INDIAN CULTURE

BY – MANSVINI MISRAIX - B

IN THIS LAND OF FREEDOM, I CAN HAVE MY OWN RELIGION, MY OWN GOD AND MY OWN FAITH.

SECULARISM IN INDIA – MY GOD

"I do not expect India of my dreams to develop one religion, i.e., to be wholly Hindu or wholly Christian or wholly Mussalman, but I want it to be wholly tolerant, with its religions working side by side with one another.'' So said Mahatma Gandhi.

TASTE OF INDIA

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD IN INDIA

Many cultures and customs converge in India, including food traditions. The subcontinent can be divided into roughly four culinary regions----north, east, south and west. These cooking regions are grouped by geography, climate and cultural influences. While most Indian food is identified by the use of somewhat exotic spices, the subtleties and variations of regional favorites, as well as traditional ingredients used in the major cooking regions, produce ethnically diverse and delicious cuisine throughout the country.

FOOD – IN THE VEINS OF REGIONS

NORTH EAST

SOUTH WEST

FOOD – NORTH INDIAN TASTEHeavy oils and wheat-based dishes are characteristic of North Indian cuisine. Traditional entrees include vegetable-stuffed wheat pancakes (parathas) and

unleavened bread. Tandoori cooking originated here, with naan, tandoori chicken and tandoori kebabs a key part of the regional cuisine. Dairy products are plentiful in this region as well, with yogurt, clarified

butter (ghee), and cottage cheese (paneer) appearing frequently to mellow out some of the more pungent

spices. Deep fried foods, like dough balls, are also popular in this region.

FOOD – EAST INDIAN FOOD Fish and rice dishes of all kinds----spicy, sweet or sour---

dominate the dinner tables in Eastern India. Fish curry (macherjhol), noodle soups (thukpa) and mashed vegetables are typical in dishes made in East India. Most entrees are rice-based, with lots of spices and oils used in preparation, although food dishes are treated with a lighter touch, with steaming, light frying and boiling as the most common cooking styles. Regional spices include mustard, fennel and cumin. East India is also renown for sweets, especially cakes and candies.

FOOD – SOUTH INDIAN FOOD More tropical flavors dominate the cuisine of Southern

India, such as coconut, bananas and jackfruit. Stuffed rice and lentil crepes (dosas) and fermented rice cakes (idli) are other South Indian delicacies. Strong spices dominate South Indian food, and favorites include cinnamon, clover, cardamom and pepper. Seafood, particularly fish and prawns, often stars as the main dish. Most South Indian food is less greasy than other areas, as dishes are primarily steamed or lightly fried. Rice dominates in the kitchen, just as it does in the east.

FOOD – WEST INDIAN FOOD Fewer meat dishes are prominent in Western Indian cuisine,

as the area's inhabitants are heavily vegetarian. Stir-fried and curried vegetable dishes are plentiful, as are sweet and sour sauces that are served over rice. Most meat dishes feature

seafood, as Western India enjoys an extensive coastline. Lobster, crab, fish and prawns all feature prominently in

Western Indian dishes. Peanuts, cashews and sesame seeds are frequent garnishes to main courses. Steamed cakes

(khaman dhokla) and flat bread (rotli) are eaten as sides.

FESTIVALS OF INDIA

BAKR – ID

Bakr-id, to be rightly called Id-ul-Azha, is one of the most important Muslim festivals. This festival is observed and celebrated as a Festival of Sacrifice by Muslims all over the world. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. Bakrid is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command. On this day, goats are sacrificed as an offering. Bakrid is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor among Muslims. Men and women dress up in new clothes and go to mosques. They offer special prayers or 'Dua' for the peace and prosperity of all Muslims. After the prayer, sacrifice is done. Muslims greet one another 'Eid Mubarak' and share their warmth. They visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts. Special delicacies and dishes are prepared and served amongst family and friends.

BUDDHA JAYANTI Buddhism might not be as old as other religions, but is definitely the

most popular. This is because of its teachings that have transformed the thinking and living of many. Many argue that Buddhism is not even a religion, but a set of teachings that an enlightened prince

called Siddhartha gave. Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment and salvation of this prince. It was his simplicity and love for others that captured the faith of everyone's life that he, and

later his teachings, touched. In today's time, when man's faith on mysticism is in question, he bends his faith towards that of a human

teaching. Although many believe that Buddha was a God, some believe he was an avatar of Vishnu (the supreme God in Hinduism).

God or not, Lord Buddha is kept in the same pedestal by his followers.

CHRISTMAS Christmas is believed to be a western festival. There have been age

long debates on whether or not India had Christianity as a religion before the European invasion. Whichever be the case, it seems easier to believe that Europeans brought Christianity to the country. However, even if it did exist before they came, surely the customs must not have been similar as that of the Europeans. Today what we see, especially in urban India, is without doubt an adaptation of the western celebration; in an Indianized way. But wherever it came from, it brings us a time of sheer happiness and togetherness. Celebrated on the 25th day of the month of December every year, Christmas is celebrated with much pomp and show. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, savior of mankind. Every family, Christian or non-Christian, revel in the merriment and indulge in activities to enjoy the Yuletide.

