CULTURE OF INDIA

The term culture refers to a state of intellectual development or manners. The

social and political forces that influence the growth of a human being is defined as
culture.
Indian culture is rich and diverse and as a result unique in its very own way. Our
manners, way of communicating with one another, etc are one of the important
components of our culture. Even though we have accepted modern means of
living, improved our lifestyle, our values and beliefs still remain unchanged. A
person can change his way of clothing, way of eating and living but the rich values
in a person always remains unchanged because they are deeply rooted within our
hearts, mind, body and soul which we receive from our culture.

Indian culture treats guests as god and serves them and takes care of them as if
they are a part and parcel of the family itself. Even though we don’t have anything
to eat, the guests are never left hungry and are always looked after by the
members of the family. Elders and the respect for elders is a major component in
Indian culture. Elders are the driving force for any family and hence the love and
respect for elders comes from within and is not artificial. An individual takes
blessings from his elders by touching their feet. Elders drill and pass on the Indian
culture within us as we grow.
“Respect one another” is another lesson that is taught from the books of Indian
culture. All people are alike and respecting one another is ones duty. In foreign
countries the relation between the boss and the employee is like a master and
slave and is purely monetary whereas in Indian culture the relation between the
boss and the employee is more like homely relations unlike foreign countries.
Helpful nature is another striking feature in our Indian culture. Right from our
early days of childhood we are taught to help one another in need of help and
distress. If not monetary then at least in kind or non-monetary ways. Indian
culture tells us to multiply and distribute joy and happiness and share sadness and
pain. It tells us that by all this we can develop co-operation and better living
amongst ourselves and subsequently make this world a better place to live in.
Even though India is a country of various religions and caste our culture tells us
just one thing 'phir bhi dil hai Hindustani '.
The History of India's culture: Ancient civilization in India reveals marvelous facts about our heritage. It
is a eye opener as to how kingdoms ruled and how people went about life in a logical way. Though
medieval, it is actually amazing to find how people transacted and went about building dams and tended
to the chief occupation which was agriculture. Dance and rituals were always a part of Indian culture and
this was the chief mode of entertainment.

Indian culture is also about respecting elders, honoring heroes and cherishing love. It is a land of
aspirations, achievements and self reliance. Indian culture has a very high level of tolerance and hence
the advent of so many external cultures was not restricted. Adaptation to any culture or embracing a
religion was always the democratic culture. Indian history is about war heroes during Indus valley
civilization and the initial time when currency was coined. Indian history talks a lot about self reliance
especially in terms of food and agricultural produce. This was the great effort put in by the farmers and
support received through irrigation. The modern agriculture also shows a lot of indigenous methods of
preserving the produce. The Chola dynasty, the great King Emperor Ashoka and the secular era of
Emperor Akbar will always be green in our memory. Several books are written on the rich Indian culture
wherein the saints preserved the Vedas and scriptures.

There are shlokas and mantras i.e. chants that can evoke positive energy and revoke enthusiasm in life.
The rich culture of yoga as a part of life and the goodness of ayurveda has now got an universal lifestyle
approach. Our roots are strong and despite the westernization and access to technology, the distinct
Indianness is still maintained whilst celebrating Diwali or observing the Shravan fast. This is also believed
to be a land of Lord Rama which is Ayodhya or the birthplace of Sri Krishna is considered as Mathura.
The birth of Sikh religion and the reverence felt by all Indians is still intact. Indians are extremely secular
and especially in the metros there is seamless blending of Indians during Xmas and Id.

Attires in Indian culture : Ethnic charm is exuded in simple outfits in India. The tropical climate is well
adapted to the range of muslins and cottons. The mixed variety in cotton goes from viscose, polycot and
also cotton silk which has a sheen of its own. Attires are very much about the region and climate. The
Himalayan costume is suited for the environment where the dress is a blanket wrap in red and black
secured with a ethnic pin. The ornaments or jewelry is a festive adornment with a big red bindi to
complete the outfit.

The sari happens to be the most versatile drape with its amazing styles of draping and design. The sari is
the traditional dress of India which also modifies as per material, drape and style with each region. This
has also gone up to international drape style followed by ranking designers on the ramp shows. The
chungari sari of the south has the tie and dye pattern that finds its counterpart in the bandhi print of
Gujarat. There are embroidery types that seem to be the intrinsic talent of certain regions.
The cardigans and shawls are hand-woven from the North especially the Himachal and Arunchal belt.
This displays the rich handicraft culture of India. The modernization in winter wear is seen with details like
pockets, zippers, blends of fabrics and easy feel wear. The gota work of Rajashtan and Punjab is skilled
golden zari strips woven or fixed on to the main garment like a sari or the dupatta. The most comfortable
dress is the salwar kameez that radiates Indianness and is also comfortable.

The south Indian Kerala set-saree is the beautiful print in cream and golden which can be teamed with
colored blouses. The navvari sari or the nine yard drape of Mahrasthra is usually found in leaf green color
that is symbolic of the newly married bride. The colors also seem to be in mauve, red or blues and the
sarees happen as Narayan peth, paithani and various other Belgaum prints.
The padavai is the ghagra choli for young girls in the south that is incomplete without the gold jewelry
especially the kaashi gold chain and jhumki earrings. This is also modified as ghagra choli is simple
cottons for daily wear in the villages and designed as the lehenga choli in designer wear in the metros.

Values in India : Tradition in India is about values that transcend down generations automatically. These
are genetic traits and simplicity is the main ingredient. Ancient culture believed in a lot of dogmas and
rituals that can be termed as false beliefs and Indians are an intelligent lot to traverse these paths and
modify the social requirements. Indians are highly flexible in the sense they would like to imbibe the
changes dictated by western influence and yet clearly affirm their belief in traditions.

