Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
India has long been the cradle of culture. Culture and tradition play a central role in shaping the lives of people across this vast country. Woven with colourful warp and weft, the cultural tapestry is vivid and vibrant. Mark Twain had very rightly said that India was the cradle of the human race. It is the birthplace of human speech and the mother of history. India is also the grandmother of legend and the great-grandmother of tradition. The epic “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” are cultural treasuer which tells a lot about the cultural heritage.
Key Takeaways
- India is a cradle of culture and tradition, deeply woven into the lives of its people.
- High moral values, respect for women, and equality are fundamental to Indian ethos.
- The epic tales like Ramayana and Mahabharata embody India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Indian society thrives on diverse languages, festivals, and collectivism, showcasing unity in diversity.
- Celebrating harvests and respecting nature reflect the deeply rooted traditions in Indian agrarian society.
High moral values
Among various instances, an incident in Ramcharitmanas exemplifies high moral values. Respect for women, righteousness and equality have been the ethos and culture India is known for.
(1) The combat
Two real brothers engaged in a fierce wrestling combat. The Titans fought bare-handed, hitting and kicking each other with their fists and feet. Standing behind a tree nearby, a Divine figure was watching the duel. He was a bit perturbed. Not able to recognise who was who, He had no choice but to watch their wrestling.
(2) Baali and Sugreeva
It was unilateral combat. Elder brother Bali was more powerful and agile. Defeated Sugreeva came running to lord Rama and beseeched His intervention. “My Lord!” He said in a trembling voice, “He is not my brother; he is deadly.”
Lord Rama consoled him and gave him a garland to mark him as Sugreeva during the duel. Lord Ram vowed to eliminate Baali, who was massively powerful but an autocrat. Refreshed and regained, Sugreeva went to rechallenge Baali. Both engaged in a duel once again, hitting and kicking.
(3) Baali’s fall
Suddenly, Baali fell down. Shot by Lord Ram, an arrow had pierced him. Wriggling with pain, Baali fell down and descried Lord Ram standing behind a tree.
(4) The curiosity
The sun was going down. Long shadows of hills were becoming more prominent and distinct. Lying on the ground, weak Baali was fast slipping towards his end. His eyes closed, he was about to exsanguinate. He opened his eyes and whiningly complained to Lord Ram in a sinking voice. “Sire! You have incarnated to set up righteousness. Why did You assassinate me like a hunter?” he wailed.
(5) The reply
Lord Ram replied, saying that women are of four categories. Wife of younger brother, sister, wife of one’s son and daughter are the same. There is no harm in killing a person having a sybaritic and vicious feeling for them.
(6) Coronation
Baali had gone. Lord Rama consoled his wailing widow. After the coronation, Sugreeva became the emperor of Kishkindha and Bali’s son Angad crown prince. Lord Ram and Sugreeva entered into a friendship treaty.
Culture and traditions
Culture and traditions are intertwined and complementary to each other. It is impossible to separate them. Culture is a mix of varied customs, beliefs, languages and cuisines. How people behave and react in a given situation, their religious beliefs and philosophy constitute it.
“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, mother of history, the grandmother of legend and great grandmother of tradition…”
Mark Twain
(1) Deep-rooted history and cultural richness.
Mark Twain had very rightly said, “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, mother of history, the grandmother of legend and great grandmother of tradition…” Against the created miasma of suspicion, India has a deep-rooted history and cultural richness. Despite efforts of the regressive who tried to portray the great country as the land of “snake charmers”, India sustained. It flourished and progressed.
(2) Invention of zero and decimal
With a colourful tapestry of different customs, India’s traditions, food, and faith are closely intertwined. It is a basket of vivid, vibrant flowers with a sweet fragrance. India invented zero and the decimal. These inventions enriched mathematical knowledge and took it to a different level.
(3) “…I come as a pilgrim.”
India has been the land of gods. It is the birthplace of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, the great Soul Buddha, and Mahavir. It is why Martin Luther King Jr. had said, “To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a pilgrim.”
Oldest culture
Among the oldest civilisations, the Indian people used to trade far and wide. They knew the way to store their grains and led community life. Their concept of engineering was at its zenith. Sagacious anchorites cogitate in the deep forest and have evolved mechanisms of living and running society. India is the “Mother of Democracy”. (Britannica)
(1) Mother Earth
India, also known as Bharat, was home to great thinkers long before the world lived in caves. It was full of spiritual leaders and philosophers. Love for Nature is intrinsic to the Indian ethos. Love and worship of Nature are intrinsic. Earth is not a mere physical planet but is like a mother, compassionate and benevolent. She nourishes us all with the sweet waters of her rivers and serene forests. For Indian people, trees, rivers, mountains and oceans are on the highest pedestal.
(2) Diversity of cultures
India has a tradition to respect nature. Different elements of Nature, like trees, rivers and mountains, are revered for their bounties. The country is blessed with a warm and vibrant society. People celebrate harvest and copiously thank the Almighty for granting everything good and healthy. Feeling obligated, they bow to the Supreme Soul.
Region and religion-specific festivals add dynamism. Pongal, Bihu, Lohari, Eid, Christmas, Deepawali, Dussehra and Holi are colourful festivals. They showcase the diversity of India and its culture.
(3) Tradition of collectivism
Collectivism is the root of Indian culture and tradition. Different faiths, languages and food have blended here. The fusion has given rise to a beautiful multicoloured society. Unity in Diversity has been the strength of India. It has firmly glued Indian people together in a condensed monolith. There are twenty-two officially recognised languages in India and a plethora of large and small festivals and celebrations.
Indian society
Primarily an agrarian country, India receives ample rainfall. It results in good crops, and harvesting is fruitful. Indians lavishly celebrate new crops and worship the coming wealth of grains and fruits. Grains and food are highly cherished by the people of India for their life-sustaining qualities.
In Indian tradition, cleaning houses, illuminating and decorating them to welcome new harvests is considered a pious and sacred duty. Every individual religiously follows it and feels proud. Religion and religious practices differ but have a bonding cord running along with it.
(1) Hard-working people
Indian people are traditionally hard-working and diligent. They believe in “Work is worship”. Ancient scriptures emphasize work greatly. “Karma” is the primary tool that helps overcome difficulties. It has been given the most important place in Indian society. This is why the world sees India as a source of skilled workforce. It also treats India with respect.
In the end
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, India has its feet washed by three seas. These seas meet at the peninsular tip of India. India is endowed with rich natural wealth, primordial forests, and colourful wildlife. It offers a lot more. India is the custodian of ancient culture and tradition. India is proud of its cultural diversity and tradition. The duodecimal “Kumbh” fair at Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain are events. These gatherings serve as a vibrant illustration of social warp and weft. It presents a beautiful spectrum.
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