Essay on Indian Culture: Unity in Diversity for Class 10, 12, Mains Exam (UPSC, PSC, SSC)
The concept of “unity in diversity” implies oneness among people despite the differences in terms of food, clothing, language, traditions, religions, customs, beliefs, values and habits. India is a country of rich culture and heritage, where people share a strong bond and stay united despite the cultural differences. India is the birthplace of great legends who have preached ideas of brotherhood, tolerance, non-violence to the world. India has one of the oldest cultures in the world. Significant chances due to westernization and modernization are known to have taken place. Indians are known for their warm hospitality and demonstrate a potent bond of unity despite of the diversity that prevails.
Diversity of Indian culture:
India is country that takes prides when it comes to its rich culture and heritage. Indian culture comprises of food, clothing, religion, language, music, dance, food, beliefs, rituals, customs, art and architecture. Indian culture has gained popularity over the world.
Indian Religion:
Indian religion plays an important in shaping the culture and customs. The religions of India have originated about five thousand years ago. Hinduism is the oldest religion and it originated from Vedas. So, all the Hindu scriptures are written in Sanskrit language. After the preaching of Lord Buddha, Buddhismoriginated as a separate religion which mostly told about nirvana, ahimsa and the eight- fold- path. Jainism of Vardhamana Mahavira traces its existence since the time of Indus valley Civilization. Christianity was brought by the British and French during the colonial rule. Islam arrived in India at the time when the Arabs conquered Sindh. At the end of the 15thcentury, Sikhism originated in India.
Indian tradition:
Indian tradition teaches people to greet with folded hands by saying ‘namaste’. Young ones seek blessings from the elders by touching their feet. They prefer to stay in joint families and believes in the concept of arranged marriage. Indian traditions teach people to help the poor and needy and respect the elders.
Indian art, music and architecture:
Indian music includes classical and folk music. Some popular forms are qawwali, thumri, kirtan, Gurbani, bhajan. Classical dances that are performed in various styles include Bharatnatyam, kathak, Odissi, kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and others. Folk dances include bihu, Chhau, bhangra and thirayattam. Hindu temple and the Indo- Islamic architecture are the two well-known forms of Indian architecture.
Indian costume:
Costumes are worn by people depending on the climate and origin of the place. In the eastern states, women wear saree and men wear dhoti kurta or kurta pajama. In the northern states men wear headgear or a turban along with dhoti-kurta and women wear salwar kameez. Married women wear vermilion in their hair partings, bindi, mehendi and bangles as part of their culture.
Indian Literature:
The Vedic literature and the Sanskrit literature are the epic forms of Indian literature. Mahabharata, Vedas, Ramayana, Arthasahtra, Shakuntala, Meghduta, Kamasutra are some other renowned Indian literatures. The biographies of various kings let us know about their reign and achievements. Huen-tsang and Fa-hien also wrote about their experience on Indian tradition and lifestyles.
Indian cuisine:
Indian food habits differ from place to place. It comprises of regional and traditional cuisines. The staple food of Indian cuisine includes of millet, rice, whole wheat and various lentils. The dishes are cooked in vegetable oil and spices are used for flavorings. Balushahi, boondi, gajar ka halwa, imarti, jalebi, kheer, rasgolla are some of the popular sweet dishes of India.
Indian festivals:
Festivals unites the people of India. They form an important part of culture and tradition. Some of the popular Indian festivals celebrated by Hindus are Diwali, Shiv ratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Navratri, Janmashtami, Chhath puja, Onam, Lohri, Makar Sankranti etc. Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Bakr-id, Moharram, Sikhs celebrate Gurupurab and the Christian celebrate Christmas.
Conclusion:
To conclude we can say, Indian culture is remarkable all across the world. Despite having diversities, the people stay united. They shoe love, care and respect for others. They believe in non-violence or ahimsa, fraternity and universal tolerance. Even though westernization has made its way in the Indian society, people have still not forgotten their culture and values. They will continue to share this unbreakable bond forever.
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