India is a land of rich and diverse cultures. Its distinct Indian culture and tradition have been developing for thousands of years. Another interesting thing about Indian culture is that it varies from region to region. This huge country has various traditions, different people, and ways of life. The traditions of the country are its heritage that binds everybody together. It is so interesting to know more about this country and its traditions. To know more about the culture and tradition in the country, you can read further.
Here is a list of Indian culture and tradition that will interest and amaze you-
- Religion- Many world’s major religions, like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, were born here. Though Hinduism is the most popular religion in the country, other religions like Christianity and Muslim have also worked their way into the population.
- Namaste- Indian have a very humble and unique style of greeting people. They greet people with folded hands and bowed hands. They show respect to the person by ‘bowing to them’. This gesture is also adopted by well-known personalities like Barack Obama and Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary-General.
- Food- Just like the diversity of land, the cuisine in India is also so diverse. Every state here has something unique to offer. Each state in India has a signature dish that is made with a different mix of spices and herbs. India is also diverse in terms of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Various cuisines include Gujrati, Rajasthani, South Indian, Punjabi food, Sindhi food, etc. Some cuisines, like Kashmiri cuisines, are influenced by Persian cooking styles.
- Languages- India has an extensive range of languages. Though Hindi is the most popular language in the country, it has 22 other official languages. There are 121 other languages and 270 mother tongues. A few languages include Punjabi, English, Kannada, Oriya, Malayalam, Dogri, Gujrati, Marathi, and a few more.
- Clothing- You can see Indian women adorning beautiful sarees and men wearing a dhoti. The saree originally originated among India’s temple dancers because it allowed them to maintain modesty and also gave them freedom of movement. Along with the saree, other regional dresses are also famous. Men also wear Kurta pajama in India because it is comfortable and keep them easy during hot weather. Indians love to dress up heavily during festivals, weddings, and family get-togethers.
- Architecture- India has some of the most stunning architectural structures and art culture. The Taj Mahal is one of the well-known examples of Indian architecture. Other forts and palaces include the Red Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Agra Fort, and Amber Palace. No matter which part of the country you visit, there is no dearth of architectural wonders. Each state in India has something unique to offer. The country has an abundance of temples, palaces, forts, and mosques. The architecture of the country is rooted in its religion, history, and culture. People from all over the world visit India to appreciate its monuments and understand its history.
- Movies, Music, and Dance- Movies play a vital role in the culture of the country. ‘Bollywood’ is one of the most famous film making industries in the world. If we talk about Indian music, dance, paintings, or theater, everything is connected to religious and spiritual customs. Some classical dances here include Kathak, Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali, and Mohiniattam. These dance forms showcase the art of mythological storytelling and ancient literature.
- Customs- Apart from Indian culture and tradition, the country has many customs that make Indians different from the rest of the world. Here the concept of Atithi Devo Bhavah is prevalent, which means that guests are considered equivalent to god. They are shown huge respect and regard.
- Symbols Fasting- Fasting is an integral part of Hindu Culture. Fasts or Vrats or Upvas are a way to represent your sincerity and resolve, or express your gratitude to the Gods and Goddesses. People throughout the country observe fasts during various religious occasions. Some people also observe fast on different days of a week in favour of a particular God or Goddess associated with that specific day. It is widely believed that by doing so, you are depriving your body of a basic necessity and thus, punishing yourself to cleanse off the sins that you have committed until the day of fast.
To Sum It Up
When people talk about India, several things come to mind. The crowded streets, costumes, The Taj Mahal, the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, yoga, Bollywood dance and music, and a lot more. With the changing times, India is adapting to western lifestyles, but Indians have beautifully blended western adaptation with their culture and values. The beauty of this country is that it is so diverse. If you move from north to south, or east to west, every few miles, the lifestyle, culture, value system, cuisine, dance form, dressing sense, and language will change. In a nutshell, it can be said that the cultural diversity in India makes it special and distinctive. You can read more about Indian culture and tradition at Abouther website.
