INDIAN CULTURE AND TRADITION

person in white and red costume

Indian culture is a combination or amalgamation of several cultures. 

Beginning with the Indus Valley Civilization and then influenced by history Indian culture has a lot of diversity.

The fundamentals of Indian culture, like philosophy, religion, languages, dance, music, cuisine, mathematics, literature and movies have a deep impact across the world.

white and brown concrete building near body of water under blue sky during daytime
Golden temple – Sikhism

Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and  Buddhism, and are all based on the concepts of “Karma and Dharma”.

woman in green and yellow dress with white wings
Buddhism

Ahimsa, the philosophy of nonviolence, is a significant aspect of native Indian faiths. The most well-known advocate of this faith was Mahatma Gandhi. He played an important role in uniting India during the Indian independence movement. Hence, is he also known as the “Father of the Nation”

Indian Rupee
Mahatma Gandhi

Foreign-origin religions, like Judaism, Islam and Christianity have also become a part of Indian culture.

India is a country comprising 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state has its own culture.

India is known for its religious and ethnic diversity.

The oldest preserved and well-known epics of India are the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata.

Ramayana

The Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses. It tells the story of Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The Mahabharata has “Bhagwad Gita”. Gita is a holy Hindu book that is actually based on the conversation or knowledge imparted by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.

gold and brown dragon statue under cloudy sky during daytime
Mahabharat

Both these epics emphasize the role of Dhárma. Dharma is considered the ideal guiding force for the Hindu way of life.

INDIAN TRADITIONS

Traditional Indian clothing also varies greatly across different parts of the country. It is greatly influenced by local culture, climate, geography and rural/urban settings.

The most popular traditional wear is a Saree, worn by women and dhoti or lungi, is worn by men.

Saree
woman in red cardigan walking on road during daytime
Kurta Pajama

 Bindi, bangles, Mehendi, earrings, nose rings and other jewellery are worn by Indian women.

three woman performing traditional dance

Gold, silver or other regional stones and gems are worn on special occasions, such as marriage ceremonies and festivals, as it has their own significance.

person in red and gold traditional dress
Mehendi and Jewelry

Gold has properties that attract wealth, positivity and happiness.

Bindi is worn on their forehead and is an important part of a Hindu woman’s make-up. But with time, the use of bindi is fading.

Ethnic female with bindi and massive earrings looking down near lush leaves of green bush

India is a culmination of many religions,

hence has a vast culture and tradition,

with its own intricacies.

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