The glory of India are very admirable, i have already posted some of the most fascinating places of my country. Being an Indian i would like to describe the variety of Religion in India and the rituals followed here. The country with vast number of populations is proud to maintain so many religions with unity and prosperity. The most fantastic thing being in India is that even i belong to one religion i get good chance of experiencing the ritual practices of other religion through my friends and colleagues. This is the most wonderful thing i like about India, though a land of varied religion and culture all are united and proudly represent ourselves as Indians. So i would like to share the various religions of my country and brief explanation of the rituals followed by these religions.
What is Religion?
A religion is a set of symbols, beliefs and practices, often combined with a supernatural quality. A religion can rightly termed as an abstract set of ideas, values, or experiences developed as part of a cultural milieu. The word religion is derived from a term called "Religioun". However, it may have been originally derived from the Latin word "Religo" which means "good faith", "ritual" and other similar meanings. Religion can be said to be a social coherence based on a common group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object, person, unseen or imaginary being or system of thought which is considered to be sacred, a code of ethics and a philosophy of life.
The development of religion has taken many forms in various cultures. It considers psychological and social roots, along with origins and historical development. Religion in India is the most prominent feature and it has found its expression in various art forms, literature and other activities. India is land of diversified religion. Indian religion is considered to form a subgroup of the larger class of "Eastern religions".
History of Indian Religion is very extensive and quite interesting. The ancient culture of South Asia, about 4,500 years ago, had come down to India primarily in the form of religious texts. Moreover, the artistic heritage, as well as intellectual and philosophical contributions, has always owed much to the religious thought and symbolism. Religion plays a central and definitive role in the life of India. The country is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures.
Types of Religion
India is the land of spirituality and philosophy and is considered to be the birthplace of many religions. Indian religion is varied in approach and different in meaning. Most of the types of religion in India are called Dharmic religions. In the Indian subcontinent Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism form a subgroup of the larger class of "Eastern religions". Religion adds meaning and purpose to the lives of the people. It is actually a practice that enhances direct communication with God. A religion is a belief concerning one or more deities and incorporating rituals, ceremonies, ethical guidelines, and life philosophies. Thus, religion has diversified and grown to include major monotheistic religions in the country.
The most dominant religion in India today is Hinduism. About 80% of Indians are Hindus. Hinduism is a colorful religion with a vast gallery of Gods and Goddesses. Hinduism is one of the ancient religions in the world. It is supposed to have developed about 5000 years ago. Later on in ancient period other religions developed in India.
Around 500 BC two other religions developed in India, namely, Buddhism and Jainism. Today only about 0.5% of Indians are Jains and about 0.7% are Buddhist. In ancient times Jainism and specially Buddhism were very popular in India. Indians who accepted Buddhist philosophy spread it not only within the Indian sub-continent but also to kingdoms east and south of India.These three ancient religions, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, are seen as the molders of the India philosophy. In 'modern' period new religions were also established in India.
One comparatively new religion in India is Sikhism and it was established in the 15th century. About 2% of Indians are Sikhs. There were other attempts to create new religions in India but they did not always succeed. For example, a Moghul emperor, Akbar, who reigned between 1556 - 1605, tried to establish a new religion, Din- E- Elahi, but it did not survive. There are other religious philosophies whose believers see themselves as a separate religion, but they do not always get this recognition. For example Lingayat of south India see themselves as a different religion, while others see them as a sect of Hinduism. There are also some tribal communities who demand to be recognized as separate religion from Hinduism. In the 19th century some Hindu reformers tried to remodel Hinduism to adjust it to modern period.
Along with the religions that developed in India, there are followers of non- Indian religions. The largest non-Indian religion is Islam. They are about 12% of India's population. Christians are more then 2% of India's population. There are also Zoroastrians who even though make less then 0.01% of India's population, are known around India. There are also a few thousand Jews in India. Judaism and Christianity might have arrived in India before they arrived in Europe.
