Indian Culture

India

The Indian culture is rich culture full of religions, food, music, and much more. This is a culture about the way of life, enriching lives and being prosperous. This country has introduced many concepts that have been accepted by people throughout the world. When I think of India I think of yoga, mediation, bright colors, and their cuisine. Yet, there is so much more than meets the eye.

India is known to be the birthplace of two of the worlds third and fourth largest religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is known as Sanatana Dharama or "The Eternal Teaching." Hindus believe in samsara, the cycle of rebirth, and karma, the universal law of cause and effect. Buddhism is the religion in which people believe that the life goal is to achieve "enlightenment". India has one of the most diverse religious societies in the world. Religion is still the central role in the lives of the people.

One aspect of the Indian culture I found interesting was the marriage ritual. The bride's family typically arranges the marriage. Her family also provides a dowry to groom. A dowry is a portion of the female's family wealth; this could be money or just a cow. The wedding is one of the most important rituals a person will have in their life. Hindu families will spend a large amount of money funding these elaborate weddings. The three most common rituals done at a Hindu wedding is the Kanyadaan (gifting away the daughter), Panigrahana (hold hands near the fire), and Satapadi ( taking seven steps before fire while reciting vows with each step).

Once the couple is married, it is tradition for family's to stay together. For example there are the parents, children, children's spouses, and their children. The oldest male in the house is typically head of household. When moving forward with the times, the culture has altered some of their views on the equality of men and woman. In 1956 there were laws passed that were to treat males and females as equals. Also, the divorce rate has gone up over the years and typically women are the ones initiating the divorce.

Overall the continent of Asia offers a plethora of culture to the world. India is just a small portion that offers such a rich culture. There is a lot we could learn from their belief systems, as they are most often very peaceful people. Buddhism and yoga is just a couple of traditions that western