Culture & Religion

The Indian culture varies like its vast geography. People speak in different languages, dress differently, follow different religions, eat different food but are of the same temperament. So, whether it is a joyous occasion or a moment of grief, people participate whole-heatedly, feeling the happiness or pain. A festival or a celebration is never constrained to a family or a home. The whole community or neighborhood is involved in bringing liveliness to an occasion. Likewise, an Indian wedding is a celebration of union, not only of the bride and groom, but also of two families, maybe cultures or religion too! Similarly, in times of sorrow, neighbors and friends play an important part in easing out the grief.

Since ancient times, the spiritual land of India has displayed varied hues of culture, religion, race, language, and so on. This variety in race, culture, religion, etc. accounts for the existence of different ethnic groups who, although, live within the sanctums of one single nation, profess different social habits and characteristics. Regional territories in India play an important role in differentiating these ethnic groups, with their own social and cultural identities. The religions that are prevalent in the country are Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, with the freedom for citizens to practice any religion they want to. With the governance of 35 different states and union territories in the country, there has originated a sense of regionalism amongst the various parts, with different states displaying different cultures, which although eventually fuse through a common bond to showcase a national cultural identity. The Constitution of India has recognized 22 different languages that are prevalent in the country, out of which, Hindi is the official language and is spoken in most of the urban cities of India. Other than these 22 languages, there are hundreds of dialects that add to the multilingual nature of the country.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts are the creative products made by the skill of the hand without the help of modern machinery and equipment. Nowadays, hand-made products are considered to be a fashion statement and an item of luxury.

India's rich cultural heritage and centuries of evolutionary tradition is manifested by the huge variety of handicrafts made all over the country. Handicrafts are a mirror of the cultural identity of the ethnic people who make it. Through the ages, handicrafts made in India like the Kashmiri woollen carpets, Zari embroidered fabrics, terracotta and ceramic products, silk fabrics etc. have maintained their exclusiveness. In the ancient times, these handicrafts were exported to far off countries of Europe, Africa, West Asia and Far East via the 'silk route'. The entire wealth of timeless Indian handicrafts has survived through the ages. These crafts carry the magnetic appeal of the Indian culture that promises exclusivity, beauty, dignity and style.

Indian handicrafts could be broadly divided into three categories: folk crafts, religious crafts and commercial crafts. Popular folk crafts that are modified according to the demands of the market become commercial crafts. Myriads of handicrafts are made for the diverse rites and rituals associated with the religious faiths of the varied ethnic groups of India. Some of the handicrafts basically meant for the religious purposes are also liked by the people for their aesthetic value.

Folk and Tribal Art

India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional arts and crafts. The 35 states and union territories sprawled across the country have their own distinct cultural and traditional identities, and are displayed through various forms of art prevalent there. Every region in India has its own style and pattern of art, which is known as folk art. Other than folk art, there is yet another form of traditional art practiced by several tribes or rural population, which is classified as tribal art. The folk and tribal arts of India are very ethnic and simple, and yet colorful and vibrant enough to speak volumes about the country's rich heritage.

Folk art in India apparently has a great potential in the international market because of its traditional aesthetic sensibility and authenticity. The rural folk paintings of India bear distinctive colorful designs, which are treated with religious and mystical motifs. Some of the most famous folk paintings of India are the Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Patachitra paintings from the state of Odisha, the Nirmal paintings of Andhra Pradesh, and other such folk-art forms. Folk art is however not restricted only to paintings, but also stretches to other art forms such as pottery, home decorations, ornaments, cloths-making, and so on. In fact, the potteries of some of the regions of India are quite popular among foreign tourists because of their ethnic and traditional beauty.

Moreover, the regional dances of India, such as the Bhangra dance of Punjab, the Dandiya of Gujarat, the Bihu dance of Assam, etc, which project the cultural heritage of those regions, are prominent contenders in the field of Indian folk art. These folk dances are performed by people to express their exhilaration on every possible event or occasion, such as the arrival of seasons, the birth of a child, weddings, festivals, etc. The government of India, as well as other societies and associations, have therefore made all efforts to promote such art forms, which have become an intrinsic part of India's cultural identity.

Cuisine

Indian food is different from rest of the world not only in taste but also in cooking methods. It reflects a perfect blend of various cultures and ages. Just like Indian culture, food in India has also been influenced by various civilizations, which have contributed their share in its overall development and the present form.

Foods of India are better known for its spiciness. Throughout India, be it North India or South India, spices are used generously in food. But one must not forget that every single spice used in Indian dishes carries some or the other nutritional as well as medicinal properties

•  Do not wear shoes inside a temple or home

Indians worship in Temples (Mandir) and before entering temples they remove their shoes and wash their hands as shoes are considered impure according to Indian culture.

Not only in temples people forbid shoes in their homes also, either one can consider it as a mark of respect to the house and honor its cleanliness and purity.

