is an important aspect of Hindu tradition. Fasts, also known as Vrats or Upvas, are a method to demonstrate your sincerity and resolution, as well as to thank the Gods and Goddesses. During numerous religious festivals, people across the country practise fasts. Some individuals may fast on specific days of the week in honour of a specific God or Goddess associated with that day. The rules and regulations of a rapid are determined by the circumstances. Fasting is thought to have originated in the Vedic rite of starting a sacrificial fire for sacrifice purposes. People may have observed fasts when they had to kindle or rekindle home fires because the word 'upvas' has been used to denote both fasts and kindling sacrifice fire.
7. Indian Spices and Food- The rich spices and herbs used in Indian food can be difficult for some visitors to acclimate to. Indian spices are well-known for their medicinal properties, food preservation abilities, and taste punch. Spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom have been used for hundreds of years to improve the flavour of otherwise bland but nutritious dishes. The rich spices and herbs used in Indian food can be difficult for some visitors to acclimate to. Indian spices are well-known for their medicinal properties, food preservation abilities, and taste punch. Spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom have been used for hundreds of years to improve the flavour of otherwise bland but nutritious dishes.
8. Jewellery of Gold & Silver- Gold is a hot element that pulls cold, while silver is a cold element that absorbs heat, according to science. Our forefathers were wise enough to recognise this and began wearing gold ornaments like Mukut on their heads to keep their minds calm and silver ornaments such as Payel on their legs to protect their feet from the chill. We still do things the same way, but the reason given was a little different.
9. Clothing in India- The environment, cultural traditions, and ethnicity of each location influence the clothing in India. Male and female clothing has evolved from simple body-covering clothes (sari, dhoti, gamcha, kaupina, langota, lungi, and loincloths) to complex costumes worn on festival occasions, ceremonies, and dance performances. Western dress is worn by people of all ages. Traditional Indian attire frequently displays incredible abilities passed down through the years, such as stitching, decoration, and printing, as well as extravagant textiles like exquisite silk. Clothing with certain colours might be worn to indicate a religion or a ceremony.
10. Art and Science of Temples- Usually temples are built along Earth's magnetic wave lines, which helps to maximise the amount of positive energy available. The copper plate buried beneath the main deity (known as Garbhagriha or Moolasthan) absorbs and reverberates this energy to its surroundings. Going to the temple can help you have a healthy mindset and attract beneficial energy, which can lead to better health. It is also customary to remove one's shoes before entering places of worship to avoid bringing dirt into an otherwise clean and consecrated setting.
11. Tales of Ancient times: Mahabharata, Ramayana and Vedas- India has several excellent epics in the form of stories, poems, plays, and sanity guides that date back many centuries. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are two of the most well-known Hindu epics, both of which contain dramatic tales of gods and demons, love and conflict, chariots and kidnappings. For thousands of years, these stories have been recounted and retold, and they are an important element of Indian culture. The Ramayana follows Rama, prince of the legendary state of Kosala, on his fourteen-year exile to the jungle, which his father King Dasharatha persuaded him to do. In Sanskrit, the Mahabharata is the longest poem ever written. Both epics depict the triumph of good over evil and the importance of dedication, loyalty, sacrifice, and truth. Whereas Vedas cover a variety of topics in four volumes, from ancient medicinal practices to daily routines and their effects on body and environment including some excerpts of new age science, Vedas are considered to be the basis of everyday life.
12. Swastika: holy symbol with deep meaning- Various signs and symbols with numerous meanings can be found throughout Indian traditions and scriptures. In the context of India, the Swastika, for example, does not allude to Adolf Hitler or Nazism. It is the symbol of Lord Ganesha, the Obstacle Remover. The Swastika's arms have a variety of meanings. They represent the four Vedas, four constellations, or four major goals of life.
13. Dances of India- Indian dances come in a variety of styles. These are frequently regional, and each has its own subtleties and flare. The dances have effectively found their way into popular culture because they are so lively and strong. Bollywood films frequently outperform huge Hollywood blockbusters in terms of box office receipts. From Kathak to Kathakali, Manipuri to Bharatnatyam and even the martial art dance form of Kalaripayattu, each has its own significance, uniqueness and sheer grace to leave anyone spellbound.
14. Yoga- Yoga has been part of everyday lifestyle for times immemorial. Unlike the modern concept as promoted in western countries, Yoga is just not about fitness and connecting with yourself. Yoga has evolved around major Gods and Goddesses and other living creatures, many poses are even named after them. For instance:- Surya Namasker or Sun salutation is a traditional way to pay gratitude to Sun God for its bounty and providing us with natural gifts.