Văn hoá Ấn Độ

1. Tôn giáo
2. Hệ thống đẳng cấp
3. Công nghệ Ấn Độ
4. Lễ hội
5. Ẩm thực
6. Nghệ thuật và kiến trúc
7. Giải trí (phim,……)

III. INDIA’S CULTURE

1. Religion:
* India is home to a rich tapestry of religions, making it one of the most religiously
diverse countries in the world. There are countless smaller faiths and sects, but the
major religions that dominate the Indian landscape include:
- Hinduism: The largest religion in India, Hinduism is a polytheistic faith
with a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses.
Symbol meanings: The most sacred sound in Hinduism, representing the
universe's creation, preservation, and dissolution. It is often chanted at the
beginning and end of prayers and mantras.
- Islam: The second-largest religion, Islam was introduced to India by
Muslim invaders and traders.
Symbol meanings: The symbol represents the unity of the Islamic faith and
the Ottoman Empire, which historically played a significant role in the
region.
- Christianity: Christianity has a significant presence in India, particularly in
the southern states.
Symbol meanings: The cross is often incorporated into church architecture
and is used in religious ceremonies.
- Sikhism: This monotheistic religion originated in the Punjab region and
emphasizes equality and service to humanity.
Symbol meanings: The symbol consists of two swords crossed, a double-
edged sword called a chakar, and a chakar (a religious symbol representing
the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth). It represents the five virtues of
Sikhism: courage, knowledge, power, humility, and love.
 - Buddhism: Although Buddhism originated in India, it declined there and is
now more prevalent in neighboring countries.
Symbol meanings: A symbolic representation of the cycle of rebirth and
suffering. It is often depicted as a wheel with twelve spokes representing the
twelve links of dependent origination. It illustrates the interconnectedness of
all things and the path to liberation from suffering.
- Jainism: A relatively small religion that emphasizes non-violence and
asceticism.
Symbol meanings: The Jain symbol encapsulates the fundamental beliefs and
practices of Jainism. It emphasizes the importance of non-violence, the pursuit of
spiritual liberation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
* The significant influence of religion on Indians:
Religion plays a profound and multifaceted role in the lives of Indians. It
permeates various aspects of their culture, traditions, and daily life. Here are
some key ways religion affects Indians:
1. Identity: Religion often serves as a strong source of identity for many
Indians. It shapes their worldview, values, and sense of belonging.
2. Social Structure: Religion has historically influenced the social structure of
India, particularly through the caste system. While the caste system has been
formally abolished, its legacy continues to shape social relationships and
inequalities.
3. Festivals and Celebrations: Religious festivals and celebrations are an
integral part of Indian culture. They bring communities together, promote
social harmony, and reinforce religious beliefs.
4. Art and Culture: Religion has inspired numerous forms of art and culture,
including music, dance, literature, and architecture. Many temples, mosques,
and churches are considered masterpieces of religious art.
5. Politics: Religion has often played a significant role in Indian politics,
influencing elections, policy decisions, and social movements.
6. Daily Life: Religion can influence various aspects of daily life, such as food
habits, clothing, and social customs. For example, many Hindus adhere to
vegetarianism, and Muslims observe fasting during Ramadan.
7. Education: Religious institutions, such as gurukulas and madrasas, have
played a vital role in education and knowledge transmission in India.
2. Caste system:
- The caste system is a complex social hierarchy that has been deeply
ingrained in Indian society for centuries. It is based on the belief in the
reincarnation of souls and the division of society into different social groups
or varna.

* The Four Varnas

1. Brahmins: The highest caste, traditionally associated with priests,
scholars, and intellectuals.
2. Kshatriyas: The second-highest caste, associated with warriors, rulers, and
administrators.
3. Vaishyas: The third caste, associated with merchants, traders, and farmers.
4. Shudras: The lowest caste, traditionally associated with laborers and
servants.
5. Untouchables
Below the four varnas were the untouchables, also known as Dalits. They
were considered outside of the caste system and were often subjected to
discrimination and social exclusion.

The Impact of the Caste System

The caste system has had a profound impact on Indian society, influencing
everything from marriage and occupation to social status and power. While
the Indian government has taken steps to abolish the caste system, it
continues to persist in many parts of the country.

Gender discrimination in India is a deeply rooted social issue that has

persisted for centuries. Despite significant progress in recent decades,
women in India continue to face discrimination in various aspects of their
lives, including education, employment, healthcare, and social status.

