India's Cultural Diversity: A Short Factual Account

By Gaurav Chandra Tuli -

 India's Cultural Diversity: A Short Factual Account

The idea of India is somewhat akin to a vibrant tapestry. Our cultures, languages, religions, traditions and cuisines account for the multitude of coloured threads in the tapestry, which bind it together. This makes our 'threads' inseparable from us. They are of prominence to us because these vivid 'threads' weave our personalities and aid us in discovering who we are.

One of the umpteen numerous threads, that binds the tapestry together, is culture. Indian culture is the epitome of diversity. Indian culture can be symbolised as a garden with innumerous flowers. Every flower in the garden is of substantial importance and equipoises the charm of the garden. Similarly, our culture is made up of several cultures practised in smaller regions. Our greetings are characterised by wishing a namaskar when we meet people. It translates to 'I bow down to you'. This is a significant means of offering respect. Also, children are expected to touch their elders' feet as a method of paying reverence. Indian families are recognised all over the globe for the remarkable bond shared among the members of the family. Indians greatly believe in the idea of frequent family gatherings because these promote intimacy between the families. The tradition of joint families is prevalent here, although in the modern era people are gradually adopting the lifestyle of nuclear families.

India acts as a shelter to various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Sikhism to name a few. Life in India is certainly radiant, thanks to the never-ending list of festivities originating from these religions! The year commences with Makar Sankranti, that marks the end of winter; Vasant Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Bakrid, Easter, Baisakhi, Gudi Padva, Buddha Purnima, Janmashtami, Onam, Naga Panchami, Navaratri, Diwali, and culminates with Christmas. These festivals are just the tip of the grand iceberg of Indian fests. This novel-like list of festivals implies that India never ceases to celebrate.

India has twenty two official languages and other dialects of these languages. People here are generally multilingual.

Next comes our cuisine. India is renowned for its culinary grandeur. Exquisite food is a prominent part of our lives. People here are generally extravagant when it comes to spending money on food. Our cuisine typically consists of lentils, pulses, cereals, herbs, and delightful veggies. Chapattis are commonly consumed in North India because wheat is predominantly grown there. Similarly, rice is the staple diet of the inhabitants of the Deccan. A touch of tradition always lights up the faces of Indians, and so they prefer eating with their hands, and try their level best to avoid the usage of cutlery.

On manoeuvring to the attire section, we realise the significance of regal clothing for Indians, which is evinced by our myriad outfits. Our garments range from plain dhotis to delicately woven kurtas for men. Women wear silk-woven sarees, intricately-crafted shawls, jazzy lehengas, and vibrant salwars. 

The next 'thread' weaves rituals to the tapestry of Indian culture. In India, rituals have always been of primeval importance. They are performed to inculcate sentiments of devotion in one's heart. In Islam, the famously known rituals relate to the Five Pillars - Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. Poojas share an integral part of a Hindu's life. After pooja, prasad is served to God with an outpour of devotion. Sikhs are known to read the Guru Granth Sahib often.

The writing of this factual piece was an attempt to glorify Indian heritage 'briefly', and make people realise the necessity of honouring the vivid tapestry of culture woven by our ancestors. To demystify the secret behind the richness of our tapestry is an arduous task. Its profound glory lies beyond our receptivity.

Gaurav Chandra Tuli


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