Food

The gastronomical commitment of a nation like India are hard to pin down. The diversity of India is reflected in the eating habits of its inhabitants as well. Over centuries as various people immigrated and mingled within the present borders of India the eating habits blended and fused to create its own style.

While the use of spices and herbs are not exclusive to Indian food, it’s used most generously in the subcontinent. Ancient trade links suggest that the spices from India were a high values commodity in Greece and China.

Another interesting phenomenon about food in India is how it is engrained within the cultural fabric of particular communities in particular regions.  Many have (for the sake of simplicity) divided Indian food in accordance to its regions: North Indian, South Indian, East Indian and West Indian. Others have divided Indian food on the bases of its staple ingredient: rice, and wheat. Further, some have also drawn the line in terms of vegetarians and meat eating. Yet, classification of food and eating habits are not that simple.

Besides its diversity, it is also the sweetmeat tradition or mithai of India that makes Indian food unique. South Asian sweets are usually made with sugar, milk and condensed milk, and cooked by frying. The bases of the sweets and other ingredients vary by region. Mithai are also offered to gods and served during an auspicious occasion. For more information of Indian Mithai please click here.

Paan: The paan culture is declinging yet significant part of the Indian cultural ethos. Traditionally, Paan is a prepared by wrapping areca nut and cured tobacco. Paan is chewed and finally spat out or swallowed. Paan has many variations. Slaked lime paste is commonly added to bind the leaves. The use of tobacco in paan causes cancer , while the red saliva notoriously spit in public places is a source of staina dn biological waste production. The metha paan (sweet paa), made without tobacco proves to be quite a mouth freshener.

To learn how to cook Indian food please click here.

To read about the history of food in India please click here.

At every nook and corner in India you will find a new kind of street food. Delicious and inexpensive street food provides an easy meal. The diversity of food in India is rivaled by the diversity in street food of India. Bhel-puri, pani-puri, channa, and the various kinds of chat are but a few of the street food available in India. India offers a range of innovative eating traditions. To read more please click here.

Costumes

Clothes in India is a matter of pride. From the turban to the Dhoti its function is more than a mere protection from the elements. During India’s struggle against the yoke of colonialism idea of kind of clothes one wore became a space of struggle. While one finds the t-shirt, jeans, and shirt ubiquitously it is the more traditional garments that get a priority during important festivals and events.
Gandhiji and his spinning wheel
Photo Source: www.treehuger.com
The clothes of India are as diverse as the people. The costume and the fabric also depend in the region and its climate. In most of India, cotton is the fabric of choice.

The most popular dresses for women in most of India is the saree. A saree is a long strip of unstitched cloth that women drape over the body in several different ways. Women wear the sari over a petticoat and a fitted short-sleeved blouse called a “choli” or “ravika.”. Among women, especially in the North India, a close second is the salwar kutha. Chic, colorful and comfortable the Salwar Kutha is gaining prominence among urban women.

Among the men, especially in the rural areas, the most popular form of dressing include the Dhoti, and the lungi. While the Salwar Kamez is also quite popular.
Each region in India has a different costume. To read more about it in detail please click here.http://www.indianetzone.com/37/indian_state_costumes.htm


Photo Source: www.walkthroughindia.com

For the details of clothing in the India in accordance to the states please click here. http://www.walkthroughindia.com/lifestyle/womens-traditional-dresses-and-costumes-of-indian-states/

To access the history of clothing in India, please click here. http://textilesindepth-indianfashion.blogspot.com/2011/06/indian-fashion-history.html

To watch a presentation about the evolution of clothing in India please click here. http://www.slideshare.net/guestc4f826/ancient-indian-fashion

To learn to wear a Saree please click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AinFAsppQFM

Archaeology

The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), established in 1861 is responsible for the survey of archaeological remains and excavations, and maintaining the centrally protected monuments sites and remains. As of 2008, the ASI has declared three thousand six hundred and fifty six monuments to be of national importance, of which twenty one properties are inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

To visit the website of the Archaeological Survey of India please click here.

Archaeological and historical pursuits in India started with the efforts of Sir William Jones, who put together a group of antiquarians to form the Asiatic Society on 15th January 1784 in Calcutta. Since independence various agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India, State Departments of Archaeology, Universities and other research organisations have conducted archaeological excavations in different parts of the country. Each state has a number of sites which are excavated by the appropriate Central and State department. For a complete list of excavation sites in India please click here.

For more details on the Monument of India, and its historic importance please visit this website: Monuments of India

The Archaeological Survey of India also has a Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW), which The UAW is engaged in documentation of underwater sites and ancient shipwrecks, training of professional archaeologists, young researchers and students,  conduct of seminars to discuss various aspects and to bring awareness, and Protection of underwater cultural heritage. For more details please click here.