The percentage of religions
HINDUISM - about 82%
ISLAM - about 12%
CHRISTIANITY - about 2.5%
SIKHISM - about 2%
BUDDHISM - about 0.7%
JAINISM - about 0.5%
ZOROASTRIANISM - about 0.01%
JUDAISM - about 0.0005%
A wide assortment of religions exists in the country today. Hinduism is the ancient among the other types of Religion in India. This religion can be called the native religion of the subcontinent. Christianity and Islam visited the country with the invaders, traders and the missionaries. Many essentially Hindus got converted and baptised in to Christianity or Islam. Far eastern religions like Buddhism and Sikhism also developed besides Hinduism. Iranic religions like Zoroastrianism and Bahai are also new to the country. All religions in the country dictate peace and good will. Moreover, the different religious belief plays an imperative role in the history of the world.
The people of India can be benefited from learning about the different types of religion in India. Hinduism originated with Brahman as the central Lord. Brahmins are Vedik people. The Vedas describe the landscape of northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Over and over the Vedas mention a mighty river called the Sarasvati where Brahmin communities flourished, where the Indus Valley civilization flourished and dispersed when the Saraswati river dried up around 1900 BCE. Long before, during the Ramayana period Brahmins migrated to Dandakaranya (Dandaka Forest) in the south with Viswamitra, the author of several hymns in Rigveda including Gayatri mantra, and practiced Vedik religon performing yajnas under the protection of Lord Rama and Lakshmana. Long before Rama went south, Agastya, a prominent Brahmin sage and writer of several hymns of Rigveda, crossed Vindhyas and established Vedik religion in south India. Sage Agastya appeared to Rama when he was despondent at the impending war with Ravana and instructed him in the use of Aditya Hridayam, a hymn praising the Sun God. Brahmins have been migrating to various regions within the Indian Continent since time immemorial and recently to other continents as well.
Around 80 percent of the population of India follows Hinduism. Hinduism is a major Indian religion that is divided into various schools according to different faiths and principles. Hinduism is a fascinating religion and the temples are about that which was influenced by different traditions, legends, and beliefs. Among the various types of religion in India, Buddhism also developed with the philosophy and teachings of Gautam Buddha.
Among the different types of Religion in India, Christianity came to India with the coming of Portuguese. It is the second largest religion, followed in the country. Christianity is an Abrahamic religion which is cantered on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Islam is a religion which originated in the country with various invasions. The Muslims are spread about 12 percent of India`s population. The first spreaders of Islam in India were individuals who saw in spreading Islam a holy precept. They began coming to India from the 11th century.
Sikhism was established in the 15 century among the different Types of Religion in India. It is a new religion and 2 percent of Indians are Sikhs. Judaism is considered a faith of action and is based on the covenant relationship between God and the chosen Jewish people. Bahai religion grew out of Islam and is one of the youngest religions in the World. Jainism is a self-help religion that relies on the self instead of gods. This religion is all about promoting equality between humans, animals, and plants those have souls. Zoroastrianism is the smallest religions existing in the World as well as in the country today; Zoroastrianism regards humans as the helpers of God. All the different types of religion in India make the country a secular place.
The Life Cycle of The Rituals
India has a diverse culture of many faiths and religions, which makes it the most unique country in the world. Every religion has its own customs and traditions, which traverse the boundary of religion, cast and creed and India is no different! The Indian customs and rituals attract many tourists to this country. Right from the birth to death, there is hardly any occasion that does not have an elaborate ceremony. Soon after the birth of a child, the Namkaran ceremony is held, which is marked by chanting of slokas and singing of hymns. Even the weddings and festivals are grand affairs in India, as they follow various customs and rituals. The rituals that follow the festivals are very important and are performed with utmost care to provide an aesthetic and spiritual experience to the festival. Even after the death of people, the cremation ceremonies are held according to rituals.
Thus we can see some information about the various ceremonies held by the various religions according to their faiths and beliefs. These ceremonies described here shows the rituals followed by various religions in the course of life cycle right from birth, marriage to death.
Islamic Religion
(Islamic Symbol)
The Arab traders brought Islam to India in the early 8th century, but it was not until the 12th century that it became a force to reckon with in the Indian sub-continent. Unlike Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism which emerged as offshoots of Hinduism, the concept, customs and religious practices of Islam were unique to this faith which professed universal brotherhood and submission to Allah - the God Almighty.
The Muslim invaders in the 12th century and the Mughal rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries helped in the spread of Islam in India. In its first phase, Islam was aggressive. But the mystics of Islam, or the Sufi saints, helped in spreading the message of peace and universal love.
