Wednesday 25 March 2015

Kaleidoscopic Indian Culture

As per the Wikipedia:
Culture is a word for people's 'way of life', meaning the way groups do things. Different groups of people may have different cultures. Culture is seen in people's writing, religion, music, clothes, cooking, and in what they do.
The concept of culture is very complicated, and the word has many meanings. 
The word 'culture' is most commonly used in three ways.
  • Excellence of taste in the fine arts and humanities, also known as high culture.
  • An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior.
  • The outlook, attitudes, values, morals, goals, and customs shared by a society.
Indian culture is Kaleidoscopic.

Source
Indian culture is a rich, vibrant and multifaceted amalgamation of many cultures over several centuries.

The state of affairs

India has 29 states and 7 union-territories that are further sub-divided into districts and smaller divisions.

'Culture' varies from place to place.

Take the state of Odisha for example. There are many forms of Odia language and many dances, customs etc. depending on the geographical locations of places. Many of us are aware of only the important ones...

Sweet differences

Indian culture is like Rasagola!
Even the Rasagola, a sweet or dessert that has its birthplace in Odisha, varies from place to place! There are a mind-boggling varieties of Rasagolas, available in different sizes and colours, in Odisha!

Rasagola - a sweet/dessert that originated in Odisha, India

Chariot-Festival or Rath Yatra

Indian culture means centuries-old traditions followed in many temples like the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
Lord Jagannath means- The Lord of the Universe.
Jagannath Dharma and the lessons from Lord Jagannath are universal.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Jagannath_Balabhadra_Subhadra.jpg/220px-Jagannath_Balabhadra_Subhadra.jpg
L-R- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, Lord Jagannath ; Source

The skin-color of Lord Balabhadra, His sister, Devi Subhadra and His brother, Lord Jagannath (from left to right in the above pic) are white, yellow & black respectively, representing people from all parts of the world.

This year 2015 is special as it is the time for Nabakalebara- when the Gods get new bodies.
Ancient customs are followed even today.
Rath Yatra is celebrated each year, not only in Puri, but all over the world.
New technology is also present in today's culture! Smartphones and tabs are welcome!





Embedded image permalink
1994 vs. 2014

Indian culture vs. Western culture

The 1970 Hindi movie Purab Aur Paschim (East & West) shows the difference between the culture of India and the West.
In the movie, the hero, an Indian (Manoj Kumar) literally serves as an ambassador for Indian culture-
- Greets with Namaste & touches the feet of elders
- Respects elders by addressing them properly (& not by first name)
- Respects women

The heroine (Saira Banu), though Indian by birth, is Western in her outlook and behaviour as she's brought up in London.
Culture is also about how we are brought up.

I love the lyrics of the song in the following video. The song hails India & Indian culture-


Translation of the above song- "Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sadaa":

"When my India gifted "Zero", then, the world learned to count.
India has first taught the world the language of stars (astronomy).
If India had not gifted the Decimal-system, it'd have been tough to go to the Moon;
It'd have been tough to estimate the distance between the Earth & the Moon.
Where there was the first civilization; the birthplace of Arts- That's our own India.
The World followed India and progressed and kept on progressing.
May God ensure that we progress more and flourish.

I am singing the songs of that land where love is the tradition/culture.
I am an Indian citizen, I'm narrating the tale of India.

There's no difference between Black & White; We connect to every heart.
If we don't know anything else, We know how to shower love.
I'm repeating what the World has already acknowledged.

We may stay in other countries, We have won hearts.
Where even now there's Ram in a male, and Sita in a female.
I bow my head (with respect) as there have been great people.

There's so much love that we even call our rivers as "mother".
There's so much respect that not only people, but stones/rocks are also worshipped.
I am proud to be born on that land.
I am singing the songs of that land where love is the tradition/culture.
I am an Indian citizen, I'm narrating the tale of India."

We are responsible for our culture

The above 1970 movie-song-lyrics may seem idealistic and may not be acceptable in today's age considering some recent happenings. 

Our culture says worship the Earth, Air, River etc.
But, we continue polluting these.
Indian culture is strict about maintaining cleanliness, Sanitation And Hygiene.
We need to focus.

Culture is what we stand for...
You and I are consciously or unconsciously shaping our culture.
The way we behave shows Indian culture.
We must remember that each of us is a brand ambassador of India. 
If we behave well, Indian culture earns name, accolades & fame (like in the above video).

