Indian Cusine

Do you want to taste something different, different than the rest of the world?

Then you came at the right place!

The food in India is different from the rest of the countries in the world. When we talk about spices, Indian food always strikes our mind because whether it is north or south, spices are always added to the Indian food. The spices are not only for the taste but for the beautiful texture of the food, its nutritional and medicinal value. 

In the earlier ages when it was harappans civilization, people only eat simple food which includes wheat (plain bread), rice, chickpeas and lentils. As the Mauryans, Guptas and Islamics conquered India during their rule time, the food also changed. 

As I described, before that India's culture is one of the oldest and richest culture in the world. It has 29 states and 7 union territories. India consist of 18 official languages near about 1600 minor indigenous languages.

Indian cuisine is well known for being one of the world's most:

• Spiciest
• Influencing
• Diverse
• Unique

As the number of states increases the types of cuisine also varies. Every state and smaller regions has their own specialty. In the same way the preparing steps for each authentic dishes are different. In order to provide a common knowledge about different cuisine's, I divided India into four main states; that is:

1. North India
2. East India
3. West India
4. South India 

North India: 

This food is mainly spicy and oily. People living in the north region of India love to eat mainly fried food. Meat, dried fruit, and yogurt are the main ingredients of north Indian food.

The three main famous cuisines of north India are:

1. Kashmiri Cuisine
2. Punjabi Cuisine
3. Mughlai Cuisine

East India

In the eastern region of the India, Bengali Cuisine is very popular. It contain very less amount of vegetarian ingredients. It consist of mainly fish, coconut, and rice. Bengali Rasgullas are very famous. Even I love to eat them.

Traditional Bengali Cuisine

Rasgullas

South India 

The cuisines of Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu are well known types South Indian food. This is the spiciest food of India. This food has a great influence on Singapore and some South Asian countries. Coconut milk and lentils is commonly used in every dish.

West India

69% of the Gujarati's (West Indian's) are vegetarians. Their food is very healthy and lite. They use very less amount of oil and prohibit the use eggs and garlic. Vegetarian food and dairy products are often used in it.

If you want to know more about Indian spices and authentic cuisines then view this link: http://samfusionz-recipes.tripod.com/id177.html 

Religion's of India

Whenever it first comes to culture and religion, India is the first country that comes in everyone's mind. The only reason is because of its vast and rich culture where people of all religion live with peace and harmony.

India is the birthplace of many religions.  

Hinduism:

They have the highest percentage in India which is about 80%. They worship many Gods but they have firm belief that there are three lords that rule the whole universe. The first, is the Vishnu who is believed to be the protector of the universe, the second is the Brahma, who is believed to be the creator of the whole  universe and; lastly, it is Shiva known to be the destroyer. There are numerous numbers of god and goddess in Hindu religion, the list is really long. Some of the Hindus worship Ganesha, Durga Mata, Kali Mata, Shera wali Maa, Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, Parvati and Laxmi.

Apart from having different god and goddess, many Hindus believe that there is one God. 

Books: Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata are the main holy books of Hindus.


Islam:

About 12% of the Indian population is Muslim. Muslim is a person who follows and practice Islam. Muslims were originally from Saudi Arabia and came to India as Invaders. They slowly began to spread and one of the best known Invader was Akbar. 

The religious practices of Muslims are counted in the Five Pillars of Islam. The first is to pray daily which is known as Salat. Secondly, during the month of Ramadan one must fast. The next is Almsgiving and one must surely visit to the holy place known as Mecca.

They believe that there is one God. He is eternal, omnipresent and incomparable.

Books: Quran is the holy book of Islam which is believed to be a revelation from God. 



Sikhism

Sikhism was founded in 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Punjab which is a northern state in India. There are total 10 gurus 9 of which are followed by Guru Nanak dev ji. The 11 and the present Guru is the Guru Granth Sahib.

All Sikhs believe in one god and follows all religions respect them. The greatest example is Golden Temple. It has four doors which means that all religions all welcome to the temple and can pray. There is no restrictions to anyone. A true Sikh must follow 5 k's which are 5 articles of Sikhs faith. They are Kachhera, Kanga, Kara, Kes and Kirpan. 

Books: Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhs. It contains all the teachings of Guru which can lead one on the path of leading a true life. 

Christianity

According to the percentage, it is the 3rd largest religion in India with a population of 2.3%. There is no evidence how Christianity spreads in India but it is estimated that it was 6 AD when it took place. It is said that it was St. Judas Thomas who visited India and then converted some Indians to Christianity. Originally, the origin of Christianity took place in Israel.

Christians are spread all over the India as some of them lives in the south region and some of them in the mid east regions of India. Goa, Kerela and Tamil Nadu are the main states where the centres of christianity exists. 

Most of the Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 

Book: Bible is the Holy book of christians.