The popular reason for removing shoes is that the soles absorb impurities of the road; another reason is that shoes are made of leather which is considered impure in Hinduism as it is derived from dead animals. That is the reason why Hindus not only leave their footwear but when they sit for any pooja or any religious things they also have to remove their leather belts and wallets too if it’s of leather.

• Do not give or take things with your left hand

In India, as right across Asia, the left hand is for wiping your bottom, cleaning your feet and other unsavoury functions, taking off and putting on your clogs etc. Especially in religious places, receiving prasad or giving alms by the left hand is unacceptable and considered inauspicious.

• Do not point your finger or touch anything with your feet

Another thing is to remember that never point your finger. This is considered rude. If you must draw attention to someone or something, do so with your whole hand or thumb, Also, touching people or objects, especially books and educational instruments, with your feet is considered really disrespectful.If you accidentally do so, you should apologize straight away.

• Do not wear skimpy clothes

India is a mix of modern and conservative minds, and the clothing for women varies from region to region. In urban cities, like Goa, Delhi or Mumbai, you can wear whatever you like. However, in small towns and cities, especially in rural India, dressing modestly and not revealing too much skin is highly recommended.

Sure, you can wear as per your choice, and most likely no one will say anything. But first impressions count!You will get more respect by dressing conservatively. Covering your legs and shoulders (and even your head) is especially important when visiting temples in India. Also, avoid wearing strapless tops anywhere. If you do wear a spaghetti strap top, wear a shawl or scarf over it to be modest.

• Do not show affection in public

Indian society is conservative, particularly the older generation. Such personal acts are associated with sex and can be considered obscene in public. it’s best to avoid all public display of affection (including hand holding at some places) so you don’t have to deal with moral policing or unhappy stares.

• Do not strike up political or religious conversations

India is a democratic country with freedom of expression, and many Indians are vocal about their views, you should avoid being the one to strike up a conversation that includes any religious or political matter, as these topics always get heated.

• Do not be offended by probing questions

Indians are an inquisitive bunch. They will ask questions about your job, income, marriage and family, sometimes even during your first meeting! It’s just their way of breaking the ice.What's more, you should feel free to ask these type of questions in return. Rather than causing offense, the people you are conversing with will be pleased that you've taken such an interest in them!

• Do not drink tap water

It is best to carry a mineral water bottle with you at all times. Indians either boil tap water to make it potable or stick to bottled water (which is pretty cheap). Even in restaurants, order mineral water instead of regular water – it’s always better not to risk it!

• Do not expect to pay for everything with a credit card

In India, cash is king. Though many upscale shopping complexes, stores, restaurants and hotels have facilities to accept credit cards, there are just as many that don’t. Sometimes, debit cards are also not accepted, so in such a situation, cash is your savior. Also, access to an ATM is quite easy in the cities.

• Do not drink or smoke in public places and don’t do drugs!

Smoking and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited throughout the country. If you want to enjoy this stuff, do it  inside licensed places. Also, consumption, possession and distribution of drugs will lead to conviction, so do not get involved in any of this.

• Do not expect everyone to speak English

India is culturally and linguistically diverse. There are numerous languages spoken across the country and the dialects vary from place to place.Although you can get by with English at some of the places, outside the urban centers it’s worth learning a few local words and phrases. This will help you make local friends, too, because they will feel you respect their culture.

• Do not think of beef

Eating beef has always been a taboo in the country, as cows are considered sacred by the Hindus. Also, the slaughter of cows is illegal in many parts of India, and has resulted in violent protests as well. While foreign tourists are generally in the clear, it is still highly advisable to check the legality before ordering a beef dish.

• Do not diss cricket

Cricket is religion in India, so insulting it will definitely raise a few eyebrows. Making negative comments about the Indian cricket team won’t be appreciated either.

• Do not stick to popular tourist destinations

Goa, Delhi and Mumbai are some of the popular tourist places – and for good reason. However, there is a plethora of unexplored places in this incredibly vast and diverse country that are all worth a visit.

• Don't Judge the Whole Country

Lastly, it's important to keep in mind that India is a very diverse country and a land of extreme contrasts. Each state is unique and has its own culture, and cultural norms. What may be true somewhere in India, may not be the case elsewhere. There are all kinds of different people and ways of behaving in India. Hence, you should be careful not to draw blanket conclusion about the whole country based on limited experience.

India can be a little bit unnerving for the first-time visitor. The lifestyle and culture is totally different from the West. We've made a list of some important points for hassle-free and enjoyable travel in India.