I feel Indian culture upholds -
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbaakam- The world is a family.
- Atithi Devo Bhava- Guest is God.
- Unity in Diversity
- Inclusiveness
- Tolerance 
- Sacrifice
- Love 
- Peace 
- Respect 
- Justice
- Excellence 
- Knowledge
- Karma

This is not an exhaustive list. 
Some may argue with the above list as people have different definitions, feelings, interpretations and actions...

Indian culture is broad-minded, not stifling

Unfortunately, many have framed rigid rules that were originally never a part of 'Indian culture'.
For example, education and equality of women.
Ancient India had intelligent women Rishis or saints who composed Sanskrit shlokas, spread knowledge and took part in religious ceremonies - performed sacrifices and worship

Use Indian goods, Support Indian culture

I feel if we all make an endeavour to support Indian goods and products, we support Indian culture too.
For example, if we wear Indian clothes and gift Indian-made items, we can help contribute to Brand India, 'Make In India' & 'Made In India'.
My post- Be Indian has some more ideas.

Incredible Indian culture survives & thrives

May we all follow the path of honesty, fairness, respect, compassion, equality... and uphold India and its values.
There are a lot many points I wish to express...
Indian culture is so vast that this one post CANNOT do justice to it!

I feel 'Indian culture' is strong and accommodating enough to adapt, evolve and survive with the sands of time and winds of change.
That makes India incredible.

Note- These are my personal-views.
I am no moral-police! 
I am a conscientious & proud Indian.

Top post on IndiBlogger.in, the community of Indian Bloggers
Linking with-
ABC Wednesday- K
Wordless Wednesday#77
& IndiSpire - #IndianCulture

56 comments:

  1. A very interesting post ! I have an Indian friend, we used to work together for 10 years in 1965 and he and his French wife live 2 streets farer. Through him I learned a lot about India and his cooking is just a delight !
    Gattina
    ABC Wednesday Team
    http://gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by & sharing, Gattina!
      Nice to learn that you love your Indian friend's cooking & Indian food. Enjoy :)

      Delete
  2. Interesting read. I love India because of its Culture even though we have so many issues, be it religious, political, or any other.


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    Replies
    1. Thanks Alok.
      I love our culture too. Yes, so many cultures combine together for such a rich mixture :)

      Delete
  3. Extremely interesting Anita...you have touched on almost everything :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your appreciation, Deepa.
      I feel my posts are inadequate & not detailed enough whenever I write about India! There's so much more I wanna share!

      Delete
  4. Yes this is interesting ! You have done a great job !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your maiden comment :)
      Glad you found this interesting. Do visit India for more.

      Delete
  5. Superb post Soul-sis. the unity in diversity you brought out is nice. I had the luck of tasting rasagullas while travelling from Puri to BBSR. I have a dream of seeing the rathyatra :) And the bollywood tadka is what i look forward to in your posts so loved it. Apart from this song another fav of mine from this movie is koi jab tumhara hriday tod de. :) all in all a treat to read :)

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    1. Thanks Soul-sis :)
      Great that you have tasted Rasagolas in Odisha. You must visit during Rath Yatra. This year the Nabakalebara festival will be there after 19 years.
      Similar tastes! I love the 'Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De' song from the movie Purab Aur Paschim too! :)

      Delete
  6. A variety post. big likes! :)

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  7. Great work! Exhaustive...all encompassing...loved the variety, Anita! Wonderful indeed!!

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    1. Thanks for your nice words & appreciation, Amitji :) Delighted that it appealed to you!

      Delete
  8. Whoa! I am a bit more learned today! Hats off to you for compiling so many good points.

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    Replies
    1. There's so much to learn about incredible India, Indrani!
      How we all are amazed!

      Delete
  9. You've covered almost everything here in this post, Anita. Nicely done. :-) I always enjoy reading your posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Mani!
      But, when I write about India, I can never give myself a pat on my back...as I feel my post is incomplete...
      Ditto :)

      Delete
  10. Anita, I am learning so much about India from your posts, and am really enjoying the tour!

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    1. That makes my day :) Glad you like the e-tour, Linda!
      Time to pack your bags and visit our India for real tour :)

      Delete
  11. Wonderful and enlightening post! There's such depth, color and diversity to Indian culture and I feel richer each time I learn more. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Charli :)
      It's my proud privilege & pleasure to share.
      Though I am an Indian, I share your views- even I feel richer and amazed every time I learn more about India!

