Indian Wedding

Indian Marriage Tradition

Marriages in India are filled with ritual and celebration that continue for several days. Usually around 100 to 10,000 people attend. Attendees are frequently not known directly by the bride and groom. Though most Indian Marriages are Arranged, some couples in urban areas consummate "love marriages", in which the partners decide to marry each other without family involvement or assistance. The traditional Indian wedding is about two families being brought together socially, with as much emphasis placed on the families coming closer as the married couple.

Many wedding customs are common among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Muslims. They combine local, religious and family traditions. The period of Hindu marriage ceremonies dates from the application of tilak.

Marriages in India are a mainstay in the social calendar of the whole community. Many wedding traditions originated in India. Increasingly, Western features are incorporated, such as speeches, the first dance and the traditional wedding cake.

Forms of Marriage:

The Vedic system recognizes the validity of several forms of marriage:

• Brahmana, in which the father of the bride sends an invitation to a properly qualified man and entrusts the girl to him; the purpose of the marriage is the joint performance of the traditional religious duties
• Daiva, in which the girl is married to a properly qualified brahmana who was invited to perform a sacred ritual; the purpose of the marriage is to perpetuate the good results of the sacrifice and to protect society in general
• Arsha (of the Rishi), in which the married couple offer a symbolic gift of a bull and a cow (sacred animals considered the father and mother of human society) to the girl’s parents; the purpose of the marriage is cooperation in the study and practice of spiritual life
• Prajapatya, in which the girl chooses a suitable husband directly or indirectly (for example in Svyamvara
  tournaments); the purpose of the marriage is the birth of a qualified progeny that will continue the dynasty
• Gandharva, in which the girl and boy declare their love for each other (this is also the specific ritual for gays and lesbians, according to the 12th century commentator Jayamangala) and exchange vows and garlands; the purpose of the marriage is romantic desire and sensual pleasure – as exemplified in the story of shakuntala and dushyanta
• Rakshasa, in which the girl is abducted from her home against the will of her family; this type of marriage is also popular with kshatriyas who want to overcome the blind opposition of the girl’s family to her wishes (as in the cases of krishna’s wife Rukmini and sister subhadra, who married Arjuna)
• Asura, in which a girl and her family receive gifts, boons or wealth from the prospective husband to convince them of his good intentions; the most famous example in Puranic history is shantanu, who married Satyavati by pledging exclusive succession rights to Satyavati’s sons
• Pisacha, in which a girl is seduced into a sexual relationship by flattery, emotional pressure, mental manipulation, intoxication (with wine etc.), or approached while she is sleeping and more vulnerable. The purpose of the pisacha marriage is mere satisfaction of sensual pleasure but still the women involved and the children conceived in such relationship are considered perfectly respectable by society.

Indian Dances

Dances of India

Indian classical dance is an umbrella term for various codified art forms rooted in sacred Hindu musicak threatre styles whose theory can be traced back to the Natya shastra  of Bharata Muni (400 BCE).

One of the most striking features of Hindu Dance is the use of hand gestures.

Speaking in dance via gestures, rather than orally, in order to visually convey outer events or things, as well as inner feelings, two classifications of specific traditional 'MUDRA' (hand/finger gesture) are used in Indian Classical Dance, and indeed are a prominent part of the dancer's vocabulary.

The Abhinaya Darpan (a descriptive primmer for dancers) mentions that the dancer should sing the song by the throat, express the meaning of the song through hand gestures, show the state of feelings in the song by eyes, and express the rhythm with his or her feet.

From the Natya Shastra, a text on the arts, this beautiful quotation and translation is often quoted by Indian classical dance instructors:

"Yato hasta stato drishti"..."Where the hand is, the eyes follow"

"Yato drishti stato manaha"..."Where the eyes go, the mind follows"

"Yato manaha stato bhava"..."Where the mind is, there is the feeling"

"Yato bhava stato rasa"..."Where there is feeling, there is mood/flavour, sweetness (i.e., appreciation of art; aesthetic bliss)"

                            Kathak- Northern India

                   Bharata Natyam-Tamil Nadu

                                          Kathakali-Kerala

                                       Sattriya - Assam

                  Kuchipudi - Andhra Pradesh

                                       Manipuri Dance

                            Mohiniyattam - Kerala

Oiessi - Odisha

Indian Architecture

Indian Architecture

The architecture of India is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Indian architecture progressed with time and assimilated the many influences that came as a result of India's global discourse with other regions of the world throughout its millennia-old past. The architectural methods practiced in India are a result of examination and implementation of its established building traditions and outside cultural interactions.

Though old, this Eastern tradition has also incorporated modern values as India became a modern nation state. The economic reforms of 1991 further bolstered the urban architecture of India as the country became more integrated with the world's economy. Traditional Vastu Shastra remains influential in India's architecture during the contemporary era.

The South Indian temple consists essentially of a square-chambered sanctuary topped by a superstructure, tower, or spire and an attached pillared porch or hall (maṇḍapa, or maṇṭapam), enclosed by a peristyle of cells within a rectangular court. The external walls of the temple are segmented by pilasters and carry niches housing sculpture.

North India temples showed increased elevation of the wall and elaborate spire by the 10th century. Richly decorated temples—including the complex at Khajuraho—were constructed in Central India. Indian traders brought Indian architecture to South east Asia through various trade routes.Grandeur of construction, beautiful sculptures, delicate carvings, high domes, gopuras and extensive courtyards were the features of temple architecture in India. Examples include the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha, Brihadeeshwar Temple at Thanjavur in Tamilnadu.

Mughal tombs of sandstone and marble showPersian influence. The RedFort at Agra (1565–74) and the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri (1569–74) are among the architectural achievements of this time—as is the Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for QueenMumtaz Mahal by Shah Jahan (1628–58).Employing the double dome, the recessed archway, white marble and parks while stressing on symmetry and detail was visible during the reign of Shah Jahan. Quranic verses were described on the walls of the buildings. However, the depiction of any living being—an essential part of the pre-Islamic tradition of India—was forbidden under Islam. The architecture during the Mughal Period, with its rulers being of Turco-Mongol origin, has shown a very good blend of Indian style combined with the Islamic and Persian styles.

In recent times there has been a movement of population from rural areas to urban centres of industry, leading to price rise in property in various cities of India.Urban housing in India balances space constrictions and is aimed to serve the working class. Growing awareness of ecology has influenced architecture in India during modern times.

Climate responsive architecture has long been a feature of India's architecture but has been losing its significance as of late. Indian architecture reflects its various socio-cultural sensibilities which vary from region to region. Certain areas are traditionally held to be belonging to women. Villages in India have features such as courtyards, loggias, terraces and balconies. Calico, chintz, and palampore—of Indian origin—highlight the assimilation of Indian textiles in global interior design. Roshandans, which are skylights-cum-ventilators, are a common feature in Indian homes, especially in North India.

National Symbols of INDIA

 National Symbols of INDIA

National Flag

 National Flower (Lotus)

National Animal (Tiger)

 National Aquatic Animal (Dolphin)

 National Emblem(Three Lions with horse & ox at bottom)

 National Bird (Peacock)

             National Currency (Rupee)

 National Fruit (Mango)

          

                                             NationalHeritageAnimal (Elephant)

National Tree (Banyan)

Women in Power

Women-IN-Power

In India women is treated with respect and given more importance than any other nation in the world.

Since the almighty is a women in hindu culture women has given such a respectable position in the society.In the same way, in India womens are encouraged in each and every aspect equally with the men.In the same way the Indian women is very much strong in physically as well as mentally to do any kind of task equally with men.

The recent incident of Obama (President of United States) visiting India on the occasion of Republic day of India, the God of Honour is lead by a Women and every perade is leaded by a women. This is to show the power of Indian women & to make known how inportance is given to women in India.

 Present Indian lady came to a position of giving competition to men in every aspect including Jobs, services, ruling, leading and all. Starting from the call centre & software upto Guarding a Nation women in being equal with men in India.

Indian women has given opportunity to take part in guarding the Nation by the three armed forces of India named Army, Navy & Air Force. Women is Fighting against enemy on Land, in Sea and even in Air.

 Here are few great personalities of Indian wome who are ruling the Indian politics. A women in INdia had even honoured with president of India cader.
They are ruling state politics as well as mens and even better than mens.They had got succeded in proving that womens are no more lesser capable then mens.

NOt only in common and dangerous aspects, womens are stepping ahead even in sports to keep up the name of Nation. Kalpana Chawala is the first Indian women to travel into the space. Girls got World Cup in cricket, Batmenton and many more sports.

"The Time of India Daughters had came"

Great Personalities of Nation 

 India has great Personalities & Leaders to lead India towards development. 
Many Heros of India has stepped farward to fight against the British empire for seeing the Independent India.
Some people fought individually at their regions, where as some great freedom fighters made country United and fought for Freedom.
They have shown the powre of Indian Nation when it is with Unity. In "India there is Unity in Diversity".
Late freedom fighters brought us Independence on 15th Augest 1947.

We still respect them by remembering them at their birthdays and honuring them by following in the way they have shown. 

 After them there were many outstanding great leaders evolved in India . With their knowledge & Wisdom they keading people into succesful future by that lead Nation too. There also Scientest's who had developed technology in India that no other country had done.



There are many sports men & women who brought Gold Medals for India, even World cup in cricket & Hockey. They takes India fame all over the world with their love and determination to their talent.

 Because of Patriotism and Love towards Nation some people makes India great even they were in other countries.
 They also help other countries treating them as friends and neighbouring countries.

India respects and gives opportunity to womens equally with mens. Womens like Kiran Bedi proved that they too had a talent of even controlling Law - and -order with theur capability.
There are many singers who had sung for nation by adding essence of Indian culture & tradition in their songs.
They also gives more inportance ot social responsibility.As there are Women Rights, Women Empowerment, Womens serving for the welfare of girl childs & education.

India's Best Food

 Tasty Indian Food

Indian food is known for its Taste and Spicy as well.

India is alsotermed as land of Spices. here we can find various number of spices harvested and available from forest lands.Those spices are very spicy and they add taste to the food. Indian spices are added in food not only for taste, but every spice has it's own importance in medical and health point of view.

Indian food is the best tasteous and also Healthy food among the world.

Indian food has all the require protines & vitamins that are required for humans.

It includes of all snacks , sweets, curry, pickle, liquid dite, papads, curd, chawal and many more.

 This is a simple example of showing how many items that a real Indian meals contains to eat for a guest or else in homes.these kind of food preperation is done for festivals and for guests to honour them with tasty food, since India believe in slogan "Atidi Devobhava"

 India wide there are various traditional food items which changes by the places and by climate. People take dite based in the climate they live in. So that to resist from climate and hot sun to improve Nutrientes in them.
Indian food is very much Nutricious food.

 So much oil and chilly powder is used by Indians. Since they are necessary for our body. Oil is used to improve fat content which generates energy. Chilly is used to strengthen the bones. Panner items of tndi are very famous world wide.
Using of milk , Coconut, leafy vegetables and other products in cooking makes food delicious.

Festives of India

Festivals of India!

As India is united with many traditions & Customs, they have their own Festivals as well which are fully Traditional , Enjoyable , Gathering , having Values , with some Ethics & Moral Values.

Each region has it's festival with Identity with respect to the seasons of India. Saome festivals are done for Gods victory over evil, some are to welcome the season, some are to gather people together, some are to wealth , some are for brotherhood. Any reason it may be and any religion it may be, but all Indians Celebrate it together as one with irrespective of their religion , status and age.

Dussera:

It is the festival of godess Kanaka Durga which is very famous in Maharastra state and also in Calcutta.

 Christmas is the festival done on the eve of Birthday of Lord Jesus Crist. It is also one of the famous festival that is celebrated.

 Diwali:

Diwali is considered as the festival of lights. It is celebrated on Oct 11th on the occasion of God's victory over Evil. On this day houses are decorated with glorious lights and sweets & special foods are made. On this day people worship to Godess Lakshmi who is known as Godess of Wealth.

People wore new cloths n worship to god. In the night whole nation will celebrate this festival by firing different types of crackers into sky together with family , friends and neighbours.On Diwali, night becomes day with the lights. This simbolises the victory of light over the dark.

 Vinayaka Chaturthi:

 Vinayaka chaturthi is the festival of lord Ganesh who has an Elephant head. he is considered as elephant god and also as God of Knowledge.
 On this day people worship the Idol of lord Ganesh in their homes. They prepare various favorite dishes to god. In India it's the passion of making large street Ganesh Idol's as a competition. The very huge Laddu prasadam of that street Ganesh is very popular. Feeling that buying of that laddu will make and keep family safe & happy many people come for buying it in auction.
 After worshipping it in the 9th day they take that idol in a bid truck for merging it in water wich is called Ganga. As he is also called as Ganga putra which means son of river Ganga.

Festival of Colours: 

In India Holi is known as the festival of colours.It is celebrated in the streets of houses among all people, friends and relatives inorder to kill the jealous, darkness and unhappiness in oneself towards other. This festival is mostly celebrated by youth. It is celebrated irrespective of age, gender , status. Every one sprinkels the colours and colour water on everyone to make them colourful as well as their life also. It's celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops , outside doors and windows , around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.

Festival of Harvest:

Makara Sankranti is termed as the festival of harvest since it is celebrated in almost all parts of India & Nepal by the farmers as a reason of them getting the yeild of their crops. At the time of this festival the sun enters into the zodaic sign of Makara Rashi (Capricon). It indicates the arival of Spring season in India. On this festival all relatives gather at a place n celebrate it with all kinds of foods , worshipping , Dances , Camp Fires. It is also known as Kits festival for kids, were all gather in an open place and flys Kites with Competition to others. On this festival competitions for animals like Bull racing & Cock Fighting also conducted in villages as a tradition.

Ramzan:

Ramzan is the festival of muslims celebrated world wide. In India, in Hyderabad celebration of Ramzan is very famous. Makka masid is the famous mosque in Hyderabad in India.On that day every muslim Men goes to mosque and worship the god by wishing all their people. this festival is also celebrated for brotherhood. after coming from mosque they invite their love ones , friends , relatives and neighbours to their house for lunch. They serve food for them with Love & Effection.They make special dish known as Haleem which is eaten after their fasting till the date of ramzan.Hyderabadi Haleem is world wide famous which is fond of many

Krishnashtami:

Krishnashtami is the Birthday of lord krihna. It is celebrated at every temple in India. Infront of every house they make the footprints of little krishna with rice powder or rangoli. The main event of Krishnashtami is "Vooti". It means hitting of a hanging pot with a stick. The pot is filled with Buttermilk, Money ,Ghee e.t.c.,