 Education: Despite progress in recent years, girls still face barriers to education,
particularly in rural areas. Factors such as early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and
lack of access to schools contribute to lower literacy rates among women.
 Employment: Women have limited opportunities in the formal workforce, often
relegated to low-paying and informal jobs. Gender stereotypes and biases hinder their
career advancement and economic empowerment.
  Healthcare: Women's health issues, including maternal mortality and reproductive
health, remain significant concerns. Access to quality healthcare services is often limited,
especially in rural areas.
 Property Rights: Women's property rights are often restricted, limiting their economic
independence and security.
 Violence against Women: Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of
violence against women are prevalent, with many cases going unreported due to social
stigma and lack of legal support.

Addressing Gender Discrimination in India:

Combating gender discrimination in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving

government policies, social reforms, and individual awareness. Some key strategies include:

 Education and Awareness: Promoting gender equality through education and awareness
campaigns can challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
 Legal Reforms: Strengthening laws to protect women's rights and ensuring their
effective implementation is crucial.
 Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for women's economic participation,
such as access to credit, skills training, and entrepreneurship support, can empower them
financially.
 Social Support Systems: Providing social support services, including counseling and
legal aid, can help women overcome challenges and seek justice.
 Community Engagement: Engaging communities in promoting gender equality and
challenging harmful social norms can create a more supportive environment for women.

3. Indian customs-traditions, technology and education

- Customs-traditions:

+ Namaste: A deeply rooted custom in Indian culture, Namaste is more than

just a greeting. It’s a respectful gesture involving pressing palms together in front
of the heart while bowing slightly. This action signifies honor, gratitude, and the
recognition of the divine soul within oneself and others.
+ Shikha: A distinctive hairstyle often seen among Hindu men, the Shikha is
a small knot of hair tied at the back of the head. It symbolizes purity and a
spiritual connection to the divine.
+ Eating with the right hand: A cultural norm in India, the right hand is
exclusively used for eating. The left hand, on the other hand, is considered
less pure and is reserved for tasks like cleaning oneself.
 + Tilak: It is a mark, usually made on the forehead, that holds significant
religious and cultural importance in Hinduism. It is often applied using
various materials like sandalwood paste, ash, turmeric, or vermilion.
+ Sindoor: is a traditional vermilion red or orange-red cosmetic powder from
the Indian subcontinent, usually worn by married Hindu women along the
part of their hairline. sindoor is a visual marker of a woman's marital status.
It signifies that she is married and devoted to her husband.
+ Indian don’t eat beef. Hinduism considers cows as sacred animals. Here,
they compare the beauty of women to the sparkling eyes of a cow and the
strength and bravery of men to a bull. Hinduism deifies cows, worshiping
them as gods.
Fun fact, there is a common folk belief associated with the religion's
concept of reincarnation (samsara). They believe the people who dead would
be reincarnated into a cow.

- Technology: India has emerged as a global hub for technology talent, with a
vast pool of skilled professionals in various fields. Indian technology experts
are known for their innovation, problem-solving abilities, and cost-
effectiveness. Although they are technology experts, there have been
instances of scams involving technology companies or individuals posing as
technology experts.
- Education in India is a complex system with both significant progress and
challenges

- Structure:
Pre-Primary: Not compulsory, typically for ages 3-5.
Primary: Compulsory and free, ages 6-14, divided into lower primary
(grades 1-5) and upper primary (grades 6-8).
Secondary: Ages 14-18, divided into lower secondary (grades 9-10) and
higher secondary (grades 11-12).
Higher Education: Universities, colleges, technical institutes.
- Large-scale System: India has one of the world's largest education systems,
with millions of students and teachers.
- Access: While significant progress has been made in increasing access to
primary education, challenges remain, especially in rural areas
- Quality: Quality of education varies widely, with government schools often
facing resource constraints and private schools offering better facilities but
higher fees.
* Challenges:
- Infrastructure: Lack of adequate infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
- Teacher Quality: Shortage of qualified teachers and uneven distribution.
- Gender Disparity: Girls, particularly in rural areas, face barriers to
education.
- Language Barriers: Diversity of languages can hinder learning.
- Economic Disparity: Socioeconomic disparities affect access to quality
education.
4. Festivals:
India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, reflected in its numerous
festivals. Here are some of the most popular festivals celebrated in India:

Religious Festivals:

- Diwali: The Festival of Lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some
Buddhists. It marks the victory of good over evil and the new year.

- Holi: The Festival of Colors, celebrated by Hindus. It marks the arrival of

spring and the triumph of good over evil.

- Ganesh Chaturthi: A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the god of

wisdom and remover of obstacles.

- Durga Puja: A Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, the goddess of

power.

- Eid-ul-Fitr: An Islamic festival celebrating the end of the holy month of

Ramadan.

- Christmas: A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

 Regional Festivals:

- Pongal: A harvest festival celebrated in South India.

- Onam: A harvest festival celebrated in Kerala.

- Vaisakhi: A Sikh festival celebrating the founding of the Khalsa.

- Losar: A Tibetan New Year festival.

