Some of the most popular traditions in India that people observe are related to the festivals and festivities that occur during the major festivals. Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Baisakhi and Rakshabandhan are all major festivals of India. There are many other popular festivals that occur throughout the year. This article will discuss some of the most popular traditions in India.
The Hindu religion is one of the oldest religions in the world. There are many of the Hindu customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the most popular traditions in India is chanting Veda, the ancient Hindu Vedic hymns and scriptures. Muslims commemorate Eid Baisakhi and Jain celebrate Diwali, a month of goodness with lots of charity. Christians mark Christmas and other Christian customs are celebrated byproducts of their rich history in India. Hindus believe that the universe is filled with energy called “kundalini”.
Hindus celebrate the beginning of the rainy season with much excitement and gaiety as the rains bring in the prosperity. The Hindu festivals and rituals associated with the rains and celebrations make India a festive and lively place to be. The most famous of these Hindu customs are the Durga Puja, which are the main attraction of the season, and is celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry that one can imagine. Every region of India has its own version of Durga Puja, and people from even remote corners of India to visit the shrines to perform the rituals.
Besides the typical customs and rituals of Indian festivals, people also observe certain unique beliefs and traditions that are unique to this unique country. They practice some unusual yoga techniques, meditate, practice meditation, take up spiritual movements, pay homage to the Mother Goddess and take other similar actions. These unique beliefs and practices make India a vibrant and colorful place to live for those who cherish their heritage.
One of the most popular traditions in India is the practice of bowing to elders. Although the Western world is unaware of this practice, it is very common in parts of north India, particularly in the border regions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Many people are known to follow this unadulterated practice in order to keep themselves away from the wicked, or to show respect to the holy personalities who are revered in these border regions.
Other Indian rituals and customs include the following: Aarti, which are a religious ceremony; Diwali, which is the festival of lights; Ganesh Chathurthi, which are the most important festival of India; Kiteboarding and wind surfing in coastal areas near the beaches; Bhaiduj, the Indian game of cards; Durga Puja, which are the main event of Durga Puja; and many more. Each of these customs and ceremonies have their own significance and are performed with immense respect and reverence by the Hindus. Hindus believe in practicing ceremonies in order to honor their deceased ancestors. They believe that by performing these rituals and customs they are able to visit the land of their ancestors and pay their respects. Besides being a significant part of the Hindu religion, these festivals are also quite popular among the tourists and foreign visitors in India.
Although all these are major Hindu customs, there are some customs that are more popular among the Muslims and the Christians. The Muslims follow their religion strictly and so don’t allow any non-Islamic clothes into the mosques. Hence, all clothes considered to be ‘western’ are not allowed inside the mosques. Thus, clothes considered to be ‘western’ are mostly worn by the women. On the other hand, the Christians follow much more liberal views, and therefore most of them are seen wearing long sleeves or jeans inside the churches.
One of the most popular traditions in India is the one performed by the audit of temples. Hindus believe that it is the duty of any temple to bring the worthy almighty back to earth. So, whenever a temple has to be rebuilt or constructed new ones, all the evil spirits are placated with the offerings made at the new temple. It is also believed that it is an act of good faith for a Hindu to offer rice and grains to the god. Since most pandits live away from the main cities of south India, this has become an important part of their lives.