Traditions and everyday life in India

Festivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in India. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.

94 keepsakes from India · page 1 of 4
Theyyam performance
Faith

Theyyam performance

If you ever come to Kannur in North Kerala, there is one thing you should experience at least once in your life — Theyyam.Theyyam is not just a performance. For people here, it is a tradition, a belief, a part of history, and…

Shared by Leeeei
Nuakhai harvest festival
Tradition

Nuakhai harvest festival

When people think of Indian festivals, they often think of Diwali, Holi or Durga Puja. But in Western Odisha, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, one of the most significant celebrations is Nuakhai. Nuakhai literally refers to…

Shared by Sal Bluebell
Sankranti festival
Faith

Sankranti festival

As the winter solstice approaches, India gears up to celebrate one of its most significant harvest festivals – Sankranti. Observed on January 14th every year, Sankranti marks the beginning of the sun's journey towards the…

Shared by Hogwarts Lefty
Shivratri worship with locals
Faith

Shivratri worship with locals

In Hinduism the god of destruction lord Shiva is one of the most powerful god who protect, creates, transforms the universe and we celebrate his marriage with Parvati goddess which is the power of lord Shiva and we call goddess…

Shared by Dimpal
A Morning at Peruvudaiyar Kovil, Thanjavur.
Place

A Morning at Peruvudaiyar Kovil, Thanjavur.

There are some places that you think you know the beauty of until you stand inside them. Peruvudayar Kovil in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu is one of those places. It was constructed by the Chola king, Raja Raja Chola I, over a thousand…

Shared by Yuki Yoshikawa
Dasai/Dusshera festival
Faith

Dasai/Dusshera festival

Dashain, also known as Daseira, is a major festival celebrated by the Nepali community in India, particularly in areas like Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. This fifteen-day festival is filled with vibrant rituals and family…

Shared by Srayy
Pori, Bhature, and Dosa...
Everyday life

Pori, Bhature, and Dosa...

There is a wide range of Indian cuisine. With each state having its own culture and traditions, the diet and cuisine also shift. Here is a depiction of 3 of those Indian culinary (popular) examples:1. Pori Bhaji/ Pori Chane…

Shared by WisdomTooth
Gaari Geet (Ritualized Insult Songs)
Tradition

Gaari Geet (Ritualized Insult Songs)

In Bihar (northern state of India bordering Nepal), on occasions like marriages, the women members of bride's family sing songs as a tradition, songs are generally mocking using slurs, insults towards the groom's family or the…

Shared by avnieee
Diwali
Tradition

Diwali

As our grandest festival unfolds, home transforms into a living canvas of light and laughter. Outside, vibrant rangolis—intricate Mandalas of colored powders and petals—welcome guests at the threshold, while the night sky…

Shared by QuietCanopy
The festival of Lights
Faith

The festival of Lights

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, notably Newar Buddhists. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month…

Shared by Kittu1148
Navratri festival
Faith

Navratri festival

This vibrant festival, celebrated across the entire country, takes on a spectacular flair in Bengal and Gujarat. In Bengal, the atmosphere comes alive for nine days as devotees create stunning shelters for Durga Maa, adorned with…

Shared by Acacia_
durga puja
Faith

durga puja

its a religious event in our state/country, Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in West Bengal, India, marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph…

Shared by swarup
A Peaceful Gathering Spot
Place

A Peaceful Gathering Spot

Karaikal Beach is a popular beach in the coastal area of Karaikal city, Puducherry, India. It lies on the Bay of Bengal. The beach is one of the best natural beaches in the region of Southeastern Tamil Nadu. The tranquil place…

Shared by Md Man
Red Fort
Place

Red Fort

Red Fort, also called Lal Qalʿah, also spelled Lal Kila or Lal Qila, Mughal fort in Old Delhi, India. It was built by Shah Jahān in the mid-17th century and remains a major tourist attraction. The fort was designated a UNESCO…

Shared by Angstrom
Vallam Kali Boat Race
Event

Vallam Kali Boat Race

Vallam Kali, aka boat race, is a traditional water sport and one of the most popular events during the Onam festival in my home state Kerala. It is a spectacular and adrenaline-pumping competition where different types of boats…

Shared by sonofflynn
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Place

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an incredibly rare and historic train system built by the British that has been running through the mountains of Tamil Nadu, India, since 1908. Because of its unique engineering and historical…

Shared by Humanpenthe
Thrissur Pooram
Faith

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram – The Festival of Festivals Thrissur Pooram is one of the most famous and spectacular temple festivals in Kerala, celebrated every year at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. Known as the “Festival of…

Shared by Me_San
George Everest Peak
Place

George Everest Peak

I traveled to this beautiful destination in the sky known as George everest its in Mussorie India. Situated at a height of 6578 feet above sea level, George Everest Peak takes you to the house of Sir George Everest. Sir George…

Shared by msoftharsh
Pongal, 4 day celebration
Tradition

Pongal, 4 day celebration

Pongal is a 4 day celebration thanking the Sun god, the farmers, mother nature and the farm animals especially the cows. It's a day we appreciate and celebrate them for their hard work. the whole town comes together and pray for…

Shared by laxxxxx
Big Fat Indian Wedding
Event

Big Fat Indian Wedding

Wedding is a huge event in India which can stretch into a whole week. I personally love weddings, the drama, the glamour, the food, the performances- everything. Its a mini package for a brown teen which includes a Coachella and…

Shared by asdfghjkl1234
Vidhana Soudha
Place

Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha (Official State Goverment Headquarters and an architectural marvel) is one of the landmark iconic structures of Bengaluru, Karnataka, which has epitomized the legislative and democratic functioning of the state…

Shared by CHV
Durga Pujo
Faith

Durga Pujo

Durga Puja radiates the essence of the divine feminine. The goddess Durga, crafted in clay with fierce eyes and poised weapons, embodies strength, compassion, and protection. Each stroke of the artisan’s hand breathes life into…

Shared by birk
Durga Puja
Faith

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a major annual Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated in September or October, it is a ten-day event marked by…

Shared by Ron2008
Diwali festival
Tradition

Diwali festival

Diwali is a festival of lights and colours. This is one of the most celebrated festival in India. It is 5-6 days festival. There are many rituals like lighting of diyas all around the house, worshipping the goddess lakshmi and…

Shared by Sharrrada
Handcrafted Artifacts / Traditional Crafts
Tradition

Handcrafted Artifacts / Traditional Crafts

One of my favorite cultural keepsakes is a handwoven scarf from my country, a beautiful representation of our traditional craft. It’s not just a piece of fabric; it tells the story of generations who have passed down this skill…

Shared by dhamendra
The Festival of Lights DIWALI!!
Tradition

The Festival of Lights DIWALI!!

This festival usually arrives at the month of October, this is something that all of the people of my country, India, love. It is known as Diwali or dipavali in the south of the country. It is celebrated for a day but it’s…

Shared by Milk cloud
Onam floral festival
Faith

Onam floral festival

Onam is the floral festival of India. It is mainly celebrated in kerala and south sides of India. We welcome goddess of prosperity by preparing floral carpet in various shapes and looks with traditional flowers. The floral carpet…

Shared by alex15
Art Plaza, Mumbai, India
Activity

Art Plaza, Mumbai, India

Art Plaza is a pavement art gallery in Colaba, Mumbai, India from where I began my career in the field of Art. A brain child of Late K. M. Shenoy, Late S. T. Mali, Shri Jal Mehta and with ample support from the BMC commissioner…

Shared by Artinheart

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