What’s a cultural tradition from another country that you wish existed in yours?
The text discusses the significance of cultural traditions and their evolution within Indian society. It emphasises the importance of festivals, such as “Ravana Dahan,” that unite families and communities and showcase faith and joy. The author contrasts traditional celebrations with modern consumerism’s influence, particularly in birthday celebrations, which have shifted from modest observances to extravagant displays. This change reflects broader societal trends with economic disparities highlighted. Additionally, it highlights India’s rich cultural diversity and the challenges it faces in maintaining core values amid globalisation. Ultimately, it underscores that true cultural richness lies in unity despite diversity, fostering compassion and community.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article discusses the significance of cultural traditions in Indian society, highlighting festivals like ‘Ravana Dahan’ that foster community and joy.
- It contrasts traditional celebrations with the influence of modern consumerism, particularly in birthday celebrations that have become extravagant.
- Additionally, it explores India’s rich cultural diversity and the challenges of maintaining core values amid globalization.
- It emphasizes that true cultural richness lies in unity despite diversity, promoting compassion and community.
- Ultimately, the article underscores the dynamic nature of culture and the relevance of traditions in promoting societal values.
Auspicious day
It was a pleasant evening. The season was turning cool and crisp, yet an intermittent brief spell of mild showers also occurred. That day was dry, and the sky painted with various hues of pink and crimson as the sun set over the horizon. It was an auspicious day and people were in happy state of mind.
“Ravana dahan”
Adults and children, mother and father, cousins and neighbours were all collecting in a large ground. The final episode of the Ram-Ravana war was to be enacted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran were to be set on fire after Ravana’s fall. It was an annual tradition of “Ramlila” and “Ravan Dahan” that has been followed for aeons. When it started is difficult to say, but the tradition of burning the effigies is prevalent. Adults watch it for devotion while children squeal, clap and enjoy because it amuses them. (UNESCO)
Culture is dynamic
Traditions and culture are the lifeline of society. Faith and belief bind people who express their joy, remember the omnipresent power and thank Him for everything. The festivals, special occasions, and good practices become routine and, with time, traditions. Traditions are part of a culture, but are slightly different. Whereas traditions are static, culture is dynamic. Culture changes with time and condition, while tradition is a way to remember or observe an occasion and to celebrate it.
Birthday celebration
Humans are social and they pick up things that amuse them or suit their wishes. The celebrations that are not a part of the broader culture often observed on a personal level with the fun fair and frolic of the festivities. Celebrating the birthday of an individual is one such occasion. In ancient Indian tradition, birthdays celebrated differently. Observed as a festival like Srikrishna Janmashtami, Sriram Navami, Parashuram Jayanti et cetera, they are integral to the culture. A system of Western culture, the trend gained momentum especially during the last fifty years or so. Aping the Western system, birthday parties are organised, lavish cakes are cut and in a ludicrous show, people often smear the cake on their faces. This trend has become a vogue and a means of a gaudy show of status symbol.
Consumerism and celebration
Increasing invasion of consumerism dictates the social norms and decides the choices of people. Commercialism pushes individuals to copy the functions, if not fully then substantially. The disparity is widening and ostensible status symbols are getting heavier on the pockets of the mediocre. The birthday parties are organised in hotels, preferably star hotels and a great amount of money is splurged. Though, this is partially compensated by the gifts of guests, most of the gift items are not for general use. They give momentary happiness to the child and a great drain to the parents.
Trend to tradition
The example cited above shows how an occasion turns into a trend and ultimately a tradition. It is not limited to a particular celebration and is equally true of festivities too. The increasing cost of celebrations is making festivities harder to celebrate, causing a great economic drain on less privileged ones. Parallel to it, it brings fortunes to many small traders, craftsmen, skilled workers and peagents.
Offering prayers
Every festival is linked with a harvest that brings happiness and joy. Feeling obliged, people used to celebrate, pray to god and offer oblations. From a thanksgiving occasion, the festivals converted into lavish events and a means of status display. It doesn’t go along with the true spirit of a festival which also encourages sharing.
Ocean of culture
India is vast and varied country with many languages, dialects, customs and traditions. The home of about 1400 million diverse people, India is a mix of culture, tradition and ethos. All major religions and faiths live in harmony showing solidarity to each other. The pluralistic Indian society allows everyone equal opportunity and space for each one of them. There may be differences of opinion, but there is no scope for differences of heart. The two are equal and opposite states. The former is a healthy difference of opinion which allows refinements and development of new thoughts, good for society. The latter, on the other hand, is a negative trait that leads to animosity and jealousy. Whereas one elevates society, the other drags it to the den of doom. Thus differences of opinion are always welcome not the differences of hearts.
Reminders of values
Gradually percolating and collecting drop by drop, the essence of long experiences has fermented into a healthy potion that nourishes society and individuals. It is the potion of rich cultural diversity and tradition, which is time-tested and ingrained in the psyche of people. Festivals are the manifestation of humans’ positive emotions. Related to faith, festivals remind people of their roots and values, the principles for which their ancestors lived and died. The cultural traditions of festivals teach about generosity, compassion and above all, sacrifice for the supreme cause. With time, it ripened and became powerful and life-sustaining. They allow transcendence and spiritual uplifting. Despite difference of faiths and mode of prayer, the thing that unites all is humanity. For aeons, Indian thinkers have believed that the whole world is a family and the Earth as mother.
United yet diverse
A conglomerate of different cultures, India is a monolith of faith, determination, perseverance and duty. The hardworking Indian people are softhearted but have firm resolve and confidence. They celebrate every occasion with religious fervour. From Lohari to Holi, from Onam to Pongal, Bihu to Gangaur, Dussehra to Deepawali and Eid to Christmas, the enthusiasm of people oozes out. The exuberance and ecstasy are in the air. They smile, grin, laugh and guffaw to show the world their buoyant but responsible nature. With such a varied demography and varieties in food, cooking methods and colourful tapestry, India is fulfilling.
Culture keeps grounded
Humans are prone to mistakes and a bundle of good and bad. It is like tasting a bittersweet sauce that enhances the taste of food. The degree of an element helps designate a person’s quality. Despite all odds, the average Indian is innocent and kind-hearted. They generally do not try to show their best and try to remain what they are. It is the deep-rooted culture and ethos that keep them grounded and remain true to their values.
Vibrant and growing culture
India kept assimilating new things coming from all sides. It faced invasion and hardships, but it shaped Indian culture and showed its flexibility. The most staunch was the fusion of food, which, when mingled with invaders’ food and their ways of cooking, evolved a new dish that tells a lot about the lifestyle. With such a great variety and diversity, aping something other is futile. The organic ingestion and subsequent assimilation are the things that keep changing and adapting according to the requirements of time. It is the dynamism of a culture which makes it vibrant, vivacious and rich. From serious thinkers of yore to modern scientists and thinkers of the present, India produced many luminaries who set ablaze the flames of learning, wisdom and knowledge.
Relevant
A live society is like a stream which flows and mingles with other rivulets, progressively grows in dimension and stature to become a river. Before becoming Ganga, the river mingles with about ten rivulets. This symbolises Indian culture which is alive and relevant in today’s time.
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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.
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