Birth
According to the Muslims, the first words that a child should hear are the words of God. Hence theAzaanis spoken into the new -born's right ear and the iqamat is spoken into his left ear.There are no specific rituals following the birth of a child. If there are, then they are dependant on the local customs and habits of the region.
Smoke is used to clean the labour room. The child is first given the juice of palm dates chewed by any Muslim priest. This is applied on the upper jaw of the child. Only after this the child is allowed to feed on the mother's milk. On the seventh day following delivery the mother is bathed in warm water. The midwife is given clothes and money by the relatives.
Circumcision
In India, the custom of circumcision varies from region to region. The ritual takes place as follows. First the child is made to take bath and then wear clothes brought by his maternal uncle. Then he is taken to the mosque to offer namaz.
At the house, a barber is usually called. But nowadays a doctor or a surgeon does the circumcision. Inside the house, a cloth screen is erected on all sides and the child sits on the lap of his maternal uncle. Women are not allowed to watch the rite. The doctor with a sharp razor or surgical blade cuts off the foreskin of the penis. Then some antiseptics are applied to prevent any bleeding. The child is then given some drinks like milk, etc and is taken care of.
Marriage
On the day of marriage the groom is dressed in the wedding clothes and is worn flower garlands. Usually he wears a shervani, kurta , a turban and a transparent veil covers his face. Then the groom's party leaves for the bride's house accompanied by music bands. At the bride's house the groom's party is welcomed and they stay in a special place allocated for them till the nikah. Dowry or Mehar is negotiated between the parents according to their status. Only then nikah is performed.
Nikah: This is a brief ceremony confined to two short sentences and two witnesses. The boy must say that he proposes to marry a particular girl and the girl must accept his proposal in the presence of two witnesses.
A nikahanamaor contract is drawn up which is signed by the people concerned followed by celebrations. A big feast is given for the guests.
Death
When a Muslim dies, people recite "lilaha va inna illaha raziun" meaning "We have come from God and unto him we shall return". The Muslim law forbids loud wailing and display of grief on the death of a person.First the corpse is purified through a ritual bath called ghusl. Only close relatives of the sex of the deceased bathe the body. Then the body is wrapped in a white cloth called Kafan, from head to toe. Incense sticks are lighted in the house. Then the corpse is taken to the burial ground on the shoulders of four people. People may take turns in carrying the corpse. The procession is called Janasa. A prayer called dua is recited en-route.
There is a congregational prayer before the corpse is buried. The grave is sprinkled with perfumed water. After lowering the body into the grave, the head of the deceased is tilted to face towards the Kaba. The grave is then neatly sealed with wooden boards, stones or bamboo sticks. The mourners then toss handfuls of sand over the covering. The grave is finally covered and all present recite the Fatiha for the deceased and depart.
(Some of my friends belong to this ritual and i have experience birth and marriage ritual so far)
Christians
(Symbol of Christians)
Christianity first came to India by way of St. Thomas. He came to Kerala, in southwestern India, and founded the first church. Ironically, Shankaracharya, a Hindu reformer and seer, was born in Kerala some five hundred years after St. Thomas. St. Thomas ended up dying in the Chennai region (then known as Madras) of the Tamils.
Most Christians in India are Catholic (over 60 percent) and a majority of them are found in the south, particularly Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. Approximately on third of Kerala's population is comprised of Christians and they are involved in all aspects of society.
Birth
When a woman is about to deliver a baby , the priest of the congregation is called for and he prays for a safe delivery. There are no special rituals concerned with the birth of a child. Then after 40 days of cleansing the mother takes her newborn to the church for thanksgiving. There she gives offering to the Lord.
Bapisim
Baptism is an important ritual in the life of a Christian. A child is admitted to the church congregation as a member only through Baptism. According to Christian belief, a child is born tainted with the sin that passed on to him from the great sin of Adam and Eve. At Baptism, the child is relieved of this sin and he becomes a child of God and a member of the church.
Marriage
Engagement
This is usually held at the brides' residence. It is more or less a family affair and only the close relatives attend the function. The priest starts the function with a prayer. Then the girl and the boy exchange garlands, the Bible and a ring as a mark of their engagement. The priest delivers a small sermon and a feast is given for the invitees.
