Found 54 Articles for Customs and Traditions

Some religions allow touching the male child's genitals and nipping off a minute part, the male circumcision, which is harmless and even protected by the constitution under the fundamental right to religion. This is also said to have certain health benefits.However, female genital mutilation which is prevalent in the Dawoodi Bohra community in India under the name of religion is treated as an offense by Indian Penal code and POCSO act. Unlike the male circumcision, the female genital mutilation is very painful. It can lead to serious vaginal and uterine complications. The fundamental right to religion is also not justified ... Read More

India is an ancient country, which follows the “Sanatanadharma” meaning the oldest set of principles, which are forever applicable. According to this, it is auspicious to bathe in holy rivers as it was said that all our sins will be forgiven.What Do You Mean By This?The actual meaning is that a person who repents his sins or blunders and learns from his past mistakes and intends to make changes in his attitude, can have a strong determination to stick to the righteous dharma when he takes a dip in holy waters and believes that he surrenders all his sins to ... Read More

Women of the contemporary times are not like the ones who used to be confined to the four walls of the house. They are rather breaking stereotypes and carving a niche for themselves. Not only the family which they belong to but they are making the whole country proud of them.Stepping OutEarlier women used to be strictly at home. No going out alone except something very urgent takes place. But now, women are moving ahead of men in career and what not!Taking their Own DecisionsAge is no bar for a woman who wishes to do something. I have read an ... Read More

The Metro rail system that was recently set up at Hyderabad has a special symbol called Niz. This was made in the remembrance of the Nizam king who once ruled this city. The Hyderabad Metro officials have also knitted a story to this little character, symbolizing the youth of Hyderabad, as they didn’t want to remain Niz as a mere symbol.What’s the Story?According to the story, Niz who was born in 1985 in Hyderabad is a descendant of Nizams, who has pursued his engineering from IIT Delhi. He then went to the US and pursued his graduation in the School ... Read More

God is an intriguing concept with many interesting interpretations from various corners of the world. Well, how can we relate the concept of god to our life? Let’s have a look at the way of our life. We go through many experiences, work, stress, friends and family, time management etc.We Can't Handle EverythingIn our daily activities, there are many times when we feel responsible for what’s happening around us, though we are not. We try to correct things and try to limit some consequences, in spite of being aware that we cannot handle everything at once! At least, we can’t ... Read More

Hindu Mythology is a deep subject where we come across many fascinating things. The concept of half-human and half-beast was discussed in many writings. According to Vedas and Puranas, Sri Maha Vishnu who is the preserver of Earth has taken up several incarnations to protect Earth from its destroyers.Various IncarnationsAmong the famous Dasavataras, the first one was Matsya avatar, which was half human and half fish and Vishnu took this form to protect the holy four Vedas called as Chaturvedi, from demons trying to destroy them. The second was Kurma avatar which was a huge tortoise, in order to support ... Read More

Makar Sankranti is considered a very auspicious festival in India. Celebrated on the 14th of January, this festival is celebrated in the whole country with full fervour.Kite FlyingColorful kites fill the sky this day. It is observed in some particular cities and states of India like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The whole sky looks so beautiful on this day. As soon as the sun sets, the sky is filled with lanterns and the whole scenery of the sky looks amazingly beautiful as if those are not lanterns but glow worms.New ClothesPeople wear new clothes on this day. They celebrate ... Read More

India is a land of cultures and religions. So much so that each day of the week is associated with some or the other deity.1. Monday: The day associated with Lord Shiva, the destroyer in GOD (Generator, operator, destroyer), is known as 'trinetra'. Many unmarried girls fast on this day praying for a suitable match.2. Tuesday: The second day of the week is associated with Lord Hanuman. Red, orange is the auspicious colors one should wear on this day. Even most of the nonvegetarians do not consume non-veg on this day.3. Wednesday: The third day of the week is associated with ... Read More

Rituals are some physical activities which help us either physically or mentally but mostly in an indirect way. There are many Indian traditional rituals among which the Hindu rituals gain higher importance because of the scientific reasons and the amount of discipline involved in them.Hindu Rituals form a structure that makes life easier. Many have scientifically proven health benefits behind them. They have been followed through ages and passed on for generations. The rituals orient you as to where you are and what you should be doing. Most rituals are like an invisible watch, for example, if you are doing ... Read More

Rahukalam is mentioned by the ancient sages as an inauspicious period of time of the day during which any activity/project/venture started during this time would not yield good results. It was said that this particular time period will be under the supervision of Rahu, who will show his evil effects and hence warn not to start any good deeds. Some of them hesitate even to go out during this period and would like to stay indoors.According to astrologers the mighty Rahu and Ketu have the strength to even obscure the sun and moon, thus causing solar and lunar eclipses. It ... Read More