India is prominent across the world for its rich cultures and vibrant traditions that are being followed by Indians. However, the culture, traditions, rituals, and customs differ from region to region and religion to religion. It is worth to mention that there are a lot of Hindu traditions and customs observed in India that never cease to amuse everyone. These fascinating customs and traditions have been an integral part of Hindu people either they are living in the village, city or abroad.

I, at mangal Parinay, have tried to list some overwhelming Hindu traditions and customs that are common in almost every part of India. Have a look at the article to make yourself aware.

• Hindu people greet each other by saying Namaskar or Namaste. They bow their head and join both the hands in honour and respect. Some people also use Hari Om Ji, Ram-Ram, Radhey-Radhey, Jai Mata Di, Jai Ram Ji while greeting each other.

• Hindus worship Lord Ganesha before starting any religious task so that the task can be completed without any obstacle. It is believed that Ganesh Ji should be worshipped before offering prayers to any other Hindu deity. Therefore, people pray to Lord Ganesha for his blessings before they begin any good work, buy any goods, and do any puja. The mantra is as followed:

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

• In Hinduism, people apply a mark (either of Haldi, sandalwood, kumkum) between their eyebrows on the forehead that is known as Tilak. It is worn by some people on a daily basis while others put it on their forehead while any religious occasion.

• According to old age custom, the first chapati is fed to the cow whenever food is prepared in the house. It is believed that Hindu deities reside in the holy cow. And by feeding cow, one feed the Hindu god and goddess directly. This ritual of feeding sacred cow brings peace, happiness, good luck and wealth in the lives of people.

• In Indian traditions, touching the feet of elders is considered very pious. It is a way of showing respect to the elders. By touching one’s feet, we let go of our ego, and in return, we get holy blessings from them.

• It is a common practice in India that Hindu people don’t wear footwear inside the kitchen, home, temples premises and other holy places. People don’t visit the temple after having non-vegetarian food, consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

• They avoid eating non-vegetarian foods on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Ekadashi, Shivratri, Krishna-Janmashtami and other festivals. Some people don’t consume onion, and garlic as well.

• You will find idols of Hindu God/Goddess in every household facing north direction. People worship them and offer Prashad regularly.

• In Hinduism, there is a tradition of lighting lamp in morning and evening in front of Hindu deities, and Tulsi Mata.

• Mostly, Arrange marriages are solemnized where elders choose the respective partners for brides and Grooms within their caste. Marrying someone from outside the caste is considered as a sin.

• In Hinduism, a married woman wears mangalsutra around her neck, vermillion (sindoor) on the partition of hair, Bindi (red dot) on her forehead, bangles in her hands, toe rings that symbolize she is married.

• Hindu people pierce the earlobes of small children on an auspicious day. It is believed that ear piercing is one of the sixteen sanskars that an individual must undergo.

• Before commencing any religious journey or going for a long travel, Hindus break a coconut in front of the vehicle, put lemon under the wheel of the vehicle to ward off the evil eyes.

• In India, Hindu people worship snakes on the occasion of Nagpanchmi.