Marriages usually take place in the nearby churches. The marriage celebrations are influenced by local customs and practices and may vary according to the region.
On the day of marriage, the groom's party arrives at the bride's residence and the bride's father welcomes them. He welcomes the groom with a garland and a golden chain. Then the groom's party is given breakfast. The groom's side then goes to the nearby church accompanied by music bands. The bride's party follows suit. At the church the head priest leads the boy and the girl to the altar. Small girls with flower baskets accompany the couple ,to sprinkle flowers over the couple.
Death
When a person dies, the body is laid in a cot with a cross nearby. Incense sticks and candles are lit around the cot. Perfumes are sprayed over the body. When all the relatives have gathered, the head priest holds prayers in the room.
Then the body is bathed and clothed and placed in a special coffin. The coffin is placed at an open place for people to pay their last respects. Then the arms of the body are folded across the chest. Flower garlands are laid along with lots of flowers sprinkled inside the coffin. The Bible is read and the priest gives a small lecture on the life and deeds of the deceased. The relatives kiss the dead as a sign of farewell and the departure song is sung.
Hinduism
(Symbol of hindu)
The underlying tenets of Hinduism cannot be easily defined. There is no unique philosophy that forms the basis of the faith of the majority of India's population. Hinduism is perhaps the only religious tradition that is so diversified in its theoretical premises and practical expressions as to be called a "museum of religions". This religion cannot be traced to a specific founder nor does it have a "holy book" as a basic scriptural guide. The Rig Veda, Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita can all be described as the sacred text of the Hindus.
(Lord Shiva,Parvati and Ganesh)
Unlike most other religions, Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity. One may worship Shiva or Vishnu or Rama or Krishna or some other gods and goddesses or one may believe in the 'Supreme Spirit' or the 'Indestructible Soul' within each individual and still be called a good Hindu. This gives an indication of the kind of contrasts this religion is marked by. At one end of the scale, it is an exploration of the 'Ultimate Reality'; at the other end there are cults that worship spirits, trees and animals.
There are festivals and ceremonies associated not only with gods and goddesses but also with the sun, moon, planets, rivers, oceans, trees and animals. Some of the popular Hindu festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pongal, Janamasthmi and Shiva Ratri.These innumerable festive occasions lend Hinduism its amazing popular appeal and make the Indian tradition rich and colorful.
Heroes of epics like the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana are immortalized and are still alive in the day-to-day existence of the common people. The gods of Hinduism are at once super-human and human and there is distinct feeling of warmth and familiarity towards them.
Birth
Valaikappu
This ceremony is performed during the odd months of pregnancy mostly during the seventh month for the expectant mother in her mother's house. Prayers are invoked for the well-being of the mother-to -be and the foetus. Mostly women are invited for this function and priests are not involved. The expectant mother is made to wear a lot of bangles mostly glass ones of red and green colors and the sound of these bangles are supposed to reach the womb. The bangles are removed only during delivery and given to the midwife at the birth of a child. Arti is performed. The mother of the girl presents her silk saris and gold and silver bangles. The invitees give gifts for the mother-to -be and they are given a feast.
Tonsure
This is a ritual connected with the tonsuring or head shaving of children. This is usually done during the first or the third year of the child. The hair is consecrated and offered to the respective family deities. Celebrations or chanting of mantras are not involved. The child receives new dresses from its parents, maternal uncle and grandparents.
Ear-Piercing
It is a very important event for the Hindus in India. According to Hindu belief, the piercing of a hole in the ear completes the shape of AUM , based on the shape of the ear. The baby is made to sit on his maternal uncle's lap during the ritual. A goldsmith is invited to do this and he is given clothes and money. This ritual is perofrmed for children of both the sexes.While the girls retain the holes for wearing studs, the boys gradually lose them.
Annaparasanam
This ritual usually takes place on the first birthday of the child. The baby is given a mixture of rice, sugar and milk, probably his first solid food after a year of liquid diet. This ritual may be conducted at the temples too but usually it is held in the house of the child and guests are given a good lunch.