It is customary to respect elders and touch their feet as to seek their blessings. Occasions or festivals
demand a lot of participation in terms of rangoli drawing, diyas and an array of yummy treats made in the
authentic variety as per the caste and geography. Hindu rituals are a lot about song and dance and each
family has a natural way to adjust to these formats. It is a ritual to pray to the Goddess of learning Ma
Saraswathi to achieve success. Similarly business people always insist on drawing the Swastika which
marks prosperity and worship the Goddess of wealth.

With the advent of technology and women emancipation there is a trend to mingle free with the western
concepts of dress, belief, work and also get into a secular concept. But one can feel a distinct Indianness
and most of our brethren abroad miss their homeland. Indians all over the world are known for their
hospitality and high level of tolerance. Their adaptation power is high and hence they are able to scale
heights in the international arena. Putting oneself on the global map, Indians are seeking new vistas of
communicating their beliefs and tradition. The gift of health and well being through yoga and meditation is
a great source of Vedas in the rich Hindu tradition which has actually benefited the world.
The values in India is about living life with a zest and observing the belief that there is one God prevailing
despite so many religions.
Respecting elders, understanding cross culture traditions, free mingling to accommodate tolerance,
staying interested in rural welfare are the values of India. The artifacts, cuisine handicrafts, attire and
lifestyle of the rural folks is still followed and preserved by Indians.

Family Culture of India : Family is about joy and sharing. In India, the family culture is all about love and
patience. A girl weds into a family and adjusts herself seamlessly to the rituals, routine and cuisine. Of
late, one can see a lot of love marriages i.e. cross border mingling which is also being accepted by the
elders in the family. Association with religious beliefs and sects is also followed by families as many
families believe in a particular Guru or saint who guides them in their spiritual path. Families are also
getting nuclear owing to independent lifestyle preference and also the concept where in both husband
and wife is working and has demanding careers. This is quite common in metros where families are
independent in their upbringing and yet love and respect the elders who reside separately. The earlier
homes housed themselves together in very large families where one can actually see three or four
generations put up together.

Certain families observe a matriarchal concept i.e. the groom resides in the house of the bride or also
follows a tradition as per the bride’s ancestors. Generally India is patriarchal in the sense the children get
the surname of the father and the wife changes her surname to follow that of the husbands. It is also a
tradition in certain families that the wife changes her maiden name but again this concept is also
changing. Indian families are very accommodating and willing to accept change. It is a concept to observe
the karva chauth or the raksha bandhan with great aplomb. There is an occasion for gifting and seeking
the blessings of elders. It is important to respect and hold certain family traditions which are unique in
terms of cooking, rituals and beliefs. Families give a lot of importance to lighting the diya in the evening
and also each person in family has a habit of doing the puja in his own way.

Metros are also seeing a lot of family value in celebrating birthdays and anniversaries by observing the
rituals and also entertaining outdoors. The Indian culture has imbibed the right mix of western influence
and yet maintaining the ethnic family tradition. There is more love in every family while blowing candles
on the birthday cake and also lighting the diya to observe an Aarti for the birthday person.

Dance forms in India : Folk music and tradition is the rich heritage of modern India. Despite the advent
of technology, open communication and developments in all fields, the area of fine arts still gives a proud
picture of our India. Dance is a part of celebration and is the intrinsic part of Indian glory. There are folk
dances which are distinct and distinguished as per the geography. This also calls for a lot of make up
talents and attire which only enhances the beauty of the dance and song.
 Indian dance forms have traveled internationally and
there are many academies of Indian dance forms
abroad. The participation is a great impetus to the
tradition of India and a boon for the NRI’s who love
associating themselves with Indian culture.
Bharatnatyam is the most renowned form of dance
from the South. Kept alive by sincere efforts of
traditional gurus and the allegiance of many students,
this is a dance form which is almost a religion to
many who revere it.

The Bharatanatyam dance is usually done with bent

knees in a forward position and has the opportunity of
display the Nav Ras or the emotions. The make up
style and attire is very typical and hence allows a lot
of expression. Kuchupidi is a characteristic dance
form again from the south. Kathakali and has a lot to
do like enacting a play and the use of mask, gear and
get up. There are many schools that impart training
and seeking this form of dance knowledge is a
journey by itself.
The ghumar dance of Rajashtan is a lot about rotation and typical palm movements. The ghungrus and
the ghungat impart more style to this type of dance. The Lavani of Maharasthra is now being revoked by
sincere people and the type of dance is now again getting traditional in its concept without being polluted
by other influences. The gharba dance which was a form of raas by the gopis and Krishna is now being
followed in all parts of India. There is enough commercialization in the 9 day festival in metros and the
participation is done on a wide scale.

The Manipuri and Oddissi dance is very ethnic in its concept. There are a number of folk dances which
still happen in the villages where the authentic lifestyle of rural India is displayed. Dance is the main form
of artistic entertainment along with folk songs and other influences that is brought in by cinema.
Acknowledging the subtle distinguishing points, the essence of Indian dance form is pure and unique.

Namaste or Pranam --How we greet each other in India.

To greet a friend or another Indian, We join our hands (palms together), bow
down in front of the other person, and say Namaste, Namaskar, or Pranam.

The Lord dwells in the heart of every human being. This joining of hands
symbolizes the meeting of two souls, our real self actually meets Itself. This
signifies reverent Salutations and Unity of Souls.
Bowing down & joining hands symbolizes humility and also makes us
humble. Thus when we joins our hands and say Namaskar, we actually see the
Lord in the other persons and believe, "I bow with deep respects to the all-loving,
all-powerful and omnipresent (present everywhere) Lord in you."