Wellbeing; Indian Culture Perspective

Indian culture is the heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, belief systems, political systems, artifacts and technologies that originated in or are associated with the ethno-linguistically diverse Indian subcontinent. Indian culture is among the world's oldest as the people of India can track their civilization back as far as 4,500 years ago.

Many sources describe it as "Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara" — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization. However, we made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda) well in advance of many western civilizations.  

Every culture is valuable to that population largely for emotional and territorial reasons. But the significance of Indian culture is that it is a scientific process towards human liberation and well-being. No other culture has looked at a human being with as much depth and understanding as this culture has & the culture that has looked at it as a science and created methods to evolve a person into his ultimate nature.

India can be said as the only place in the world which is a cluster of cultures which cannot be found anywhere else. It is the oldest in the world with cultural diversity throughout the country which can surprise anybody. It is unbelievable for the world that north, south, east, west, north-east and central parts of India have their own traditions and cultures.

India is the only country where Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism and several other religions exist. Official language of India is Hindi but there are 22 languages which are approved by Indian constitution. It is rich in traditional aspect with saying “Namaste” or “Namaskar” to greet anybody and touching feet of your elders. Traditional family structure of India is joint family system where several generations live together under one roof.

The food and eating habits of India changes from place to place as each state of India has its own specific. It will not be wrong to say that India is a country of cultures, where one can find uniqueness at each place. Indian civilization is very old and still existing whereas other civilizations have become extinct.

Despite having so many differences in various aspects one thing which binds whole India is unity in diversity.

Religions in India have a deep and greater impact in shaping the culture and traditions of country. India is land of celebration, festivals and joy where each and every person is happy in its own life. This is the only place which believes in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means one world, one family. India has religions which teach us tolerance, kindness, and generosity.

The Indian culture is the only culture which believes in spreading love. It is the land of celebrations and festivals namely Holi, Diwali, Durga Pooja, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ramadan, Guru Parab, Christmas etc. Apart from major festivals, there are also various regional festivals like Chhath Pooja, Ugadi, Teej, Onam, Pongal, etc celebrated in states.

The world witness India's military might and cultural diversity at Rajpath (Delhi) during the Republic Day parade every year…

India believes in the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means that guest is equal to god so he is warmly welcomed. The concept of “Arrange Marriage” system is still practiced in India; it is one of the countries where parents choose life partners for their child. Clothing is also a part of Indian culture where “Saree” is worn by women and men wear “Kurta-Pyjama” or “Dhoti-Kurta” etc.

Art is also one of the special dimensions of Indian culture as each state has its different form of dancing and singing like Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi etc.

By: Lalitha Sharma