Upanayanam
This is one of the most important rituals in a Hindu male's life. This event signifies the entry of the male into Brahmacharya or the state of sexual abstinence as well as the commencement of his life. It signifies the entry into a state of disciplined existence. The ritual is to be conducted when the child is mentally and emotionally old enough to understand its significance and follow the practice.It involves three threads entwined together, which are symbolic of the three parts of the Gayatri Mantra. The threads are dyed yellow. The thread should be lifted and put behind the ears when a person goes for his daily ablutions. If one of the threads break then the entire thread should be replaced. After any birth or death in the family, the thread should be changed. It need not be taken out of the body daily. Before this ritual the male is made to tonsure his head and wear new clothes.
Marriage
On an auspicious day, some few days before the marriage, priests from both the groom's side and that of the bride meet at the house of the groom and exchange the marriage agreement along with banana, coconut and betel leaves in a plate. This is called exchange of Thambulam.On the day before the marriage, the groom's party arrives at the Mandapam and the whole arrangement of food and the lodging for them are done by the bride's side. The bride's father with a garland welcomes the groom.
On the evening the groom's party goes to a nearby temple. Then they come to the mandapam along with gifts for the bride, like fruits, sweets, coconut, banana, betel leaves, cosmetics, clothes. Then the Nichayetartum or the engagement takes place with women taking arti for the groom and the bride, and gifts are exchangedbetween the two parties. The next day is the hey day when an auspicious time is selected for the Muhurtham. The boy and the girl take bath and wear new clothes gifted from the opposite sides and sit around a haven performed by a priest. There the father of the bride gives her hand to the groom and this is called Kanyadan.The thali is a piece of gold in a yellow thread, which the groom ties around the neck of the girl. He ties two knots and the groom's sister, the third one. During this ritual the nadeswaram reaches its crescendo called Kettimelam. This is done to avoid any obtrusive acts.
Then the relatives are given a grand feast and the marriage ceremony ends. Later only the close relatives again invited for feast for some 3 days. (I belong to this religion and all the above mentioned rituals are followed )
Death
When a person dies, a lamp is lit and placed near the dead body. The body is placed in the north-south direction with the head towards the north. The eyes are closed and the feet are tied together. The eldest son is supposed to do the last rites. The body is bathed and is covered with new clothes. Then the members of the family apply oil on the forehead of the deceased. Then the body is decorated with flower garlands and is taken to the cremation ground. Usually the sons and other male members carry the dead. Women are not allowed to go to the ground. They bid farewell to the deceased at the home itself.
At the cremation ground, the son applies ghee at seven important places in the body and also places coins on the forehead. Grains of rice and til are put into the mouth of the body. Wooden logs are placed over the body and ghee is sprinkled all over. The son goes round the body seven times with a pot of water and at last the pot is broken near the feet of the dead. Then as the priest chants the mantra, the son takes the Agni or fire and places it on the heart of the body.
Then on the 3rd or 5 th day day after cremation, the relatives visit the crematorium and pour milk over the place , so as to pacify the dead soul. Then a simple lunch is arranged for the members
Jain
(Symbol of Jain)
Jainism as a religious tradition was established in India about the same time as Buddhism. Mahavira, one of the jinas (conquerors) preached the Jain philosophy around the same time that Buddhism began.
Like Buddhism, Jainism rose against the corruption in the interpretation of Hinduism prevalent at the time. The underlying philosophy of Jainism is that renunciation of worldly desires and self-conquest leads to perfect wisdom. This faith believes in total abstinence and asceticism as practiced by the Jinas and the Tirthankars ("crossing-makers"). The "crossing refers to the passage from the material to the spiritual realm, from bondage to freedom. Followers of this faith accept the popular gods of Hinduism but they are placed lower than the jinas.
Birth
Priyodhbhav Sanskar
This ritual takes place after the birth of a child. Ten days of cleansing or Sutakare observed after delivery. During this period no rituals are performed. But in the temple the priest recites mantras and receives offerings on behalf of the new-born.
Namkaran Sanskar
This is the naming ceremony. It is done on the eleventh, thirteenth or twenty-ninth day after the birth of a child. For Namkaran the name is selected from the 1008 Jinasahasranam for the boys and names of the girls are selected from famous women of the Puranas. The priest, chanting mantras declares the name and thenthe child is blessed.
