India is an ideal country of an extensive number of culture, language and religion. Though this century old country country has become ‘modern’ in this 21st century, but yet its customs and traditions are conscientiously followed both in urban and rural India. The country’s traditions and its customs distinguish it from other countries of the world and give it a unique position.
The traditions and customs of India vary with different cultures and religions. And India is nothing but a melting pot of numerous faiths and religions. As a secular country, everyone is free to choose the religion according to his/her wish. Indian customs are known as a collective form of all religions and cultures. In Indian way of life, customs and rituals are two integral parts which traverse the country’s boundary of cast, religion and creed.
Birth Ceremony
By following the country’s tradition, Indians rejoice the birth of a baby by conducting a small ceremony. This ceremony is celebrated some days after the child has come home. In this ceremony, the baby is made to lie down on a beautifully decorated cradle and a priest decides the first alphabet of the baby’s name.
Namaskar/Namaste
according to Indian customs, Indian greet each other by joining the palms at almost the chest level and by saying “namaste”.
Prostrating
Indian traditions educate youngsters to show respect to elders by prostrating before the elders. Indian youngsters kneel down and touch the feet of their parents as a sign of respect and to receive their blessing.
Traditional Welcome
A guest is considered as equal to God in India, which is why this phrase is associated with it “Atithi Devo Bhava”. This is also the phrase which is used for a campaign launched by the Tourism Ministry of India to present as well as highlight the rich culture of India. For Indians welcoming a guest is no less than an event. The guests are given a very warm traditional welcome which starts by giving a welcome drink. Then a “tikka” is given on the forehead of the guests and a small “aarti” is performed.
Lighting Lamp/Diya
In Indian tradition, a small lamp, which is known as “diya” is lit before an idol of god. Along with diya, incense sticks are also lit. These are lit in the early hours of morning and evening, which is considered as sacred and to bring good luck to the house.
Wedding Ceremony
According to the country’s customs, Indian weddings are held in brilliant manner with wonderful display of dance, music, fireworks, and lip smacking cuisines. In India weddings are not a one-day affair, most of them continue for 3-4 days.
So, this was a brief account of Indian customs. Here one thing must be mentioned that despite of westernisation and modernisation of the country, traditions are still followed and respected in this country by people which has distinguished India from rest of the world.