 

Heritage Sites

According to the UNESCO there are 30 recognized world heritage sites in India. 24 of the 30 are cultural sites, while the remaining 6 are natural sites. Additionally, India has also submitted a list of 34 properties for the tentative list. In 2013, UNESCO placed six hill forts of Rajasthan on its new list of heritage sites. Click here to read more.

For a video introduction of the World Heritage sites of India please click here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-hCoPRtzjI

For a comprehensive look into India’s heritage sites please visit the India page of the World Heritage Sites.

Photo Source: Archaeological Survey of India

Languages

The languages in India are divided into 4 main language family: Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Sino-Tibet; of which Indo-European and Dravidan languages are sopken by a majority.

The languages of India can also be understood, in general, in accordance with its geography. The people in the Northern Himalyan region and near the Burmese border speak Sino-Tibetian languages, the Northern and central region usually speak languages that fall under the Indo-European family, people in southern India speak languages from the Dravidan group, and some ethnic groups in North Eastern India speak Austro-Asiatic.


Photo Source: Central Institute of Indian Languages

For more information on Indian Languages please visit this comprehensive site of the Central Institute of Indian Languages. http://www.ciil.org/

The Eighth Schedule of Indian constitution allows for the “progressive use of the Hindi language for the official purposes of the Union

Traditions & Rituals

Touching of feet: Touching the feet of elders is a tradition that is very common in South Asia. In India this gesture indicates that the one touching the feet is seeking for blessings from the person whose feet are touched. While the origin of the tradition is not well established touching the feet of your parents, grandparents or a religious figure is a sign of reverence, devotion and love. For a detailed look into this tradition please click here.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda is the system of medicine that evolved in India and continues to be practiced  has in the present day. Ayurveda is a combination of two words, Ayur meaning Life, and Veda meaning wisdom. According to Narayanaswamy references to a “systematic and comprehensive treatment of medicine is to be found only in the Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda is considered to have originated later than the Rig Veda, and contains a description of diseases and the cure of them.

To read V. Narayanaswamy’s full paper on the History of Ayurveda please click here.

To view a video of Ayurveda please click here.

Traditional Sports: A live tradition of India are traditional sports. Ancients texts suggest to a number of games played and practiced by people. Manas Olhas  describes at length about bharashram ( weight – lifting), bharamanshram ( walking ), and Mall – Stambha, a peculiar form of wrestling, wherein both contestants sit on the shoulders of their ‘seconds’, who stand in waist – deep water throughout the game.

Of the traditional games, sports like Gilli-Danda, Malla Yudha, Kho-Kho and Kabaddi are still very popular, especially in rural area.

To watch a video of children playing Gilli-Danda please click here.
To watch a video of Kabaddi match between Iran and India please click here.

Information Source URL links:

http://sports.indiapress.org/ancient_indian_games.php
http://www.indiatimes.com/sports/top-5-traditional-indian-sports-14390-5.html#list_start
http://www.medindia.net/ayurveda/
http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?tabId=13&programId=1073755417&categoryId=-1073908161&contentId=12490275

 

Cultural Festivals & Events

Festivals are very important aspect of the cultural ethos of a diverse country like India. Each festival has an unique form of celebration , and the diversity is compounded as each festival is celebrated in an a unique fashion by the different communities. Because of the rich diversity, festivals are known  by different names in different region. Here are some of the more widely celebrated festivals. For a more detailed look into the various festivals of India, please click here.

Diwali: Deepawali, also called Divali, is the Festival of Lights. Deepawali is the occasion of joy and is celebrated with great pomp throughout India and the Hindu world. The legends of that go with the festival are different in different parts of India. Even though, Deepawali is a festival that lasts 5 days people start preparing for Diwali weeks ahead by cleaning and decorating their households.  It is also the beginning of the new financial year for the business community.

For more information on Diwali click here.

Holi: The full-moon day in February-March is celebrated as Holi, the festival of colors. Holi also welcomes the spring and the harvest season.  There are a number of legends that sorround Holi. The festival is one of unrestricted joy and celebrated with dancing, singing, and throwing of powder paint and coloured water. To read more about Holi please click here.

Photo Source: www.ibtimes.com
The festival has a two parts to the celebration. At night bonfires are lit and some grains burnt as an offering to the fire. The next day, people of all ages go into the streets for fun and paint-throwing. Special food and sweets are prepared during the day. However, over the years the celebration of Holi has taken an ugly turn with people forcing themselves and the festivities even on those who do not wish to partake. Unfortunately the celebration has become an excuse for harassment.

Dusehra: Dussera or Vijayadashami, is the anniversary of the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasure. The festival also commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana of Lanka. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.  It is also during Dusehra that people engage in the Ramlila, a play of the epic Ramayana. The play narrates the acts and deeds of the Lord Ram. To read more about the Ramlila please click here.

