10 Unknown Traditions of Modern India

India is a kaleidoscope of faiths, ethnicities, perspectives, Bechheya culture, customs, dialects, and civil civilizations traditions from all over. Many Indians live in the nation whose lives revolve around Indian culture and customs, despite its reputation as a technological powerhouse. Several Indian customs are still practised despite criticism and controversy, even if they have been outlawed. Although the globe is becoming more and more contemporary, Indian society yet puts a high value on its cultural traditions.

Greetings Gestures

Namaste, also known as namaskar or namaskaram, is one of the most often used Indian pleasantries. During the recent epidemic of the Coronavirus, this courteous style of saying hello, farewell, and appreciating you has witnessed a worldwide surge in popularity. Putting the palms of one’s hands together in a prayer stance in front of oneself while bowing slightly is how the gesture is accomplished.

Nag Panchami is a snake-worshipping event celebrated in the Hindu calendar

To ensure the well-being of the family in Hinduism, the blessings of serpents are sought. Typically, the event takes place between July and August. One of the most well-known legends concerning its importance is found in the Mahabharata. There are many different kinds of serpent deities worshipped today, including those made of wood or metal and occasionally a genuine snake. In addition, digging the dirt on Nag Panchami is considered a no-no since it might injure the snakes.

Arranged Marriages

Even in ancient India, arranged marriages may be traced back to pre-Vedic periods. The ‘Swayamvar’ is a traditional wedding ceremony for the bride in royal households. Many Indians still like the idea of an arranged marriage, and the practice is an important part of their culture.

Animal Wedding

Marriage to an animal is as bizarre as it sounds, whether out of superstition or custom just like Bechheya culture. While it’s natural that people are obsessed with animal lovers, it’s not a good idea to get married to your pet simply because your culture forbids it. Although it is perfectly acceptable to have an Animal Wedding if you love it, this weird custom has nothing to do with what a real marriage entails. After finishing the process, it is possible to marry a human. Arguments concerning its abolition are difficult because of the strong emotional and sentimental ties to this practice.

Holi

An annual ritual called Holika Dahan occurs in many regions of India when a massive bonfire is set up to mark the beginning of Holi festivities. People gather around a holy campfire to dance, recite songs, and give sacrifices before dispersing for the night. Nonetheless, the celebrations in the hamlet of Kokapur in Rajasthan, India, take things to a new level with a peculiar tradition. In a show of devotion, locals walk barefoot over the embers of the fire after it has died down.

Aghoris is a cannibalistic tribe

In India, the Aghoris, a cannibalistic group, are well-known. Lord Shiva’s cultists think they can eat anything in nature. Thus they’re willing to eat anything. Indians remember them as one of the country’s most notorious cannibalistic tribes. They tend to cluster around cemeteries or waterways, which serve as the last resting places for the deceased. At times you’ll see Aghoris hauling bodies out of rivers so they may meditate on them before dismembering them one by one and eating them uncooked. There are a variety of uses for human bones and skulls, such as drinking from them or eating from them.

Devadasi

 In the southern portion of India, this kind of religious activity is most common. Pre-pubescent girls were entrusted by their parents to devote their lives to the devotion and service of a god or temple. Once they’ve been allowed to marry the god, they’ll have to do important temple duties like cleaning, lighting lights, and clothing the deities. In 1934, the Bombay Devadasi Protection Act became the first legislation to proclaim this practice unlawful explicitly. The Madras Devadasi Act 1947 also forbade this practice. India abolished the devadasi system entirely in 1988.

Wearing nothing but a loincloth, Jain devotees refrain from killing any insects

Except for Hindus, just around 0.5% of people worldwide practise Jainism, which many consider the most austere religion. Animals, even insects that humans could walk on or accidentally carry about in their clothing or hair, are forbidden to the Jain community. So they demonstrate their unquestionable loyalty by tearing their hair out with their hand, leaving just one strand. Intricate sculptures on their temples make them among the most magnificent in India.

Bichhaya

In India, many women choose the Becheya, a wedding ring worn on the toe. People believe that wearing toe rings causes particular nerves associated with the reproductive tract to be stimulated, maintaining it in harmony and good condition.

Joint Family

Indians are very protective of their families and have a strong affection for them. Many generations of a family, from infants to great-grandparents, live together under the same roof. Everyone has a job to perform, whether working or taking care of the young and the elderly. A member of an Indian family may always count on their support. If you’re fortunate enough to be welcomed into an Indian family’s house, you’ll rapidly learn about the importance of close family relationships in Indian society.

Conclusion

Kindness, charity and compassion are ingrained in Indian culture and heritage. As India is a bilingual, diverse, Bechheya cultured and multi-ethnic country, its culture varies greatly in different places. In India, contemporary western culture coexists well with centuries-old customs. In India, many famous individuals have made a lasting impression on the world because of their sacrifices for the country. Indian culture and traditions enthral visitors from all over the globe.