The Seven Shades of Indian Culture

• By : Gaurav Batra
• In : Others
• Last Updated: 2017-10-18

The culture of India is well-known across the globe. It is renowned for its uniqueness and exquisiteness that sets it apart from the other cultures. The Indian culture and heritage is a breathtaking amalgamation of the different castes, religions, and regions. And why it shouldn't be? After all, ours is the oldest existing culture.

Each state may have its own language, cuisine, attire, handicrafts, shrines etc. but, we all share the same tricolor and same national anthem. We all cheer for the Indian Cricket Team to the highest pitch, and take pride when the entire world praises our Motherland. All in all, we share the same culture but add a little touch of uniqueness to it. What makes it different from others? Read on and you'll understand it.

The Namaste

Image Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/

A handshake is a mainstream greeting gesture done by all. Namaste is a respectful gesture of greeting someone in India. Used for both salutation and valediction, it is spoken with the palms pressed together, fingers pointing upwards, and thumbs close to the chest. The literal meaning of this salutation is 'Bowing to you'.

Let's tell y'all a surprising fact. This humble gesture isn't restricted to the boundaries of the country. The other South Asian countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, some parts of China etc. also practice Namaste for greeting the people.

Namaste has gained an immense popularity in the Western Countries like the US. Many people greet each other in the Namaste pose. Isn't that amazing!

The Science Behind Temples

Image Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/

The holy shrines and temples have been an integral part of the Indian Culture. Throughout the country, there are countless temples located that are thronged by devotees on an extensive scale. Practicing idolatry was never a reason for the construction of temples but, there lies a strong reason that why the temples were built? There lies science behind the construction of a temple.

All such shrines stand along with the magnetic wave lines of the earth. These waves play a key role in enhancing the positive energy. The sanctum sanctorum has a copper plate buried beneath it that absorbs the vibrations and resonate them in the surroundings. Thus, it is a major reason that advocates for visiting the nearby temples frequently so that the body can absorb the positive vibrations.

Religious Symbols

Image Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/

All faiths in India have their own religious verses, texts, scriptures etc. and collectively, they are represented by a symbol. Each religion has its own specific symbol like Om in Hinduism, Khanda in Sikhism, Cross in Christianity, and the calligraphic representation of Allah's name in Islam etc.

These symbols hold a great significance among the people. Unlike other countries that practice one religion, India is a secular nation and it gives an equal respect to all the religions. This is the prominent reason of having the largest followers of each religion in India.

Atithi Devo Bhavah

Image Source : http://atithidevobhava.in/

Atithi Devo Bhavah is a part of a holy mantra in which the guest is equivalent to God. It is a high value-laden statement where a guest is given a status equivalent to God. This statement cannot be defined in words but, it can be experienced when you visit someone's place as a guest. They'll greet and welcome with warmth and will pamper you at its best. It is the righteous nature of Indian culture to treat the guest affectionately.

Always a Festive Season

Image Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/

Undeniable and true! The Indian calendar is always dotted with the numerous festivals in each month. Right from January till December, we all keep celebrating some or the other festival on a small & regular gap. This became possible due to the diversity in the soil of the nation. India is a home to a vast populace that practices different religions and this makes it unique from other countries that observe and celebrate few festivals.

Joint Families

Image Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/

"Our four generations live together in the same house", "There's no need to visit at my grandparent's place because we live with them" etc. are some statements that might astonish some people. Today, in the era where people prefer living in nuclear families, there are people that live in a joint family system. It makes a sturdy foundation of the camaraderie among all relatives.

This system has been given a modern touch according to the time. Since residing in the same house doesn't allow any private time, the families live together in the same building with different floors/apartments. Such system boosts the bond among everyone.

Indian Ethnic Wear

Image Source : https://upload.wikimedia.org/

The ethnic Indian attire is an inseparable part of the culture of India. Each state of this country has its own attire that astonishes the foreigners. Saree, salwar-kameez, Kurta-pajama, Sherwani, lungi, dhoti etc. are some prominent Indian ethnic attire donned by the people.

Such dresses have their own charm and are the prime choice for males and females to look elegant. These dresses are comfortable and easy to carry. Thus, they are widely popular among the people of all regions in India. Even the foreigners that arrive here do not miss the chance to drape the saree and don the Sherwani.

So, readers, this was a tiny list of the Indian culture and heritage that has claimed popularity across the globe. Due to the humongous diversity of the country, there are numerous things that make the Indian culture unique and popular in the world. Try exploring some and do tell us as well.