Indian traditions & holidays

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Indian cultures have passed on their traditions from one generation to another, and these traditions have become immensely rooted in the Indian lifestyle. There are numerous different traditions among the different cultures and sects of India, but understanding even a few of them can give you some insight into their beauty.

1. Bindis and Nose Pins

   • Many young Indian girls and women wear a bindi. A bindi is an auspicious mark placed on their foreheads. Bindi originated from the term Bindu, which is Sanskrit for dot. The women usually make the bindi using with vermillion powder, and they place the red dot between their eyebrows. A bindi also symbolizes the goddess Parvati. It represents female energy and serves to protect women and their husbands. Despite being a traditional symbol of marriage, the bindi today serves decorative purposes for unmarried women, as well. Bindis are no longer limited by color and shape and can be seen in several other bright colors in a wide variety of shapes and designs. Some Indian women also wear nose pins studded with semi-precious stones. A nose pin symbolizes purity and marriage- although today, unmarried girls will also wear the nose pin.

   Garlanding

   • Flower garlands are a staple in Indian traditions. People offer them as a sign of honor and respect. They also offer them to honor Indian gods and goddesses and to welcome visitors. Traditional flower garlands are made of orange marigold flowers and white jasmines. The flowers are weaved into a garland using thread and then knotting in the ends.

   Diwali

   • Diwali is the shortened version of Deepavali, meaning rows of lights. The whole country of India celebrates Diwali. They celebrate it to honor several gods’- victories over evil. Diwali is also referred to as the great Festival of Lights. Indians celebrate this event on the lunar calendar’-s last day of the last month. This occurs during late autumn and overlaps with Halloween. Diwali is also considered a festival that celebrates the renewal of life, since on this day, old lamps are thrown out and replaced with new lamps.

   Namaskar

   • Also referred to as Namaste, Namaskar is a popular form of greeting in India. Indians use it as a form of salutation in greeting or welcoming other people and in bidding farewell to them. To do the Namaskar, you place both of the palms together and then raise them just below the face when greeting a person. In Indian culture, both hands symbolize one mind or oneself meeting the other. The right hand symbolizes higher nature, while the left hand represents lower nature.

Source: www.ehow.com

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