Marriage
The marriage function consists of totally nine different rituals, which are performed on one day. Marriages of Jains are usually simple ceremonies without the flaunting of wealth. The different rituals connected with the marriage are:
Laghana Lekhan
This is the first of the nine rituals and it consists of fixing the date and time of marriage called Laghana Lekhan and is held at the bride's residence. The priest performs Puja and he determines the time of marriage. Then the Patrika bearing the time or Muhurta is sent to the groom's house with sweets.
Lagna Patrika Vachan
This is the reading of the Laghana Patrika at the groom's house by the priest.
The engagement is done at the groom's residence. The groom performs the Vinayakyantra pooja and then the bride's brother applies tilak and presents him gifts like gold chain, ring, clothes and sweets. The elders of the family bless the groom.
Mada Mandap
This ceremony is held a day or two before the marriage both at the groom's as well as the bride's place at an auspicious time.
Ghudhchadi
Before going to the bride's place, the groom is given a headgear, traditional to the Jains and relatives apply tilak on his fore- head. Then he visits a temple in a ceremonial horse.
Barati
This takes place on the bride's house on the arrival of the groom. The bride's brother welcomes the groom's party and applies tilak on the groom and gives him gifts.
Phere
This is the actual marriage ceremony. The groom and the bride are seated in a mandap. The groom and the bride take the seven vows and the girl sits to the left of the groom.
Kanyavaran
This is the presenting of the girl to the groom by the bride's parents. The father proclaims to the congregation that he has given his girl to the groom. The priest pours water on the hands of the groom and the bride, chanting mantras. Then the priest begins a havan.
Granthi Bandhan
After the havan, the couple is ritualistically tied; a corner of the pallu of the bride's sari is tied to the shawl of the groom. Mantras are recited and the couple circles the havan 4 times. The couple exchange garlands and then the elders bless them. Then a feast follows .After the ceremony is over, the bride is sent to the groom's house and alms are distributed to the poor in the Jain temples.
Death
The Jains cremate the dead as soon as possible. First the body is rubbed with a wet cloth. The corpse is then clothed and placed in a bier and covered with a kafan. The body is tied to the bier and taken to the crematorium. A suitable place without any living organisms like grass or insects is selected so as not to harm them. There a platform of wood is erected.
The body is taken from the bier and placed on the platform with logs of wood over it. Ghee, camphor and sandalwood powder are sprinkled all over the body and the eldest son of the deceased does the last rites.
The son goes round the pyre three times sprinkling water allover the body. Chanting the Namokar Mantra ,he lights up the pyre. Then after sometime they pour milk over the place. The remains are collected in bags and the place is thoroughly cleansed. The remains are not immersed in rivers as they can pollute the water. Instead they dig a hole in the earth and put the remains and sprinkle salt all over, so that it dissolves easily.
The Jains believe that the dead soul would be reborn immediately. So for them death is a festival or Mahotsav. Loud wailing and observing anniversaries are not part of the Jain Tradition.
(Some of my friends belong to this religion and i have experienced the marriage and birth ritual of Jains)
Sikhism
(Symbol of Sikh)
The Sikh religion emerged during the early 16th century in the state of Punjab in North India. The founder of this faith was Guru Nanak, who from his childhood was attracted to both Hindu and Muslim saints. Born a Hindu, but also inspired by the teachings of Islam, he began to preach the message of unity of both religions. According to him, the basic teachings of both faiths were essentially the same. Nanak attracted many followers and came to be known as a Guru or a teacher. His disciples came together to form a new religious tradition called Sikhism.
The Gurus who followed Nanak contributed to the consolidation and spread of Sikhism. The teachings of Guru Nanak were incorporated in the 'Guru Granth Sahib', the Holy Book of the Sikhs which became a symbol of God for Sikhs. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjun built the Golden Temple at Amritsar which became the holiest of Sikh shrines. The tenth Guru, Govind Singh imparted military training to the Sikhs to help them defend themselves.
Birth
There are no particular rituals connected with the birth of a child in the Sikh community. Some sections of the Sikhs recite the five verses of the Morning Prayer, Japji Sahib into the ears of the newborn child.