• A proper VISA to enter and stay in India is a must. There are reported cases when travelers are advised non-requirement of Indian VISA by their travel agents. Practically every foreign national requires VISA to enter India.
• Travelers should get properly inoculated against Yellow Fever if coming through infected regions.
• It is advisable to cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and medi-claim.
• Carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit in India, as signboards are often absent. Try to reach a station during daytime if traveling on your own. In any case avoid persistent touts and taxi-wallahs at airport/stations/bus stand to help you find your hotel. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice.
• Women traveling alone in certain deserted places should avoid walking at odd hours.
• Don't ever enter a temple, tomb, dargah or Gurudwara with shoes on and/or scantily dressed. One should cover his/her head with a cloth while in a Gurudwara or Dargah. Parikrama or walking around the sanctum sanctorum should always be in clockwise direction.
• Do not wear black clothes while visiting a Jain temple. Leather articles are forbidden to be carried in Hindu and Jain temples. Taking photograph of the deity in a temple is normally not permitted.
• Participating in a social occasion or visiting a home requires conservative dress codes. Do not shake hands with ladies. Always pick up a thing and eat with your right hand. Take only as much as you can eat, do not leave anything uneaten over the dish.
• Do not point your finger at any person. It is taken as a sign of annoyance.
• While changing money, insist on getting encashment certificate.
• Do not encourage beggars.
• Do not checkout of the hotel in hurry. While checking out it has been noticed in some hotels, the extras are unreasonably charged which the guest hurriedly pays without cross-checking.
• Do not leave your cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Keep your cash divided in different pockets.
• Take care of proper disposal of your rubbish always whether you are exploring desert, or Himalayas or beaches or anywhere else.
• Be careful of cultural and social sensitivities of the regions. There is no single rule for that, the best way is to observe and follow.
• Take care of contamination of water and food problem. Always drink safe mineral water and take well-cooked food.
• Don't buy antiques more than 100 years old. Selling and buying "shahtoosh" shawls is a crime. The same goes for ivory and wildlife.
• Buy at genuine shops only. Bargaining is a popular practice in India and necessary too. Don't ever believe in lucrative offers of antique dealers in which they offer you to carry a parcel of some other buyer back home with your own margin described. Entire transaction should be legal and transparent so that you may claim later if dissatisfied.
• Don't eat anything offered by fellow travelers on train or road travels. It might have sleeping pills. Always travel reserved class in trains.
• Always chain and lock your luggage under your berth in a train. Don't keep anything valuable near the window. Always carry plenty of water, fluids in trains. Alone woman traveler may request to be accommodated near other women travelers.
• Do not visit places which encourage orthodoxy, social injustice and inhuman practices (like visiting a sati temple).
• Don't photograph women without permission.
• Don't accept offers of visiting anyone's home unless you are confident of the person.
• Use licensed guides for sightseeing.
• Always use strong suitcases/baggage, as mishandling is common at airports/stations.
• Don't tip unreasonably and unnecessarily in a hotel. The NEWS soon spreads in the hotel and by the time you checkout there will be a group of them saluting you to expect something.
• While traveling, don't act confused. Keep a posture of a person known to the region.
• Avoid eating buffet meals, even in expensive hotels. The food may become contaminated due to over-exposure.

Interesting Facts about India

• India never invaded any country in her last 100000 years of history.
• When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization).
• The name 'India' is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.
• The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name 'Hindustan' combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
• Chess was invented in India.
• Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies, which originated in India.
• The 'Place Value System' and the 'Decimal System' were developed in India in 100 B.C.
• The World's First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara Temple at Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• The shikhara of the temple is made from a single 80-tonne piece of granite. This magnificent temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola.
• India is the largest democracy in the world, the 7th largest Country in the world, and one of the most ancient civilizations.
• The game of Snakes & Ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. It was originally called 'Mokshapat'. The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The game was played with cowrie shells and dices. In time, the game underwent several modifications, but its meaning remained the same, i.e. good deeds take people to heaven and evil to a cycle of re-births.
• The world's highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1893 after leveling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.
• India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world.
• The largest employer in India is the Indian Railways, employing over a million people.
• The world's first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.
• Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The Father of Medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
• India was one of the richest countries till the time of British rule in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus, attracted by India's wealth, had come looking for a sea route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
• The Art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh over 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word 'NAVGATIH'. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word 'Nou'.
• Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the Sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. According to his calculation, the time taken by the Earth to orbit the Sun was 365.258756484 days.
• The value of "pi" was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, long before the European mathematicians.
• Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus also originated in India.Quadratic Equations were used by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10*53 (i.e. 10 to the power of 53) with specific names as early as 5000 B.C.during the Vedic period.Even today, the largest used number is Terra: 10*12(10 to the power of 12).
• Until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds in the world(Source: Gemological Institute of America).
• The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.
• Sushruta is regarded as the Father of Surgery. Over2600 years agoSushrata& his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones, plastic surgery and brain surgeries.
• Usage of anaesthesia was well known in ancient Indian medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism,physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.
• India exports software to 90 countries.
• The four religions born in India - Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, are followed by 25% of the world's population.
• Jainism and Buddhism were founded in India in 600 B.C. and 500 B.C. respectively.
• Islam is India's and the world's second largest religion.
• There are 300,000 active mosques in India, more than in any other country, including the Muslim world.
• The oldest European church and synagogue in India are in the city of Cochin. They were built in 1503 and 1568 respectively.
• Jews and Christians have lived continuously in India since 200 B.C. and 52 A.D. respectively.