What are the biggest mistakes people make when visiting your country?
The narrative describes a poignant encounter between a European woman and a wise Indian man at the Ganga Ghats. Drawn by India’s rich culture and ethos, she engages in a deeply meaningful conversation about the country, its spirituality, and vibrant traditions. Their exchange also touches on how tourism brings people together to experience these incredible cultural facets. The man emphasises the importance of respecting local customs and the sense of community in India, as expressed by the mantra “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). The woman reflects on her journey, admiring the resilience of India’s culture amidst modernisation. Their bond grows, highlighting the warmth and hospitality inherent in Indian society, which is essential for enriching cultural exchange.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The narrative captures a meaningful encounter between a European woman and a wise Indian man at the Ganga Ghats, highlighting India’s rich culture and spirituality.
- They discuss the mantra ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ emphasising community and respect for local customs.
- The woman admires India’s resilience, diverse traditions, and culinary delights during her cultural tour.
- Despite modernisation, Indians maintain their deep-rooted customs and hospitality, creating a bridge for cultural exchange.
- Tourism serves as both a learning experience and a means of employment, fostering mutual respect between travelers and locals.
Tourism: Ganga ghat
Amidst the morning hustle and bustle on the famous Ganga “Ghats”, a lone lady was watching the activities with curiosity and quivering reverence. The place is a famous place for tourism. A mix of many good emotions was writ large on the pretty face of the blonde. Wrapped in a white shawl, she was sitting on a high platform looking over the river Ganga. The sun had gradually risen and looked like a big crimson ball hanging in the misty sky. Oblivious to her surroundings, she watched people taking a holy dip in the river and offering its water to the rising sun. Watching around she scanned the area. Suddenly she descried a mature, serious-looking man with grizzled hair and flowing beards. He was totally engrossed in his prayers, with eyes closed and rosary in his hand.
The old man
She looked at the gentleman with respectful awe. Her eyes were glued to this personality who was in a plain Dhoti and a white Kurta and was muttering prayers. After a short while, he opened his eyes and looked around. His and the blonde’s eyes met. “Hello!” Said the lady. The senectitude nodded softly and said, “Namaskaar”.
Conversation on Tourism
Both started talking after the exchange of pleasantries. “For us, the country is more than a piece of land,” looking at her, he gently smiled and continued speaking, “We consider it as our mother,” he concluded. During their conversation, the girl told briefly about herself. She was a European and loved India. After her education was over she worked in a corporate house and started saving to travel to India as she wanted to take up tourism in India. She was staying in a lodge overlooking the Ganga River. She admired the religious fervour and devotion of the people. Both had a long conversation about India, its rich culture, ethos and people. The foreign girl was especially enthusiastic about the rich and varied food of India.
Rich cultural tapestry and Tourism
India is not only a conglomerate of a few monuments and natural marvels. It is more than that. It is like a rich and colourful tapestry woven together to give a composite and beautiful look. It’s rich literature, traditions and vivid festivals colour it with different hues. India is vibrant with a compassionate heart that throb for everyone. People are cooperative and kind-hearted and are ready to help the needy. They are simple and spirited…
The old man was speaking as if words were flowing out of his mouth. His dreamy eyes were looking at the ripples of the Ganga and the hovering birds. Tourism is the best way to feel and understand India as a vibrant nation. The girl was listening to him with rapt attention. She was smiling and amazed by the depth of knowledge of the gentleman she was sitting before. (NITI Aayog)
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
India is like a basket full of vivid flowers. Each flowers have their peculiarity and uniqueness. Their beliefs are different, their mode of worship and food preferences may vary, but they are tied with a thread that keeps them bonded and grounded. We are emotional people. Despite heavy shelling of materialism and consumerism people have not left their inherited culture and ethos. They believe in live and let live. The mantra of an average Indian is, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. It means the whole world is a family.
