Skip to content

Hindu Culture

संस्कर (Sacraments)

Hinduism is essentially a spoken tradition, and sound is the primary means of spiritual expression. Speech is personified as Vak, a form of goddess Sarasvati. As the deity of scholarship and the arts, Sarasvati symbolises the intimate relationship within Hinduism between culture and religion, which until recently were practically inseparable. There are 64 traditional arts, which comprise a wide variety of skills, crafts, and artistic activities including music, painting, sculpture, singing, cooking, architecture, creating colourful patterns, applying cosmetics, producing perfumes, flower arranging, and caring for trees. Their variety and the inclusion of practical crafts suggest art is an integral part of life, rather than a vocation aimed at pleasing the elite. These arts were part of the process of spiritual culture, of refining and uplifting the tastes, values, and sentiments of human society. The word for culture is Sanskriti, “refinement,” suggesting a means for extracting the spiritual essence of life (Brahman). “Sanskrit” similarly means “the most refined language.” The similarity of the two words reflects the close relationship between religious scholarship and culture as a vehicle of spiritual expression.

उत्सव (Festivals)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. ‘Utsava’ is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning ‘to cause to grow Upward’. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

संगीत (Music)

The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B. India’s classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history spanning millennia and, developed over several eras, it remains fundamental to the lives of Indians today as sources of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression and pure entertainment. India is made up of several dozen ethnic groups, speaking their own languages and dialects, having very distinct cultural traditions. One very popular song, “dil to bacha hai” is believed to be arabic music, but was actually written by Thomas Bandeira who traveled to India and wrote it. Classical music The two main traditions of classical music are Carnatic music, found predominantly in the peninsular regions, and Hindustani music, found in the northern and central regions. Both traditions claim Vedic origin, and history indicates that they diverged from a common musical root since about the 13th century.

Hindu Culture Traditions

Hindu culture is a rich and diverse set of traditions, beliefs, and practices that have evolved over thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent. It is closely tied to the religion of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, with roots dating back over 4,000 years. Hindu culture encompasses various aspects of life, including philosophy, art, architecture, literature, music, dance, cuisine, and social customs.
Key elements of Hindu culture include:

  1. Religious Beliefs:

    • Hinduism is a diverse and inclusive religion with a multitude of deities and philosophical schools. It emphasizes the concept of dharma (duty or righteousness) and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).
    • The Trimurti, consisting of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), represents the three major aspects of the divine in Hinduism.

  2. Sacred Texts:

    • The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata are some of the most important Hindu scriptures. They contain hymns, rituals, philosophical teachings, and epic narratives.

  3. Rituals and Festivals:

    • Hinduism is known for its elaborate rituals and festivals that vary regionally. Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi are some widely celebrated festivals.
    • Rituals include puja (worship), yajna (fire ceremonies), and various sacraments performed at significant life stages.

  4. Temples and Pilgrimage Sites:

    • Hindu architecture is characterized by intricate temples with sculptures and carvings depicting various deities and mythological stories. Prominent examples include the temples of Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Meenakshi Temple.
    • Pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar are considered sacred by Hindus.

  5. Caste System:

    • Historically, Hindu society has been stratified into four main varnas or castes: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers).
    • The caste system has been a subject of social reform and criticism due to its impact on social hierarchy and inequality.

  6. Yoga and Meditation:

    • Hindu culture has given rise to various forms of yoga and meditation, emphasizing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yoga practices, including asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control), have gained popularity worldwide.

  7. Art and Literature:

    • Hindu art includes classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, as well as traditional music, painting, and sculpture.
    • Sanskrit literature, including works like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, has had a profound influence on Indian literature.

  8. Ayurveda:

    • Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in Hindu culture. It emphasizes holistic well-being and natural healing through herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices.

  9. Religion: Hinduism is the major religion associated with Hindu culture. It is a complex and diverse set of beliefs and practices that include the worship of deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and many others. Hinduism is characterized by its philosophical diversity, with various schools of thought like Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, and more.

  10. Scriptures: Hinduism has a vast collection of sacred texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. These texts provide guidance on rituals, moral conduct, philosophy, and the nature of reality.

  11. Rituals and Festivals: Hindu culture is marked by a variety of rituals and festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, Raksha Bandhan, and Ganesh Chaturthi are some of the major Hindu festivals.

  12. Caste System: Historically, Hindu society has been structured around the caste system, which categorizes individuals into hierarchical groups based on their birth. While the caste system has been officially abolished in many places, its influence can still be seen in some social practices.

  13. Diversity: Hinduism is not a monolithic religion, and Hindu culture is incredibly diverse. Different regions and communities may have distinct customs, traditions, and even variations in religious practices.

  14. Art and Architecture: Hindu culture has produced a wealth of artistic and architectural wonders, including intricate temple carvings, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and vibrant paintings.

  15. Yoga and Meditation: Hindu culture has given the world the gift of yoga and meditation. These practices are not only physical exercises but also spiritual disciplines aimed at achieving mental and physical well-being.

  16. Family Values: Family is considered a crucial institution in Hindu culture. Respect for elders, joint family structures, and the importance of fulfilling one’s familial duties are emphasized.

  17. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The concept of ahimsa, or non-violence, is an important aspect of Hindu culture. It encourages individuals to live a life of compassion and avoid causing harm to others.

  18. Reincarnation and Karma: Hinduism teaches the concepts of reincarnation and karma. Reincarnation is the belief in the cycle of rebirth, and karma is the law of cause and effect, where one’s actions in this life affect future lives.