According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, in his incarnation as Nataraja or the lord of dance, dances the world into existence and then he dances again at its destruction. Nataraja tramples the demon of ignorance as he paces out his cosmic steps. King of dance, he is also the patron of actors and dancers throughout India, and a temple at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to his honor.
The oldest text (in Sanskrit) on a dance and drama is the Bharata Natya Shastra. Its exact age is uncertain; scholars estimate it was written some time between the second century BCE and the third century C.E. The knowledge contained within this work has been passed down through the centuries, undergoing adaptations as times and fashions similarly changed. The traditional mode of transmission, from guru to disciple survives, although these days, students of dance may also learn their art at modern dance schools.
This text divides dance into margi (that performed for the gods) and desi (that performed for the pleasure of the people). Dance is further divided into tandav and lasya. Tandav is characterized by strength and vigor (generally deemed masculine qualities) and lasya is graceful and delicate, qualities associated with femininity.
Classical dance is made up of three components: natya, the dramatic element of the performance; nritya, often referred to as pure dance (the rhythmic movement of the pure dance (the rhythmic movement of the body in dance); and nritya, the element that suggests ras (sentiments) and bhava (mood) conveyed through gestures and facial expressions.
Classical Dances
Bharat Natyam
Known as Dasi attam or dance of the devadasis, (the traditional southern temple dancers), this is lasya in character and its exponents are generally women. This dance form’s popularity had waned after the 16th century C.E because of the fact that the devdasis had begun to be associated with prostitution. It was resurrected in the 19th century C.E by a family from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu who returned to the dance’s roots and helped restore its reputation.
Kathak
This form of dance combines Hindu and Muslim in.uences and is both lasya and tandav, therefore, have both male and female dancers. Kathak was particularly popular with the Moghuls or the Muslim rulers and the dancers still wear costumes that relate back to the 17th century. Kathak also suffered a period of notoriety when it moved from the courts into houses where nautch (dancing) girls tantalized audiences with their dances but it was restored as a serious art form in the early 20th century.
Kathakali
Kathakali, in its present dance form, is a relative newcomer, having been commissioned during the 17th century by the royal families of Kerala in Southern India. This form of dance is tandav and therefore the dancers are traditionally males (although females occasionally take part), and stories are usually based on epics (recited in Manipravalam, a Sanskritised form of Malayalam). Kathakali seems like pantomime wherein the characters don’t sing or talk, but at times shriek and groan. The dancers’ unique makeup, costumes and their towering headpieces leave lasting impressions on the audience.
Manipuri
Originating in the Assam Hills this dance came to the attention of the wider audience in the 1920s when Rabindranath Tagore, the prominent Indian poet, invited one of the dancers to teach at Shantiniketan, near Calcutta. It’s slow, swaying rhythm makes Manipuri a distinctly lasya dance form, counter into the accompanying drummers energetic performance.
Kuchpudi
A dance-drama created in the 17th century C.E by a dance guru, this became the prerogative of Brahmin boys from the Andhra Pradesh village it is named after. The story centers on the jealous wife of Krishna and performances take place in the open air at night.
Odissi
It is claimed to be India’s oldest dance form and is a direct descendant of the Natya Shastra. Originally a temple art, Odissi was also performed at royal courts and although, today it’s performed mainly on the stage, it is still an act of devotion. India has a wealth of folk dances ranging from the mysterious masked dances performed at festivals in the great Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh to the virile Bhangra dance of Punjab, the theatrical dummy horse dance of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the graceful .shermen’s dance of Orissa.
Folk Dancing
India has as many folk dances as it has ethno-linguistic groups. From the simple to the outlandish, India’s folk dances are invariably colorful, vital displays. Some of the best known folk dances are the energetic folk dance of Punjab called bhangra, the stick dances of Gujarat called daandiya raas, and the Koklikatai stilt dance of Tamil Nadu. Navratra or the nine nights before Dashera, the Hindu religious holiday which falls sometime in September/October, is celebrated as a festival of dance in Gujarat. It is an eagerly awaited occasion as the celebrations are a symbolic way of praying to Goddess Amba (Durga) for strength to overcome evil. During these nine nights, men and women gather in the temples, open courtyards or the village squares to dance around a garbadeep, a lamp inside an earthen pot with tiny holes. This dance is called garba. Men and women dance the garba by going in circles and clapping their hands. Sometimes they follow similar steps and use foot-long sticks called daandiyas. This dance is called the daandiya-raas. Garba and daandiya-raas have gained popularity all over India, in both rural and urban areas. Over the years, the traditional garba and daandiya-raas have changed and a new form has emerged for the younger generation. It is called the disco daandiya and is very popular in the urban areas.
‘Customs’ Vs ‘Scientific Reasons’.