God’s blessings
She was quiet and listening to every word carefully, wishing not to disturb him. The gentleman continued his conversation. Pointing his hand towards a temple, he said, “These are holy places where the soul of India resides.” As he said, tintinnabulation reverberated filling the ambience with the musical acoustic of metal bells. People visiting the temple with a mark of vermillion or sandalwood paste on their forehead. “The sandalwood has a cooling effect in addition to its sweet mesmerising fragrance,” the older person said in a soft voice. Continuing to finish his statement, he paused, folded his hands towards the temple, and said, “It is the blessings of God, a sacrament,” he finished saying.
Cultural tour
The girl was on a cultural tour of India. She wanted to feel the soul and experience the vibrant people of India. She started from the famous city of Varanasi, situated on the banks of the river Ganga. The pious river, emerging from the mighty Himalaya nourishes the vast plains of northern India through its vast alluvial silt making it fertile and habitable. Varanasi is a composite city where Buddha roamed and started rolling the wheel of religion (Dharma Chakra Pravartan) from Sarnath.
“Street food”
The mornings fill the alleys of Varanasi with hectic gastronomical activities. Delectable delights like deep-fried crisp “Kachauri” served with mouth-watering potato curry, ingredients and spices. The tourists, especially foreigners, term it “Street Food”. It is not merely food, but it is more than that. Food is the gift of Mother Annapurna, which gives strength and vitality, besides satiating taste buds. Indian people revere food and are against wasting it. Wasting food is considered a sin.
Tourism in Fast-changing India
Respecting the culture and tradition of the country one is visiting as a tourist is very important. India was touted as a chaotic and dirty country and the land of snake-charmers and exorcists. It was because of the hegemonic tendency of the Western world, which tried to create a miasma of suspicion and misinformation. The country has been fast-changing, regaining its old glory in terms of knowledge, wisdom and wealth. The myth of “unhygienic” is shattering. Cultural tour opens a vista for Indologists and people interested in Indian culture. Those who used to pooh-pooh India for its “backwardness” and wanted to “see real poor India” may become disheartened.
Spiritual uplifting
High-rise buildings, shining edifices and a gaudy show of prosperity can’t show a real country. Overflowing wealth and amenities can give no mental peace. The affluent wish to visit India for inner peace and spiritual uplifting. The co-founder and CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs travelled to India in 1974. Deeply impressed with Hindu philosophy, Jobs sought spiritual uplifting and inner peace. Similarly, hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists visit Buddhist sites in India.
Oldest culture
India is the land where the world’s ancient civilisation was born, developed, flourished and perished. When the new world was leading nomadic lives, roaming in forests, India gave the world a new perspective and a ray. Indian philosophers and mathematicians invented zero and gave the concept of the decimal. The invaders and imperialists did great harm to the Indian society, but failed to harm it.
Inclusive world
Modern world is inclusive. Connecting people is much easy and hassel free. Language is now not a problem for a tourist visiting the diverse country like India. English is widely understood and used by Indian people. There are 22 officially recognised languages and hundreds vernacular languages, but despite it, Indians speak a common language, the languages of love. It resonates every individual. For an Indian, every tourist is a guest of honour, like demigods. They believe in the mantra of “Atithi Devo Bhavah”. They welcome their guest with open hands, always ready to embrace.
Strong bond
The girl wandered through Indian cities. The voice of the senectitude followed her wherever she went. It reverberated and acted as a lighthouse that guided her during the journey. She was very impressed with her aged friend who gifted her the rich knowledge about the country she loved. She had saved the phone number of that gentleman and used to talk whenever both were free. It gave them a strong bond of affection.
Care emotions
People are considerate, polite and cooperative. For a tourist they are like angel who are ready to help the needy and genuine. Their emotions must be respected and taken care of. Dos and don’ts must be followed that give protction and patronage to a tourist. Tourism acts as a cultural bridge and powerful means of employment and revenue generation. It is a two way trafffic. Whereas the locals maintain a high degree of professional integrity and honesty, a visiting guest must also be cautious of not hurting the sentiments of the people.
Some more interesting reads:
-END-
Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
Leave a Reply