As it is clear from the picture below, that all religions in India live with Peace and Harmony and respect each other. Though they have different beliefs, cultures and society but all of them believe in one God.

I am proud to be a daughter of India.

Cultural Dances of India 

The Indian dances are comprehensively partitioned into Classical dance and folk dance. The Classical moves of India are typically spiritual. Despite the fact that the folk dances of India are also religious and spiritual but most of the time they are performed under emotional moods. India  has thousands of old traditional dances and folks. every state has it's own folk dance. Classical dance are tough as compared to folk dances. 

The most famous established dance styles of India are Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kathakali and Mohiniattam of Kerala, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh and Manipuri of Manipur. The upcoming video depicts these all types of dance forms.

Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu:

It is a form of classical dance that, originates in Tamil Nadu. This dance has its special dress and ornaments which one should wear before performing it. This dance is mainly known for its purity, expressions and, its various significant moves. 

This picture is of me, after performing this exclusive dance form. It made me completely refresh at that time. I was feeling an internal proud after, representing the culture of my country.










Kathakali and Mohiniattam of Kerala


Kathakali is a highly stylized traditional Indian move dramatization noted for its attractive  make-up of characters, their designed outfits, definite postures and very much characterized body developments introduced tuned in to the stay playback music and integral percussion. It began in the nation's available day condition of Kerala during the 16th century AD, roughly somewhere around 1555 and 1605. It has been updated throughout the years with enhanced looks, refined signals and included topics other than more lavish singing and exact drumming.

Kathakali

Odissi of Orissa

Kathak of Uttar Pradesh

Introduction 

India is a traditional country. It contains a variety of people and mixed with culture of many people. Every individual in India has its own culture and follow it strictly. India is known as the place where there is culture and custom and, is one of the seasoned development on the planet. Indian society is rich and interesting in its own specific manners. India conduct and manners, the style of correspondence, qualities and, convictions which are the basic segments of life. Despite the fact that India has acknowledged the advanced method for living and individuals have enhanced their way of life; however, the conventions and qualities are still the same. These conventions, traditions and, values together make India an exceptionally one of a kind nation. India is a common nation where number of societies and religions are thriving with peace and flourishing in light. The way of life and custom in India is profoundly established inside of the brains and hearts of individuals which, they have picked up from their rich society. 

This video is a short documentary on the culture of India by:Matineemasala (India Is The Land of Timeless Traditions and Spirituality)

Festivals of India

Being a highly spiritual country, festivals are always at the peak point in the hearts of every Indian and festivals truly reflects the culture of India. The various and different celebrations which are held every year offer an extraordinary method for seeing Indian society taking care of their heritage at its best. The following popular festivals will provide you a truly amazing experience of cultural society of Indian's.

Diwali: 

Diwali is known as the, "Festivals of Light". These lights convey the message of, victory of good over evil, and the brightness over darkness. Diwali creates a great enthusiasm among people of every age. Diwali is mainly the festival of Hindu religion and, this day represents the start of the New Year on Hindu calendar. Diwali is mainly celebrated in October or November depend on the cycle of moon.


This Festival is celebrated throughout the whole country. It is celebrated with great pomp and show. Moreover, on this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. On this day, people decorate their homes, streets, and buildings with many colorful and decorative lights. Some people crack fireworks and celebrate it. Every individual celebrate it in its own way.

The Diwali of Amritsar is very popular. A Punjabi saying tributes the Diwali celebration of Amritsar: Dal roti ghar di, Diwali Amritsar di (home cooked food and Amritsar's Diwali have no parallels). Gigantic fireworks are burst by pros assigned as aatishbazi. Golden temple is beautifully decorated with bright lights. There is no keeping down with the festivals of Diwali at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The celebration of lights lives consistent with its name at the Golden Temple as countless enthusiasts accumulate in and around the sanctuary complex for one of India's biggest festivals. The whole complex is hung in lights and it is very much an incredible sight when the lights went ahead. 


Here is an exclusive video of fireworks at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Holi:

As the name of this heading clear the the concept of this festival. This festival is known as the, "The color of Festivals". On this day, people hug each other and wish 'Happy Holi'.  Holi festival starts with lightning up the bonfire on the Holi eve. Various legends and stories are connected with Holi festivity which makes the celebration more overflowing and striking. Individual's rub "gulal" and "abeer" on each other's face and brighten up by saying, "bura na maano Holi hai". Holi likewise, gives a wonderful opportunity to send blessings and affection to dear ones wrapped in an exceptional Holi presents. 

Ganesh Chaturthi:

This festival is celebrated in the honor of the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant, named Lord Ganesha. He is popularly worshiped for his power of removing problems and bringing good fortune. 

The Ganesh Chaturthi of Mumbai is very popular as shown in upcoming video: