CULTURE

MEANING OF CULTURE: The simplest definition of culture is that it is composed of everything symbolic that we learn. All culture is learned, but not everything learned is culture. It includes all our actions and beliefs that are not transmitted by genes, but are transmitted (and stored) by symbols. Symbols are meaningless in themselves (intrinsically) unless they are given meaning by humans. Our values include whatever we think of as good versus bad, right versus wrong or beautiful versus ugly.

ORIGIN OF CULTURE:History of Indian Culture begins with the culture prevalent in the Indus Valley Civilisation. The Indian culture can be divided into three periods and they are; Ancient Indian Culture Begins with the culture of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa that dates from 3250 to 2750 B.C. During the epic period India was divided into a number of kingdoms. The country had witnessed political and cultural upsurge during the Classical Age. Medieval Indian Culture Culture in the medieval period was a continuation of the ancient Indian culture to some extent. Literature witnessed development of the vernacular languages. Various `Apabhramshas` developed now. Tulsidas was a great Hindi poet. The most famous of his work was Ramcharita Manas. Surdas was another poet who wrote in Brijbhasha. The development of Urdu language was significant in the medieval age. Modern Indian Culture Modern Indian Culture has primarily been influenced by the rule of the British Empire. Modern machinery of government was created. The rule of law operated by means of the law codes and the courts. English as a language was used in the administration. It gave birth to new ideas Christian schools and colleges were set up. Selection of 4 different Religions of India and describing their wedding in the form of culture and also some of the festivals which they celebrate. 1. Bengali 2. Maharasthran 3. Rajasthani 4. Muslims

BENGALI WEDDING
PRE-WEDDING RITUALS Ashirbaad Aai Budo Bhaat Holud Kota Dodhi Mongol MAIN WEDDING RITUALS Bor Jatri Bor Boron Potto Bastra Saat Paak Mala Badal Subho Dristi Sampradan Yagna Saat Paak Anjali Sindoor Daanand Ghomta

POST-WEDDING RITUALS Bidaay Kaal Ratri Bou Bhaat & Bodhu Boron Phool Shojja CUISINES OF BENGALI The cuisines of West Bengal are centered on fish, lentil and rice, but there are a wide variety of side dishes which adds richness to the Bengali cuisine. The people of West Bengal also eat a wide variety of vegetables as they are grown in plenty in the favourable climate and fertile soils of the state. Fish, and especially fresh water fishes are cooked in diverse styles in West Bengal by steaming, frying, boiling, and stewing with vegetables and spices. Rohu, katla, bhetki and hilsa are the most popularly consumed fishes in West Bengal. Prawns and crabs are also favourites among the people of West Bengal. Prawn curry with coconut milk is a wonderful delicacy. Normally, a typical Bengali lunch begins with a vegetable curry named shukto, which is followed by lentil and deep-fried potatoes and brinjals. Then the main course comes, which is normally a non-vegetarian dish. The oil used predominantly in West Bengal cuisines is the

mustard oil, which goes well with fish. Shndesh, rshogolla, pantua, chmchm, malpoa and pithe are some of the famous sweet delicacies of the state.

FESTIVALS
West Bengal is a land of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali Baro Mase Tero Parban: it literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervour. List of Festivals in West Bengal:

Holi Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Durga Puja Basant Panchami Dushera Bera Utsav Kolkata Festival

MAHARASTRAIN WEDDING
The Maharashtrian wedding is done on the basis of the stars. The horoscope is matched and only with the consent of the respective Brahmin who accepts the matching points, the marriage is preceded. The matching points should be sixteen and then only the wedding knot can be accepted and the process for wedding in Maharashtra begins. The first step towards a wedding initiates with a Baithak. This is a meeting with the elders of both families who decide on several issues in regard to the actual auspicious time. The ceremony that comes first is the Sakharpuda. This is the engagement day. The prior day a haldi (turmeric) paste is smeared on the bride and this is known as haldi ceremony. This ceremony is held for the boy as well. The wedding in Maharashtra is done with the acceptance of sharing the expenses by both the families. On the wedding day the Groom and the bride are called the Var and the Vadhu are traditionally dressed. The Vadhu is embellished with flowers, jewellery and perfumed. She is beautifully dressed in her Shalu, the wedding saree. The bride and the groom are brought by their maternal uncles to the pandal. The bride and the groom are made to stand facing each other, and between them a white cloth called Antarpath is held. On the white cloth a swastika is marked with kumkum. The Maharashtrian wedding continues with the auspicious shlokas and blessings come in colored rice to greet the new

couple. The bride garlands the groom and seeks his blessings by touching his feet and then the groom garlands his wife. The married ladies come from both families and take aarti of the new couple. The Maharashtrian wedding is almost complete. After garlanding ceremony, the couples sit near the Home and the Var puts a mangalsutra to his wife and toe rings. He fills her forehead tip called maang with Sindoor. The couple stand and go around the Agni (Fire) seven times such that the initial two rounds the Var leads the Vadhu and in the next two rounds the Vadhu leads the Var. FOOD IN MAHARASTHRA The people of Maharashtra regard their food as 'Anna he poornabrahma' which means 'anna', or food is equal to 'Brahma', or the creator of the universe. In other words it means food is God, thus it should be worshiped. Maharashtrians also believe in offering their food first to the lord as a thanksgiving ritual for all that he has given. On festive occasions, some specific mithais (sweets) are offered such as Ukadiche Modak (Ganesh Chaturthi) and Satyanarayan Puja Sheera. The Range of Cuisine Maharashtrian cuisine is divided into two, Konkani, and Varadi. These cuisines are quite different from each other, but both of them use a lot of seafood and coconut. Peanut oil is the main cooking medium and in vegetables lots of peanuts and cashew nuts are used. Kokum is another unique feature, it is a deep purple berry which gives a pleasing sweet and sour taste. It is commonly used in a digestive appetizer called the sol kadhi, which is served chilled. Non-Vegetarian and Vegetarian Specialties The most popular seafood of Maharshtra is the bombil or the Bombay duck. Almost all nonvegetarian and vegetarian dishes are served with boiled rice or with bhakris, soft rotis (bread) made of rice flour. A pancake made of rice, urad dal and semolina is called vada or amboli. This a special rice puri, eaten as a part of the main meal. Puran poli is the most popular dessert of Maharashtra. It is roti (bread) stuffed with a sweet mixture of jaggery and gram flour, and shreekhand. Shreekhand is sweetened curd containing flavors of cardamom and saffron.

FESTIVALS IN MAHARASHTRA
Gudi Padwa, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali Makara Sankranti.

 Nag Pancham Gokul Ashtami Dussehra

RAJASTHANI WEDDING Rajasthan, the land of surreal palaces, imposing forts, picturesque lakes, shimmering sand dunes and vibrant markets, is one of the most famous wedding destinations in India. Rajasthan, the land of maharajas, offers a chance to exchange the marriage vows in a royal style like a prince and a princess. The wonderful venues, luxurious accommodation, accessibility, delicious Rajasthani cuisine and royal hospitality, all have helped Rajasthan the best place to organize your dream wedding. The marriage can be organized in the forts, palaces and heritage hotels. WEDDING FOOD MENU Food is one of the most important aspects of an Indian Wedding Traditions, so it becomes a matter of ones dignity to serve a large variety of cuisine that will favor every individuals tastes and preferences. In Rajasthan, the food is predominantly cooked in pure ghee and thus the aroma and taste of the different types of Rajasthani Wedding Menus will linger in your mouth long after you left the dining area. Most Famous Rajasthani Cuisines:

Daal-Baati Raabdi Laapsi Ghoogri Chaavadi Dhungari Chhaachh Churma

Names of the famous Rajasthani Curries: Moranga ki sabji Kicha ki sabji Guwar fali ki saag Matar ki sabji Karela ki sabji o Keri ki sabji o Kikoda ki sabji

Wedding Dress The Bridal Dress is the Dark Colored mosly Red and heavily embroided Ghagra Chunri. A lot of Gold Ornaments are also worn by the bride. The Groom wears the Sherwani ( Long Kurta and Payjama), with Rajasthani Jootis. The Sherwani can be of any color. With the

Sherwani there is also a long duppatta which is of Dark Color as compared to the color of the Sherwani. Marriage Ceremonies : 1) Granthi Bandhan: : After applying some turmeric paste on the Girls hand, the father of the Bride gives her hand in the hands of the Groom. This Ritual is called Kanyadan - Kanya meaning Daughter and Daan meaning Giving. 2) Phera Ceremony : After taking the Brides responsibility, the Bride and the Groom go round the fire seven times. This act is called Pheras. 3) Satapadi : After going round the fire, the Bride and the Groom now take Seven steps together towards the Sun Gods Direction. It signifies that from now onwards both of them will walk together in all the situations of life - wether good or bad. 4) Bidai : After all the ceremonies are done, the Girl/ Bride is handed over to the Boy/Groom. Now she is sent along her better half by her relatives.

MUSLIM WEDDING
Muslims Weddings take place with a lot of pomp and Show. The Muslim Weddings are generally held either in the Girls house or the Boys House as per the convenience of both the parties. All the rituals or ceremonies related to the Wedding are done in the home only. It is this from where the Rukhsati of the Bride takes place. There is dominance of red and Green Color in the Muslim Weddings. There is no particular region, area or State where Muslims are found in India. Whichever place you go, you are bound to see them - moving in herds, shopping, going to Madarsas (Muslim Schools), and offering prayers at Dargah or Mosques and so on. Wedding Food The Wedding feast is a list of Non - Vegetarian Indian Delicacies like Mughlai Chicken, Dahi Gosht, Aachari Murg, Rumali Roti, Biryani and Rogan Josh. Sharbats (Indian Cold Drink) and Pans are a must in any Muslim Wedding. Wedding Dress Brighly colored red dress called Ghaghra Choli with a lot of Gold Ornaments are worn by the Bride. The Groom on the other hands wears the Sherwani - long designer shirt with trousers. He also wears a Pagdi (Cap) and Duppata with Sherwani. There are special Shoes called Jootis/ Mojaris which are worn along the Sherwani. MUSLIM WEDDING: All the Muslims Weddings have some common pre and on marriage ceremonies:

Pre - Marriage Ceremonies: Mehandi: On the day of the Sangeet itself, the Mehandi or Indian Tattoos are drawn on the hands and feet of the Bride. Various designs are made on the hands of the Bride to be and her relatives. Usually girls of all ages from the brides side get the Mehandi done a day before Marriage. Marriage is a special occasion where one dresses up for the best (But none should look more beautiful than the Bride herself). This occasion plays an important role in the Muslim Weddings. Marriage Ceremonies: Welcoming Barat/ Groom: As the Barat reaches the Brides Home, the Groom and his relatives are welcomed by the Brides relatives. Rose Petals and Perfume are sprinkled on them and then the Groom is taken to the Marriage Venue. Nikkah: Nikkah is the main ceremony of the Muslim Marriage. Nikkahnama: After the Marriage, both the bride and the Groom sign on the Marriage Papers. This paper is called the Nikkahnama. Nikkahnama is also a proof of the Marriage. Blessing the Couple: Lastly, the Couple takes the blessings of the elders. Reception: In the end, a reception with dinner is given to the relatives and the guests.