In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families arrange dolls (Bommai Kolu) and arte facts with decorative displays of lamps and flower. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. For more details on Dusehra please click here.

Kumbha Mela: Kumbha Mela is the biggest congregation of humans in the world. It takes places at the banks of the “Sangam

Cultural Identities

What makes a diverse nation like India a unified country? With a population of over one billion people, with a history spanning over 5000 years, and cultural and ethnic diversity of such a vast scale, it is difficult question to answer. Perhaps the answer lies in that often repeated creed: Unity in Diversity.

The 1.2 billion people of India are divided by a number of cultural, social, linguistic, religion and economical signifiers. Yet these differences bring with it its own unique sense of identity and culture to the larger identity of being an Indian.

According to the 2011 census 80.5% of the country follows the Hindu faith. While Muslims (13.4%), Christians (2.3%) and Sikhs (1.9%) make up the largest religious minorities. These religions are further divided into a number of sects. The connectors and dividers in modern India are too vast to keep account of. Every region, every ethnicity has its own values, practices, eccentricities and tradition. For more details please click here. http://www.indiaculture.nic.in/

To read about the ethnic composition of India please click here. http://histclo.com/country/other/india/eth/india-eth.html

Sculpture & Decorative Arts

Jim zo (Sculpting)

In Bhutan sculpting or jim dzo is one of the oldest forms of carft originationg in the 17th century. Clay statues, paper mache, clay masks and pots are examples of jim dzo.Bhutanese Clay sculpture is among the best in the Himalayan region and many gifted sculptors were invited to build statues for some of neighbouring Tibet’s ancient monasteries. In Bhutan, towering clay statues of Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal are central figures in more than 2,000 monasteries all around the country. All the clay sculptures are religious in nature and most of the master sculptors are employed full time by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Clay sculpturing skill is one of the skills taught by the National Institute of Zorig Chusum under the Government of Bhutan.

Lug zo (casting)

Bronze casting is used to produce statues and pinnacles for roofs and to make decorative ornaments used in monasteries. Both wax and sand casting techniques are used in Bhutan. Traditionally, wax casting of statues of deities was practiced by sculptors.

Par zo (Carving)

In Bhutan, carving is done on various materials ranging from stone, wood and slate. Woodcarving can be found in masks, traditional symbols, bowls and cups, wooden sheaths or scabbards and handles for knives and swords, beautifully carved pillars and beams, printing blocks of wood and altars. Slate carving is another popular art and can be found in carvings of images of deities, religious scripts and mantras. Stone carving while not so evident has survived over the years in Bhutan. What survives of this art today are the large grinding stone mills turned by water and the smaller ones used by farmers at home, the hollowed-out stones for husking grain, troughs for feeding animals and the images of gods and deities carved onto large rocks and scriptures.

Tshem zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique)

Throughout Bhutanese history, the art of embroidery or tshemzo has played a very important role in the making of thangkas and other decorative clothes like rachus (women’s ceremonial shoulder scarves) and triceps (ceremonial table cover). Traditionally, only men were involved in embroidery and applique work, though now women are also learning this craft.

http://www.bhutan2008.bt/en/node/279

National Statistics Bureau and Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. Cultural Indutries Sector Development. A Baseline Report, Thimpu: Royal Government of Bhutan, 2009.

Handicrafts

Tsha zo (bamboo work)

 

The art of bamboo weaving or tshar dzo is practiced mainly in Kheng Zhemgang and Trimshing Kangpara in Trashigang. Examples of this art form are- Bangchungs, palangs, floor mats and mats for drying grains, musical instruments like flutes, matted bamboo for roofs and fences, traditional bows and arrows. In Bhutan, woven bamboo is also used to decorate wood and to make bamboo containers for alcohol and quivers. Bamboo/cane tupperware-baskets known as bangchung that snap together to form a container are very popular handicraft items.

De zo (paper making)

 

Traditionally, the art of paper making was confined for monastic purposes. Today, paper making is of great commercial value and is popular in Bomdeling and Rigsum Gonpa in Trashi Yangtse. Desho (paper) is especially made from the bark of a plant known as Daphne (Deshing). The paper products today are mainly used for wrapping gifts and writing religious scriptures. Handmade paper of Bhutan is popular both domestically and internationally.

Shag zo (wood turning)

Shag dzo or wood turning is another ancient art tradition of Bhutan. Examples of this are bowls, plates, cups and containers from different types of wood. This is best practiced in Trashiyangtse in eastern Bhutan. Hand-turned wooden utensils are usually made by an artisan community in eastern Bhutan using pedal lathes on burlwood of prized wood like rhododendron and daphne.

 

http://www.bhutan2008.bt/en/node/279

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon. Tourism Council of Bhutan, 2010.