DUSSEHRA Giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnada, and Kumbhakarna being built days

before indicate the arrival of one of the most significant and highly revered festivals of India - Dussehra, preceded by the nine-day Navratri.

The sights of these huge and full effigies pass on the message of preparing for the festivities that highlight this auspicious festival. Dussehra, the

celebration of victory over evil, is a devout festival of the Hindus, marked on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashwin, as per the

Hindu calendar, at the end of the nine days of Navratri. Also referred to as Vijaya Dashmi, Dasara, or Dashain, this holy occasion brings together

families and friends to indulge in the worship and devotion of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, apart from celebrating the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king, Ravana. Though this blissful occasion is

observed across the country, larger-than-life celebrations are held in Delhi and Varanasi, the most popular places to witness them.

DEEPAVALI India celebrates a festival almost every month and thus, has

been rightly called the Country of Festivals. There are about ten major festivals that Indians celebrate with great vigor. Amongst them, Deepavali is the last but the most lavish and vibrant of all Indian festivals. Deepavali is popularly known as the festival of lights. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. The word 'Deepavali' comes from the words 'Deepa' and 'Aval'i; which means row of lights in Sanskrit. It is truly the most awaited Indian festival. While cleaning the house, preparing lavish food, lighting lamps or diyas and performing pooja are the main activities of the festival, adults and children engage in bursting crackers also to rejoice and make merry.

HOLI Each year when holi is celebrated you know that spring has emerged and it is

time to break free from your winter cocoons and bask in the sunny weather. The atmosphere is ecstatic with people spreading there infectious good

cheer to others and the ambiance seeming to have an effect on the greenery with bountiful, colorful blooms seen all around. It is a commonly established

fact that there is no other Hindu festival that is as fun-filled, lively and energetic as Holi. With an overdose of music, dance, games, mirth, and lots of color to indulge in, Holi is definitely one of the most awaited festivals of the year. Speaking of Holi one cannot forget to mention the 'pichkaris' and the pool of colored water to splash into, definitely a fun way to cool off the

heat wave. The festival has something for everyone. Also, Holi give a perfect opportunity to treat the taste buds with the delectable 'Gujhias' and 'Papris'

and of course who can forget to mention 'bhang' a milky drink that could give a high.

KRISHNA JANMASHTMIKrishna Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Shri

Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have been born about five thousand years ago in Mathura in

'Dwapar Yuga'. Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Krishnashtami, Saatam

Aatham, Gokulashtami and sometimes simply as Janmashtami. It is essentially a Hindu festival. The festival is generally observed on Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada in

the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatra is ascendant. This is usually in the months of August and September in the

Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor by Hindus all over India and abroad.

RAKSHA BANDHAN

Raksha Bandhan is the festival meant to tighten the knot of relation between a brother and a sister. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravan (month according to Hindi calendar) which comes in the month of August. Raksha Bandhan is also known as 'Rakhi'. In this festival, sisters tie an auspicious thread on the wrist of their brothers. Raksha Bandhan means 'Bond of Protection'. This festival is celebrated to protect brothers from evil things and sisters also pray to God for the well-being and long life of their brothers.

KARVA CHAUTH Karva Chauth is a festival that every Indian woman looks

forward to. A typical Indian woman is described to be so devoted to her husband that all her prayers channel to his safety and well-being. Although today India is a developing country and has moved way forward into modernity, the devotion of Indian women to their husband has not wavered. Karva Chauth is the day that symbolizes this love and devotion of an Indian woman towards her husband. On this day she fasts the entire day without even a sip of water, until the moon appears which is when her husband feeds her the first morsel of food. She does this as a prayer to her husband's protection and long life. Even some unmarried women or girls keep this fast in prayer of a good husband.

MUSIC OF INDIA• Indian classical music is categorized under two genres.

These are Hindustani and Carnatic. Broadly speaking, Carnatic music developed in the south of the country,

while Hindustani is indigenous to the north.• Hindustani music is based on the raga system. A raga

is a melodic scale, consisting of notes from the basic seven known as sa, re, ga, ma pa, dha, and ni. Apart from sa and pa which are constant, the other notes

may be in major or minor tone, and this gives rise to innumerable combinations. Ten basic scales or

“thaats” are recognized, and other ragas are considered to have evolved from these. A raga must

contain a minimum of five notes.

MUSICAL INTRUMENTS

DANCES OF INDIADance is a form of communication that brings out the inner most

feelings and at the same time helps express what a civilization is all about. Indian Dances are all about connection of the mind with the soul. A dancer has to lead a very disciplined life. All the traditional

dances still follow the rules set by Bharata Muni in his 'Natya Shastra'.

The Indian Dance is one of the most well established arts and has been developing for nearly two thousand years!! The dances

originated in the temples, where dancing was used to illustrate and depict various Hindu mythologies. The dances were performed by

'Devadasi's' or ladies who dedicated their life to the service of god. It is believed that the gods and goddesses not only appreciate dance

but are great dancers as well! Over time, dances were used not only to express devotion to god, but also to portray one's emotion and

state of mind.