CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA

India's Cultural Heritage dates back to 5000 years. Very few countries in the world has a social and religious structure which withstood invasions and kept its identity. Indian culture is unique because of its diversity and variety. Let us take a Pilgrimage tour of India: -

1) Indian pilgrimage:- The tradition is embedded in the cultural psyche. Hindus call the sacred places as ' thirtha ' and going on a pilgrimage is referred as ' thirtha-yatra '. Indians believe ' thirtha-yatra' will be an anti-dote for the states caused by " prarabhdam " or ' Karma -theory '. Shaving one's hair from the head completely at sacred shrines, contributions in 'Thirupathi - Hundi ', 'Angapradhakshinam' are all part of the rituals undertaken during the span of one's life , which gives a sense of relief and hope for a better future in their minds.

Important Pilgrimage Centers :- Ajmer Sharif, Bodh Gaya, Char Daham, Golden Temple, Haridwar, Manasarovar, Mathura, Nasik, Prayag, Puri, Rameswaram, Ujjain, Varanasi

2) Indian Religion :- Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism exist in India. Hinduism is the oldest and was originated in India. Jainism ans Sikhism was also originated in India

3) Indian Monuments :- Buland Dharwaza, Charminar, Gateway of India, Golgumbad, Gomatiswar, Hampi, Humayun Tomb, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Khajura Temples, Mahabalipuram Rathas, Nalanda, Quitib Minar, Safdarjung Tomb, Sanchi Stupa, Dharmekh Stupa, Tajmahal, Victoria Mahal.

4) National Anthem :- Salutations to Bharatha Mata comes in glory in its meaning:-
Thou art the rulers of the minds of all people, dispenser of India's destiny.
Thy name rouses the hearts ofPunjab,Sind, Gujarat and Maratha, Of the Dravida and Orissa andBengal; It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyasand Himalayas,
mingles in the music of Yamuna andGanga and is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea. They pray for thy [Underline] blessings and singthy praise.The saving of all people waits in thyhand, thou dispenser of India's destiny,
Victory, victory, victory to thee !!

5) National Animal:- Tiger, the lord of the jungles.

6) National Bird :- The Peacock, symbol of grace, joy, beauty and love.

7) National calender :- is based on the 'Saka' era with 'Chaitra' as the 1st month.

8) National Emblem :- Three Lions mounted on an abacus with Chakra in the center of the abacus. The chakra is eternal wheel of law or precisely is referred as Dharma Chakra.

9) National Flag:- A pleasure to watch the National Flag flying high with bright colors Saffron at the top, White in the center, bright Green in the bottom with Navy Blue Dharma Chakra in the center.

10) National Flower:- Lotus . The lotus symbolic of Spirituality, Fruitfulness, Wealth, Knowledge and Illumination. Though Lotus grows in murky water, it is untouched by its impurity. the Lotus is symbolic of purity of heart and mind.( the Lotus is also known as the water Lilly)

11) National Fruit ;- Mango takes the pride as the National Fruit with its vast variety, colour and taste and is grown in most parts of India. Akbar has planted 100000 Mango trees in Darbhanga(modern Bihar)

12) National Game:- Hockey - India won six successive Golds in HOCKEY IN OLYMPIC and 1928-1956 was the golden era.

13) National Song:- "Vande Matharam" composed by renowned poet Bankim Chandra Chatterji in 1875 . Rabindranath.sung the National Song and Shri Aurobindo interpreted its deep the meaning.

14) National Tree :- The Banyan Tree takes the place of the National Tree which is believed to be sacred and has a long life. In fact Banyan Tree is immortal and with its massive spread protects people from hot Sun.

15) Indian Music :- Pleasant melodies of Indian Music which includes Carnatic, Hindusthani, Ghazals, Fusion ring in the ears. They are Majestic in Compositions, Poetic in Diction, Lifting in Rhythm, Moving in Appeal fills the heart with a sense of Devotion.

16) Indian Dance:- Classical dances include,BharathaNatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipadi, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri and Odissi. Folk dances are common and reflect the culture of rural India.

17) Indian Cinema:- is one of the largest in many Regional Languages and include Art, Commercial.

18) Indian Forts:- Famous among Forts are Agra Fort, Amber, Chittorgarh, Delhi, Gwalior, Jaigarh, Jaisalmer, Junagarh, Lohgagarh, PuranaQuilla, Tughlagabadh.

19) Indian People: The people of India are very friendly and hospitable. It will not take long before you find yourself in conversation with them. The fact that many Indians speak English will makes it easy to communicate. The people are hard working, healthy and tolerant.

20) Indian Languages :- India's original 14 states were formed mainly on language barriers. Hindi is the official language. Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati, , Bengali, Oriya, Marathi, Rajasthani are the other languages, to cite a few.

21) Flora & Fauna:- India has a very rich flora and fauna . It is estimated that there are over 500 species of mammals, 200 plus species of birds and about 30,000 species of insects. In addition to the above, there are hundreds of species of fish and reptile

22) What will be the future Culture in India ?

It is not going to be a question mark in my opinion. India's Culture, as written in the beginning of this narration, dates back to 5000 years have retained its cultural identity. Individual families are bound by emotional bond and traditions. This type of close knit relationships will not change due to passage of time. The younger generation of people will continue to respect elders and will help them physically and financially.

Happiness is a state of mind and people derive happiness by integrity and devotion to the work. There is no price consideration arises in this regard.

Peace is linked to the mind . Politically India is stable . People are the assets. India has developed a strong Army, Navy and Air force, besides nuclear and its freedom and peace will be protected in future also.

Hinduism is the oldest religion originated in India. When it is thriving now over centuries, why doubt about its future. Same is the answer for the epics like Ramayana, Maha Bharatha. Gita is the fifth Veda and its unique teachings are propagated throughout the world for peace and prosperity.

Understanding meanings of Mantras is individual's effort. Sapthapadi is an oath taken by the marrying couples to help each other in both diversity and prosperity. Literature is available and if one is interested , can always seek guidance on these subjects.

The passage covers the past, present and future of Indian Culture. Exceptions are not to be treated as rules whenever such macro subjects are taken up for discussions.