      Delete
  12. Wonderful post, Anita. It also reminds me of modern movies regarding Indian Culture like Namaste London, Pardes.Ye Duniya ek dulhan. Dulhan ke mathe ki bindiya, Ye Mera India....... Karma mera India. Dharma mera India.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing more info, Ravish!
      Even I thought of these modern movies while writing this post.
      In Namaste London, the hero (Akshay Kumar) makes a lovely patriotic speech in London to express about India.
      Pardes movie too has many lessons- Karam mera India, Dharam mera India. I love my India...
      Need to write another post focusing on this :)

      Delete
  13. We indeed have a rich culture, but alas! the crave to adapt the western and digital age is overpowering it, huh!

    Great pointers, Anita.

    Thanks for linking up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True Ruchira.
      Also, there's a craze for all "phoren" goods and items.
      If we run after those, our heritage & culture will suffer...
      Great to link up!

      Delete
  14. lots of important discoveries, as the song indicates!

    ROG, ABCW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Roger. There's a lot more than what the song indicates.
      The fact is India ought to get credit for many many amazing discoveries that have helped the progress of our world.

      Delete
  15. Rich culture ..with some flaws but after all nothing is perfecct in Life :)

    Facebook

    Twitter


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Culture depends on us, Ananya :)
      Hope we all recognize, feel proud and work to preserve and enrich our culture better.

      Delete
  16. Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by & for your appreciation :)

      Delete
  17. I've had those brown rasgullas from Odisha!!! *yum*

    As for culture, yeah the ancients had it right; the modern misinterpreters, not so much!

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    Replies
    1. That's wonderful, Sreesha!
      You must visit again to try out the multicolored and flavored Rasagolas :)

      Yes, we need to make the most of the ancient Indian knowledge & wisdom.

      Delete
  18. I love the way you have related 'Culture' to Rasgullas.Such a lovely post!

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    1. Glad you liked it Ankita!
      Rasagolas are special. A special sweet for a special culture :)
      Indian culture is so vast & rich & such a special dish that it can be related to a variety of Indian dishes :)

      Delete
  19. Replies
    1. Thanks for your maiden comment :)
      Glad you liked it!

      Delete
  20. Wonderfully written! I should also have given that disclaimer at the end in my post! :D I also love this line containing adapt, evolve, survive with sands of time and winds of change! So true! :)

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    Replies
    1. The disclaimer is because some won't agree with my views. That's the beauty of India that we have the freedom of speech & expression. We may disagree even though we belong to the same family or city or state or 'culture'.
      India has successfully withstood the sands of time & the winds of change.
      We wish & pray that may it uphold its core values and may Indian culture flourish & continue amazing & guiding the world!
      Thanks for the topic & for your appreciation, Amrita :)

      Delete
  21. Hi, i enjoyed reading this comprehensive analysis. I can only express my admiration this way' kamaal kar diya Anita!!!'

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your love & support, Uppalji :)

      Delete
  22. I always learn something everytime I visit your blog. And this time it is no exception. But this time your post lacked something. YOUR RHYMES!!! I was expecting one. Anyways, thanks for sharing.

    Also, I have just completed my 100th blog post and it would be great if you could manage some time and be a part of my celebrations. Have a good day.

    http://preciousglories.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-100th-blog-post.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your nice words, Arish :)
      Congrats for your 100th blog post! Wish you many milestones ahead.

      Delete
  23. Excellent article, Anita! Nodded reading every single line about Indian culture... I loved reading the translation of the song from 'Purab aur pashchim'... Simply superb!
    Hey, didn't know that Rasagola has its origin from Odisha! Great to know about that!
    TC! Keep smiling :)

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    1. Thanks for reading & for your nice words, Sindhu!
      Yes, many don't know about Rasgulla/Rasagola's origin. Odisha deserves the credit.
      TC! Keep smiling :)

      Delete
    2. Yes, Odisha must get the credit. Don't know how I could not notice the colourful varieties of Rasogola! Your rcent post on Rasagola Dibasa dragged me back... Drooling!

      Delete
  24. Very well said, Anita! Yes, We are all brand ambassadors and represent a country that has had a rich cultural heritage. As you rightly said, the time has come when we all need to embody it - in its purest form.

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    1. Truly Arti :) Proud to be a part of our rich and glorious cultural heritage.
      May we all feel so & be proud brand ambassadors & wow the world.

      Delete
  25. Superb post Anita :) I need to taste all of em' now :) starts day dreaming already ;) Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Shanx :)
      You are most welcome to Odisha and taste the awesome Rasgullas here :)

      Delete
  26. Yes this Superb post and it is very interesting.... You have done a great job Anita.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and for your nice words :) Glad you liked it!

      Delete
  27. Nice post on Indian culture and vivid and lucid description about it thanks.
    http://mohanmekap.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting & for your nice words :)

      Delete

Your words mean a lot to me.

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