Gurthi
A respected, intelligent and favorite member of the family gives a drop of honey to the new born child so as togive his characters later in life, to the newborn child. This is not a ritual and it mostly takes place in the hospital itself.
Shushak
When a child is born into the Sikh fold, the maternal grandparents gift him a package called Shushak, which consists of clothes for the child and his family, a spoon, glass, and a bowl for the child, money and gold ornaments for the child according to their financial status .
Marriage
A Sikh marriage is more or less similar to the Hindu marriage. Here instead of the Vedas the Granth Sahib is read. A Sikh wedding is called Anand Karaj - meaning a ceremony of Bliss. Before the wedding, a three-day wedding path is held and it is one of the main ceremonies. Invitation cards are sent to relatives and friends along with boxes of sweets
Nanke Chak
The bride's maternal grandparents and uncle spend a reasonable amount for the wedding of the girl ,like clothes ,jewellery and they also host one meal.
Surma Pawai
On the day of marriage, the groom wears a long coat called Brocade Achakan and churidhar pyjamas and a pink turban. The other male members of his family also wear pink turbans. Before leaving for the girls' house , the groom's brother's wife- his Bhabhi applies Surma or Kohl in his eyes. Then the groom leaves his house with a sword on horse back accompanied by friends and relatives in a procession.
Baraat
The Baraat arrives at the bride's residence in a procession marked by music, singing and dancing. The male members of the girl's side welcome them.
(sikhs temple)
Milni
A poet of the Sikh community sings the Shabad or Holy verse. The two sides exchange garlands. The groom's party is given gifts from the girl's side. After the singing of the holy verse, the couple is made to sit in front of the Granth Sahib. The priest tells the couple about the obligations of marriage and hymns form the Granth Sahib related to marriage areread.
Lawaan
The bridegroom leads the bride around the Granth Sahib with both of then holding both ends of a scarf. They go round the holy book four times. At the end of the fourth round, the gathering shower flowers on the couple and they are declared married. The couple is then given gifts by the people and lunch is served. The groom gives silver rings to the sisters of the bride.
Doli
Then the groom and the bride leave for the groom's house. The girl throws wheat grains over her shoulders as a mark of paying off her debts to her parental home.
(sikh Lord Guru Nanak)
Death
In the Sikh community after the death of a person, the Kirtan Solah is read. Loud lamenting and breast -beating are strictly forbidden among the Sikhs. People gather around the body and recite the morning prayers.
The corpse is bathed and dressed along with the fives K's. The Sikhs cremate their dead like the Hindus and they do it before sunset.
The eldest son of the deceased lights the funeral pyre. The priest sings the holy hymns. After the cremation, people go to the Gurudwara where some texts from the Granth Sahib are read. Prasad , is which is cooked with coarsely ground atta, water, sugar and Desi ghee is served to the people.
On the third day after the cremation, the relatives go to the cremation ground, take the bones of the dead and wash them in unboiled milk. Then they collect the bones and the ashes in a bag and immerse it in the Beas River or in the river flowing near their Gurudwara.
They don't observe Shraddh orAnniversary for their dead. The period of mourning for the dead can go up to 10 days, until which the holy texts from the Granth Sahib are read daily in the house.
(one of my friend belongs to this religion and i have experienced the birth ceremony)
Zoroastrianism
The first Zoroastrians to enter India arrived on the Gujarati coast in the 10th century, soon after the Arabian conquest of Iran and by the 17th century, most of them had settled in Bombay. Zoroastrian practice is based on the responsibility of every man and woman to choose between good and evil, and to respect God's creations. The religion's founder, Zarathustra, who lived in Iran in 6000 BC was the first religious prophet to expound a dualistic philosophy, based on the opposing powers of good and evil.
Most Zoroastrians can be seen in Bombay today where they are known as Parsees. They have no distinctive dress and few houses of worship. Five daily prayers, usually hymns uttered by Zarathustra and standardized in the religious text Zenda Avesta, are said in the home or the temple, before a fire, which symbolizes the realm of truth, righteousness and order.
Birth
After the birth of a child in a Zoroastrian family, the new mother is normally confined to the house for 40 days. This is to prevent her and her child from any diseases. A lamp is lit on the day of birth and is kept in the room for about 40 days to ward off any evil elements. Some families observe the Pachori on the fifth day while some observeDasori on the tenth day of the child.
