Indian Tradition
Some Common Indian Customs and Traditions
A four thousand years of continuous culture has meant that a number of Indian
customs and traditions have come down to the present generation almost without
a change for thousand of years. These customs invariably invoke curiosity in
the minds of visiting foreigners tempting them to wonder what they mean. Below
we are giving some of these customs which have remained part of Indian traditions
for more than a thousand years....
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
Namaskar
Namaskar or Namaste is the most popular form of greeting in India. It is
a general salutation that is used to greet or welcome somebody and also for
bidding farewell. While doing Namaskar, both the palms are placed together and
raised below the face to greet a person. It is believed that both the hands
symbolise one mind, or the self meeting the self. While the right hand represents
higher nature, the left hand denotes worldly or lower nature.
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
Tilak (Tika)
Tilak is a ritual mark on the forehead. It can be put in many forms as a
sign of blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. The Tilak is usually made out
of a red vermilion paste (kumkum) which is a mixture of turmeric, alum, iodine,
camphor etc. It can also be made of a sandalwood paste (chandan) blended with
musk. The Tilak is applied on the spot between the brows which is considered
the seat of latent wisdom and mental concentration, and is very important for
worship. This is the spot on which yogis meditate to become one with Brahma.
It also indicates the point at which the spiritual eye opens. All thoughts and
actions are said to be governed by this spot. Putting of the coloured mark symbolises
the quest for the 'opening' of the third eye.
All rites and ceremonies of the Hindus begins with a Tilak topped with a few
grains of rice placed on this spot with the index finger or the thumb. The same
custom is followed while welcoming or bidding farewell to guests or relations.
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
Aarti
Aarti is performed as an act of veneration and love. It is often performed
as a mark of worship and to seek blessings from God, to welcome guests, for
children on their birthdays, family members on auspicious occasions or to welcome
a newly wedded couple. The Aartis is also performed to ward off evil effects
and the malefic influence of the 'evil eye'.
For performing Aarti, five small lamps called niranjanas are filled with ghee
or oil and arranged in a small tray made of metal. A wick is made out of cotton
wool and placed in the lamps. A conch-shell filled with water, auspicious leaves
or flowers, incense or lighted camphor are also placed in the tray. The lamps
are lit and the tray is rotated in a circular motion in front of the deity or
the person to be welcomed.
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
Garlanding
Flower garlands are generally offered as a mark of respect and honour. They
are offered to welcome the visitors or in honour of the Gods and Goddesses.
The garlands are generally made with white jasmine and orange marigold flowers.
They are weaved in thread tied in the end with the help of a knot.
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
Bindi
A bindi is an auspicious mark worn by young girls and women. Bindi is derived
from Bindu, the Sanskrit word for dot. It is usually a red dot made with vermilion
powder which is worn by women between their eyebrows on their forehead.
Considered a symbol of Goddess Parvati, a bindi signifies female energy and
is believed to protect women and their husbands. Traditionally a symbol of marriage,
it has also become decorative and worn today by unmarried girls as well. No
longer restricted in colour or shape, bindis are seen in many bright colours
and in different shapes and designs.
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
Essential Ornaments
Nose Pin: Many Indian women wear a pin on their nose studded with semi-precious
stones, called a nose pin. A symbol of purity and marriage, the nose pin is
today adorned by many unmarried girls as well.
Mangalsutra: It is a necklace made of black beads, worn only by married women
as a mark of being married. It is the Indian equivalent of the western wedding
ring. The mangalsutra is tied by the groom around his bride's neck. Mangalsutra
is generally made out of two strings of small black beads with a gold pendant.
The black beads are believed to act as protection against evil. The married
women wear this to protect their marriage and the life of their husband. In
southern India, the mangalsutra is called 'tali'. It is a small gold ornament,
strung on a cotton cord or a gold chain.
Click
Here For Reservation and More Information
