The name Bhārata or Bhārata-varṣa (Bharata-varsha) is said to be derived from the name of either Dushyanta’s son Bharata or Rishabha’s son Bharata.Several Puranas state that it is derived from the name of Bharata, the son of Rishabha. However, some Puranic passages state that it is derived from Bharata, which…
comments offOnce a man was travelling in a boat with his pet pig. There was a philosopher along with some passengers in the boat. The pig had never travelled in a boat before, so it was not feeling comfortable. It was frantically going up and down the boat grunting, and not…
comments offThis is performed post the demise of a person. The cremation services are carried on as per the Hindu rituals, which includes burning the body, following a diet for few days, the Shradh and so on. Thus, the customs and traditions, followed in India by all the Indians, would see…
comments offA 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…
comments offIs 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 the guests, for children on their birthdays, family members on auspicious occasions or to welcome a newly wedded couple. For performing Arati, five small…
comments offIn most Indian household, there is the tradition of lighting a lamp/diya at God’s altar. This is done in the morning and even evening and is considered to be a pious gesture to appease God.
comments offFlower garlands are generally offered as a mark of respect and honour. They are offered to welcome the visitors or in honour to 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 a…
comments offTilak 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…
comments offThe most famous form of Indian greeting, and is especially expressed towards the elders. The way to say a traditional “Namaste” is by joining both hands at the chest level. Its is also used to bid farewell.It is believed that both the hands symbolise one mind, or the self meeting…
comments offIndians live by the popular phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which means that any guest or visitor is God’s own reflection. As per the traditional welcome, a guest is given an Indian tikka on the forehead, made of vermillion and is also garlanded.
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