The scope of culture includes ideas, traditions, customs, influence, arts & literature, modes of life and beliefs that are followed by a society.
In India, there are many customs and traditions to abide by. Here are some of the few that I’ve chosen to share with that are predominantly known for as its culture.
· Namaste
It is a popular form of greeting used in India. This is known to welcome people as well as to bid farewell. The way to greet others is by keeping your palms together and raise below the face. Namaste, by definition means, “I bow before God who is in you.”
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| Saptapadi ritual |
- Saptapadi (7 steps)
Typically, in a traditional Indian marriage, the couple has to take seven steps together around the sacred fire. The seven steps has its own meaning behind it. The first step, the groom vows to provide food for his household. Secondly, he vows to develop physical, mental and spiritual powers together. Third step is to promise to attain wealth through honest means. Fourthly, they promise to acquire knowledge, harmony and happiness by mutual love and trust. Fifth is to be blessed with strong and virtuous offsprings. Sixth is for self-restraint and longevity. Finally, it is the vow that they would be trustful in their life to each other.
· Walking on Fire
It is a ritual ceremony where devotees walk over fire. It is a way of thanks giving for solving problems and sorrows of their life. This is mostly celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
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| Nose ring |
· Nose-pin
It symbolizes purity and marriage. Before piercing of nose, the bride prays for her husband’s health, prosperity and longevity. Scientifically, it wards off infections.
· Thilak
It is a ritual mark placed on the forehead which is a sign of blessing, greeting and auspiciousness. Thilak is made out of red vermillion paste and is applied on the spot located in between the two eyebrows, which is the seat of wisdom and mental concentration.
· Garlanding
Flower garlands are usually made out of jasmine or marigold and are tied by a thread with a knot at the end. Garlanding is a mark of respect or honour. They are offered to welcome visitors or in honour of the gods and goddesses.
· Table Manners
Generally, Indians rinse their hands, legs and face before a meal, at which they sit on a floor and eat using their hands. The Hindus believe that food is first offered to the Gods, followed by the family by the woman of the house who will only eat once everyone else has finished. Indians uses stainless steel or brass vessels and plates; the wealthy uses silver plates while the poor places their food on sections of banana leaves. It is sinful to waste food among Indians. In the villages, leftovers are given to animals and in the cities, to servants and beggars.
· Karma
A belief among Indians, especially the Hindus and Buddhists. It means “action,” where good deeds fetch a reward for good life while bad acts affect not just this life, but the next as well. Thus, it is believed that a person’s birth in this life is determined by the accumulated good or bad acts of his or her previous life.
· Henna
Henna ceremonial painting is considered as a sacred work and a form of worship in many diverse cultures such as India. Mehndi is the Indian name for plant and body art associated with its use. Intricate designs were painted on the bride’s hands and legs as part of their marriage ceremony in India
Indian Tourism Products by Robinet Jacob, Sindhu Joseph & Anoop Philip, 2007
India The Spiritual Kingdom by Radhika Srinivasan & Leslie Jermyn, 2001
India The Spiritual Kingdom by Radhika Srinivasan & Leslie Jermyn, 2001