Other Festivals:

- Independence Day: Celebrated on August 15 to commemorate India's

independence from British rule.

- Republic Day: Celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of

India's Constitution.

- Kumbh Mela: A religious gathering of Hindus that takes place every three
years in one of four sacred cities in India.

5. Cuisine:
Indian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich, vibrant flavors, aromatic
spices, and diverse regional specialties. The food of India is a culinary
journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Key Characteristics of Indian Cuisine

- A Symphony of Spices: Indian cuisine is celebrated for its bold and complex
blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and chili. These
spices not only add flavor but also offer numerous health benefits.
- Vegetarian Delights: Due to the influence of Hinduism, vegetarianism is
deeply rooted in Indian culture. As a result, there's a vast array of vegetarian
dishes, often featuring lentils, vegetables, and grains.
 - Regional Variations: India's diverse geography and cultures have given rise
to a multitude of regional cuisines, each with its unique flavors and
specialties. For instance, the food of the north is typically heartier and uses
more ghee (clarified butter), while the south is known for its coconut-based
dishes and rice.
- Bread and Rice: Breads like naan, roti, and paratha are staples in most Indian
meals, often served alongside rice, which is another essential ingredient.
- Street Food: Indian street food is a culinary adventure in itself, offering a
wide range of snacks and small plates that showcase the country's diverse
flavors.
Must-Try Indian Dishes
- Curry: While "curry" is a blanket term used to describe a variety of Indian
dishes, it typically refers to a flavorful sauce made with a blend of spices,
often served with meat, vegetables, or lentils.
- Tandoori Chicken: Marinated in yogurt and spices, this tender and juicy
chicken is cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), giving it a smoky flavor.
- Biryani: A fragrant rice dish layered with meat, vegetables, and aromatic
spices, biryani is a popular choice for special occasions.
- Samosa: Deep-fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and
other vegetables.
- Dosa: A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentils, often
served with sambar (a lentil-based soup) and coconut chutney.
- Naan: A leavened, oven-baked flatbread that is a staple of Indian cuisine.

6. Art and architecture

India's artistic and architectural heritage is as diverse as its landscape, reflecting the country's
rich history, cultural influences, and religious beliefs. From ancient temples to modern art
galleries, India offers a breathtaking array of artistic expressions.

Ancient Architecture: A Timeless Legacy

 Temples: India is home to thousands of magnificent temples, each a testament to the skill
and devotion of its builders. Some of the most famous temples include the Taj Mahal, the
Khajuraho temples, and the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
 Rock-Cut Architecture: India has a rich tradition of rock-cut architecture, with
numerous temples and caves carved directly into the rock face. The Ajanta and Ellora
caves are among the most famous examples.
  Fortresses and Palaces: India's history is marked by numerous kingdoms and empires,
each leaving behind a legacy of imposing fortresses and palaces. The Red Fort in Delhi
and the Amber Fort in Jaipur are just a few examples.

Classical Indian Art: A Golden Age

 Sculpture: Indian sculpture is renowned for its intricate details and expressive forms.
The Gandhara and Mathura schools of sculpture are particularly famous.
 Painting: Indian painting has a long history, with styles ranging from miniature paintings
to large-scale murals. The Mughal miniature paintings are particularly renowned for their
delicate details and vibrant colors.
 Music: Indian classical music is a rich and complex tradition, with various styles and
instruments. Hindustani classical music and Carnatic classical music are the two main
schools.
 Dance: Indian dance is characterized by its graceful movements, intricate rhythms, and
expressive gestures. Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, and Kathak are some of the most popular
dance forms.

7. Entertainment (films, …..)

- Films: Bollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world,
producing hundreds of films each year. Known for its dramatic storylines,
catchy songs, and larger-than-life characters, Bollywood films have a global
following. Bollywood movies often feature unbelievable special effects that
defy the laws of physics, for example: Survive bullet shot in the head, slow
motion effects,….Well-known India films in Viet Nam: 3 idiots, Balika
Vadhu/ Cô dâu 8 tuổi, Sasural Simar Ka/ Cuộc chiến những nàng dâu,…..
- Wall of Death: Maut ka Kuaa, which translates to the ‘Well of Death’ in
English , also sometimes called the ‘Wall of Death’, is a death defying and
gravity defying stunt that one often gets to see in various carnivals or
‘melas’ across India. The stunt features a wooden cylinder shaped like a
barrel or an inverted cone about 30 feet to 50 feet in diameter. Inside this
cone daredevils on motorcycles or occasionally on cars drive at break neck
speeds along the vertical wall – the car or the motorcycle held in place by
sheer centrifugal force. The audience views from a platform built around the
circumference of the structure at the top and gaze down into the well where
the motorcyclists or cars drive. The riders would collect cash from the
audience throw into the circle.