India is a country that prevails from one of the oldest known civilizations in the world. Located in the southern Asian subcontinent, India has the second largest population in the world. Indian population contains people from diverse backgrounds and customs. India is a secular state, where in every one has a fundamental right to “freedom of religion”. India hosts the world’s largest Muslim and Hindu population. Today India is the world’s largest democratic country. With people from varied backgrounds living in the same country, India customs and traditions are infinite to describe.
I am a proud Indian who has been brought up along with various Indian customs and traditions followed by my family. We are too young to question these customs and traditions early in our childhood days. But as we grow up, we tend to start questioning most of the routine customs and traditions that we are asked to follow. I always believed that “Necessity is mother of Invention”. Nothing could have become a tradition or custom without having significance. My article tries to list down the customs and the possible scientific reasons and significance the customs carry with them.
Most of the Indian customs and traditions are derived from our ancestors. India has a very long history dating back to thousands of years. Education in ancient times was derived from the elders and preceptors of a family. Traditions and customs were taught at a very young age and followed as part of life. Due to colonization of India over a period of time, different customs and traditions had to co-exist with each other. Most of Indian population lived in villages having agriculture as their main profession. Until post independent times when Education became a necessity, customs and traditions were followed strictly by most Indian families.
Education brings about a transformation in every Individual. We learn to question, reason and understand what ever we intend to do. It may be very common experience for today’s young generation to question our elders when we are asked to follow a custom or tradition. But if we try and figure out the real intention behind what we are being asked to do, we would learn that our forefathers were as educated as we are today. Most of the answers can be got from the elders in the family. Try to get your doubts answered by your grandmother or grandfather. You may be thrilled and happy to know the real intention of the customs we follow in our day to day lives.
I have listed down a few Indian Customs/Traditions along with the possible scientific reason with which I got convinced with. All the reasoning used in this article is solely my thoughts and my understanding of the Indian customs. I have no intention in denying any other interpretation of the same custom or tradition discussed in this article.
Custom 1: “Throwing Currency Coins into a River” Many of us would have noticed our co-passengers throwing coins into rivers especially when traveling over river bridges.
Possible Reason: The general reasoning given for this act is that, it brings Good Luck back to us. It is also believed that it will bring back Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi to our households.
Scientific Reason: In the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Most of us even know of the ANNAs (made of copper) which were used in the pre-independent times. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. The intake of copper with water is very good for health. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water. Rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom by saying it will bring good fortune to us has ensured that all of us follow the good practice.
Custom 2: “Joining both palms together to greet others”
In Hindu culture, I have seen people greeting others by joining their palms together. This is termed as “Namaskar” as per Hindu traditions. This is the most common way of greeting others.
Possible Reason: The general reason that would be given is that greeting elders and others by joining both the palms is the way of respect given to them.
Scientific Reason: While greeting others, we join both the hands together. Joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points. This helps us to remember the person for a long time.
Custom 3: “Applying Tilak on the forehead”
Tilak is a ritual mark on the forehead. It can be put in many forms as a sign of blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. Applying Tilak on the forehead is a very important and mandatory ritual custom followed by the Hindus. Women should always put this tilak at the center of the forehead, the place in between the two eyebrows. Many of the males belonging to the orthodox communities would also put tilak on their foreheads.
Possible Reason: Hinduism is very much concerned about this custom and I myself faced a great opposition from my family members if I have not put tilak by mistake. This is considered as a evil practice if women do not put tilak.
Scientific Reason: The tilak is applied on the spot between the brows which is considered the seat of latent wisdom and mental concentration. This spot present in between the eyebrows is said to have the nerve connection to the brain. And putting tilak in this spot regularly would stimulate this spot and helps us to have good concentration and mental concentration.
Custom 4: “Tying Mango and Neem Leaves to the doors on auspicious days”
Possible Reason: The general reason given for this act is that tying mango and neem leaves would not allow the evil powers to enter the house.
Scientific Reason: On auspicious days and on special occasions, all of us gather at one place along with our relatives and friends. Photosynthesis is a process where in plants take in carbon-di-oxide and give out oxygen. This process helps in circulation of oxygen and in turn keeps the room temperature at an optimum level. Mango leaves and neem leaves are very effective in the photosynthesis process comparative to other plants. Neem leaves purify the bacteria too. In order to keep the temperature cool and to circulate air, we tie mango leaves and neem leaves to all the doors.
Custom 5: “Why do women apply turmeric paste to their foot and legs.”
Possible Reason: The general reason that is given for turmeric application is that it is a to be done act by women.
Scientific Reason: Women traditionally used to perform many household duties which involved bringing water from the river, cleaning the house with water, washing clothes, and cooking. Most of the houses were made of mud and clay which were soaked in water at regular intervals for cleaning purposes. All these activities required women step into/on water. In order to prevent their feet and legs from the bacterial and fungus infections; they were advised to apply turmeric paste to their legs. In today’s medicine we all know that turmeric is an very good antiseptic agent. Our forefathers knew this too and therefore they used turmeric extensively in their day to day lives.
Custom 6: “Madi while cooking”
“Madi” is a process in which an individual cleans himself and dresses himself into a traditional costume to perform an activity like cooking or any other religious activities. This custom is still prevalent in many orthodox families. This custom is commonly followed by Brahmin community in India.
Scientific Reason: Madi is a process of purifying the physical body before undergoing any sort of actions like cooking, religious rituals. It is always good to be clean before cooking to avoid any sort of bacteria and germs entering the food. So our ancestors have introduced a custom, called Madi. But in the recent times, it has been noticed that this custom has misinterpreted by treating people who are not in Madi as un-touchables.
Custom 7: “Raangoli in the month of December.”
It is one of the common custom followed by everyone with full of enthusiasm and interest. The home makers and the kids would involve putting rangoli in the month of Deccember, with the mix of rice powder.
Scientific Reason: In India, the month of December, it is a bit cold month comparative to the whole year. And the small insects and ants that live in the soil would not have food for the winter. Indian tradition of India tells us to help others and not to harm, even knowingly or unknowingly. Inorder to help the small insecticides, we would put rangoli on the floor, with rice powder. This would help them in providing food for the winter.
Custom 8: “Women Staying away from rituals during menstrual cycle.”
Women under menstruation are asked to remain indoors and restricted from performing most of their daily activities as a custom in many Indian traditional families.
Scientific Reason: This is probably one of the most misinterpreted customs that prevails in many traditional families. During menstruation women undergo both physical and emotional changes and may not be ready for rituals that required concentration and strength for execution. Women in the ancient times used to do a lot work that required a ritual to be completed. This custom was to ensure that women under menstruation are given rest during rituals. Over time this has been misinterpreted by many that women under menstruation are to stay away from rituals since it brings ill effects to the ritual.
Custom 9: “Why do elders rotate crystal salt, lemon around head?”
Most of the time, I see my maternal grand mother taking crystal salt or lemon and revolve around us, her grand children saying“Drishti”, evil eye. She always does this when I visit her.
Possible Reason: “Dristhi” is stated as an evil eye on the person who feels jealous about others. It is believed that if a person gets “Dristi”, he would be ruined or would fell sick due to the evil eye. As a cure and remedy to this evil eye, elders take dristhi by revolving salt or lemon around the person.
Scientific Reason: Salt can be considered as the first antibiotic. Not only that, the salty and acidic substances would less affect the magnetic field. Keeping these properties if lemon and salt in mind, we revolve salt and lemon around the person.
The salt and lemon when revolved around, it would kill all the bacteria around the person. It forms an aura layer of antibiotics around the person. Not only has this, revolving around the person balance the magnetic field too. This would make the person affected with dristi feel better.
I have stated some of the customs and traditions that have scientific reason. There is no intension to hurt any of the religious believes. These are my personal feelings and views.
Birth stars play an important role in our life right from the beginning when the child is star. When a child is born, the first question our friends and relatives will ask "What is the birth star"? It is an important component in the horoscope of a person. While seeking alliance for a guy or girl, the first thing they will see is whether the girl's star and the boy's matches or not. If there is a match only, they will proceed the alliance further. Otherwise they will drop it. While doing grahapravesam or milk boiling ceremony of a house, they will see a day which suits girl's star.
Before fixing the date for any function like marriage, grahapravesam (house warming ceremony) etc the first thing they will check is whether the star is good on that day. Here is the list of stars and functions that can be done on that star.
- Aswini - This star is suitable for doing marriage, age attending function, Bangle wearing ceremony for pregnant women ( It is called Valaikappu in Tamil and Goad Bharai in Hindi )
- Rohini - Marriage,Grahapravesam,Bangle wearing ceremony
- Mirugaseerisham - Ear piercing ceremony, Mudi Kannikkai ( Giving hair to temples ), Travelling abroad
- Punarpoosam - Making of mangal sutra ( buying or place an order ), Bangle wearing ceremony
- Poosam - Laying the foundation for a new building, Grahapravesam
- Magam - Making of mangal sutra ,Keep Borewall for a house
- Pooram - Buying of cows, goats and other pet animals
- Uthiram - Drilling well
- Hastham - Laying the foundation for a new building,Grahapravesam
- Chittirai - Name keeping ceremony ( for a new born baby ), Ear piercing ceremony
- Swathi - Marriage,Mudi Kannikkai ( Giving hair to temples ), Join the children to a new school
- Visagam - Buying of cows, goats and other pet animals
- Anusham - Wearing new jewels
- Moolam - Laying the foundation for a new building,Grahapravesam
- Uthiradam - Buy new jewels
- Thiruvonam - Grahapravesam
- Avittam - Thread wearing ceremony, Drilling well
- Sadhayam - Making of mangal sutra,Marriage
- Poorathadhi - Buying of cows, goats and other pet animals, Starting agriculture work on a land
- Uthirathadhi - Bangle wearing ceremony, Installing or placing new deities / idols in temples
- Revathi - Marriage
There are some stars which are not suitable for doing any sort of function. They are
- Bharani
- Karthigai
- Thiruvadhirai
- Ayilyam
- Kettai
- Pooradam
It can be an intimidating thing to catch back in the dating game while you’re in your fifties or further than that. If you’re uncertain about dating another time, here are a little tips to aid you out.
Believe in the Learning Curve
Understand that the world of dating has altered noticeably, particularly in the very last few years. Latest technology has been launched, attitudes have altered, and singles are strong-minded to find the correct person for them more than earlier.
Although you have dated in your teens or twenties, you’ll have to find out what courtships in the current day are actually like. Confer yourself the time to get attuned to the learning curve dating will give.
Go Online
Internet dating is the one of the most excellent way to meet singles now of any age group. be trained to the basics of setting up a profile, putting suitable pictures on your site, and emailing community of interest.Keep in mind that when you meet somebody online, you have to get to identify him or her. A familiar delusion among seniors in the online world is a space of awareness too rapidly with Internet dates. Do not provide out personal information or believe your potential date until you meet them numerous times in actual life.
Embrace the Coffee Date
Overlook a haggard out movie and dinner date. First dates are tough enough when you haven’t dated for sometime; don’t create them longer than they have to be. The most excellent bet for an initial date at the moment is the coffee date. Place to meet someone at your neighboring java shop for an hour. If you like them you can arrange for a time for a actual date after that date.
Exclusivity Has a New Definition
In dating world, just because you go out with somebody a small number of times don’t mean that you’re elite yet. Until you know for sure that your fresh partner isn’t considering someone else, don’t take for granted.As an alternative, to meet someone you like using time with and crave to kick up your relationship a score, bring up the topic of special dating. If your partner consents to, it is ok but if not, don’t get disturbed. You can make a decision to persist dating him or her and just expand your partners of importance.
Follow Your Passion
If you desire to meet someone with comparable interests, there is no nicer way than by following the things you love. So go out and bond in a group or bustle that sparks your curiosity. Don’t be anxious about going to the earliest few meetings alone. You’ll rapidly meet novel friends and one of those may seize a romantic spark.When you come into the dating world again, you may feel as if you’re the just one out there. But the realism is, single hood in your senior years is one of the most excellent times to look for the love of your life. a lot of elders have been widowed, divorced, or just never found the correct person and are in search for someone unique just like you.
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Holi which is one of the main festival of Hindu is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The other districts of Manipur are inhabited by people following Christianity. In Imphal, holi celebration extends for five days.
Like in the other places, Holi celebration begins on the dusk of the first day with the burning of the straw shack made especially for the occasion. As soon as it is burnt down, small children who are eagerly waiting for the ceremony then goes in groups in every house in the locality seeking donations. They would continue seeking donations for the next three days, usually in the early morning and in the evening; the time in between is devoted to playing around. It has also become a tradition for the married daughters to visit the parental house during holi to give money to their younger siblings, nephews, nieces.
Unlike earlier times, celebrations with colours has toned down. People still play with colours and water but as people are becoming more and more health and beauty concious, playing with colours have somewhat lost its fervours. Instead, more efforts are given to other activities- sports, being one of them.
Traditionally, the youth would organise sports events in their localities. These events would begin the morning after the shack has been burnt down. Apart from the usual track and field events, games like musical chair, tug-of-war, spoon race, blind hit etc are quite popular. The crowd puller in most of the localities is however the banana stem climbing competitions by the boys. In this competition, the participants vie to reach the top of the banana stem that has been smeared with the lubricants. The upper part of the bodies of the participants are also often smeared with oils. The successful participant get to keep the money which is kept at the top of the stem.
Most of the localities encourage women participations and organise special events for them like musical chair, tug of war,marathon etc. competitions in the cultural programmes are usually kept for the early evening.
But holi celebration in Manipur is incomplete without taking part in the 'thabal chongba'. It is a folk dance which is suppose to be done at the moonlight. However, modern touch has been given to it nowadays and it is dance under the tube-lights. The dance would be organised in one of the evening. The dancers would move in round, holding hands and dancing all the way to the beat of the drums. Earlier people would dance till late at night. But nowadays it is restricted to 10 p.m.
However the spirit of celebration continues notwithstanding the restrictions.
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