On the fortieth day , the new mother is given a ceremonial bath with consecrated water being administered by the head priest. This is done to cleanse her so that she can interact with other people.
Para Haoma
The event of giving the first drink to the newborn is called Para Haoma. It is consecrated Haoma juice and it is supposed to make the child healthy. But these days a sweet drink made of molasses or sugar is also administered.
Navjote
The formal admission of a child into the Zoroastrian fold is called Navjote. It is done between the seventh and the eleventh year of the child.
First the child takes a special bath called Nahn and then he is given a purifying drink. Then the child stands in a raised platform and his mother performs the Achoo Michoo ceremony where certain items are rotated over the head of the child seven times. This is done to invoke the blessings of the seven Amesha Spentas on the child.
Marriage
The marriage involves the groom going to the bride's house along with his relatives and friends. The priest heads the assembly and women carry the Varni - the gifts meant for the bride. Music bands accompany them.
The bride's house is usually decorated with strings of flowers. When the groom arrives the bride's mother welcomes him by applying Kumkum on his forehead and sprays rice grains over him.
During the ceremony the couple shower rice over each other and the priest also throws rice grains over them as a mark of blessing. A coconut is taken round the head of the groom three times, then it is broken and the water is applied at the feet of the groom. The bridegroom is made to sit on the hand of the bride. Both of them face the eastern direction. One person with a burning flame is allowed to stand near the couple as a reverence to their God of fire. A candle is also placed on both the sides and it burns for the whole ceremony.
The priest gets the consent of the couple and then joins their hands and showers rice grains over them. Then the couple is seated facing each other, with a curtain between them. The couple is made to hold each other's right hand and a piece of cloth is passed round the chairs so as to enclose them. The ends of the cloth are tied symbolizing the marriage knot. Then the writings of the Yatha Ahuvairyo are read.
Finally the curtain is dropped and the couple shower rice grains on each other. The relatives and friends then clap approving the marriage. Then a grand feast is given.
Death
According to the Zoroastrians, if the soul has left the body then it should be disposed off with minimum harm to those living. The Zoroastrians have strict ideals of sanitation, segregation, purification and cleanliness. The part of the house where the body was kept before the funeral will be washed and cleansed thoroughly.
When death of a person is imminent , two head priests are called. They recite the Patet - the prayer for repentance. A few drops of the Haoma juice are administered to the dying person. Nowadays pomegranate juice is also given. They do not bury or cremate the dead; instead they leave their dead in the "Towers of Silence" where they would be devoured by vultures. This is to ensure that the five elements created by God, are not polluted.
Bhudhidsm
Buddhism originated as an offshoot of Hinduism in India, but eventually it became popular all over Asia. The personality and teachings of Gautam Buddha, the founder of this faith, have illumined the lives of millions of people in Japan, China and Southeast Asia.
There are strong lines of similarity between Buddhism and the basic teachings of Hinduism. Buddhism is based on the principle or the law of impermanence. According to this, everything is subject to change, although some things may last longer than others. The other basic principle of Buddhism is the law of causation, according to which nothing occurs due to pure chance. Besides natural forces, it is the karma which leads to the occurrence of all events. The popular notions of the indestructible soul and the cycle of rebirth emerge from these two basic philosophies.
Judaism
(Symbol of Jews)
(Jews god)
The Jews of India aren't one singular community. Among themselves they are divided into different communities. Each community has its own different culture, background and origin. Each community claims its arrival in India in different ways and it is not always clear how they really came to India. The three main Jewish communities of India are: Bene Israel, Cochini and Baghdadi. Besides there were Ashkenazi Jews and a community in east India which claim Israeli origin and call themselves Bne Menashe. The first three communities had some social religious connections with each other but most of the social religious connections of each community were within their own community and they regarded the other as ‘outsiders’.
Thus traveling in India with such diversified religions and their rituals will really be an inspiring experience, meeting the locals of the place and studying and observing the various rituals perfformed will be a different experience and fun to take part in the various ceremonies.
Sources:
adaniel.tripod.com
www.indianmirror.com
www.asianinfo.org
www.indianetzone.com
www.vedah.net
