Intercultural competence

INDIANS

The Indians are found in the Southern region of Asia, known as the southern Indians are found all overe the world b ut the bigger population is found in India and Pakistan

DRESS CODE AND ACCESSORIES

Traditional clothing in India  varies across different parts of the country and is influenced by the local culture, geography, climate and rural/urban settings. Popular styles of dress include draped garments such as sari for women and dhoti or lungi for men. 
Indian women perfect their sense of charm and fashion with make up and ornaments. Bindi, which is red dotput on the head of a married woman mehendi, earrings, bangles and other jewelry are common. On special occasions, such as marriage ceremonies and festivals, women may wear cheerful colors with various ornaments made with gold, silver or other regional stones and gems. Bindi is often an essential part of a Hindu woman's make up. Worn on their forehead. Traditionally, the red bindi was worn only by married Hindu women, and colored bindi was worn by single women, but now all colors and glitter has become a part of women's fashion. 

ORGANIZATION AND FAMILY STRUCTURE 

For generations, India has had the tradition of the joint family system. It is when extended members of a family  parents, children, the children's spouses and their offspring, etc. live together. . Families often live with three or four generations in the same household  .Usually, the oldest male member is the head in the joint Indian family system He mostly makes all important decisions and rules, and other family members are likely to abide by them. They all live under one roof in peace and harmony
Family values are highly respected and are fundamental in daily life The structure of the family is patriarchal; a woman must obey her father, her husband and her son. Traditionally sons inherit and daughters receive a dowry and child care is provided by the female family members, like in most cultures.

MARRIAGE 

Most Hindu marriages are arranged by the parents, although the children must also be happy with their chosen partner, although in modern times there are increasing exceptions. because now Hindus can choose their marriage partners.  In the past, the age of marriage was young.The average age of marriage for women in India has increased to 21 years, according to 2011 Census of India.  In 2009, about 7% of women got married before the age of 18.

A wedding is one of the most colorful and important ceremonies in all of Hinduism. Although customs vary greatly in different regions, marriages are always joyous, rich with decorations and food. In fact, some Hindu weddings last as long as three days! they use food color and flowers to spice up the colors of a wedding which makes it look like something out of a movie, Weddings are festive occasions in India with extensive decorations, colors, music, dance, costumes and rituals that depend on the religion of the bride and the groom, as well as their preferences. The nation celebrates about 10 million weddings per year, of which over 80% are Hindu weddings

The ceremony centers around a sacred fire, which symbolizes a manifestation of the god, Agni. Family and friends surround the couple as a priest chants Sanskrit verses. Next, he leads the bride and groom around the flames which burn in a brick fire pit. Bells are sounded, and many offerings are made to the fire, including clarified butter, grains, and flowers. Each time the couple completes their circuit, the bride stands on one of the bricks. This act affirms her strength and loyalty.

finally, the bride and groom take seven steps around the flames. These steps are the most significant action in a Hindu wedding now the couple is bonded for life.

BIRTH RITUALS

Even before a baby is born, Hindus perform rituals and recite prayers to protect the fetus from illness or harmful spirits. The mother eats only healthy foods to ensure the newborn's well-being, as in any other culture

In some families, the father performs a ceremony immediately after the birth. He dips a gold pen into a jar of honey and writes the sacred Sanskrit symbol onto the infant's tongue. The symbol, which stands for truth, is written in hope that the child will be honest and speak only the truth.

After more than a week, the baby's name is formally given. Usually the name of a favorite god or goddess is chosen and whispered into the child's ear. Within the first few years of her life, a Hindu girl has an ear-piercing ceremony. Both boys and girls have their hair cut, symbolic of renewal and the shedding of wrongdoing in past lives.

DEATH RITUALS  Most Hindus are cremated as it is believed that this will help their soul to escape quickly from the body.  The exact details of the funeral ceremonies, vary according to tradition and place. Funerals are usually conducted by a priest and by the eldest son of the deceased. Various rituals may take place around the dead body: 1. a lamp is placed at the head of the dead body 2. prayers and songs are sung 3.rice balls are placed in the coffin 4.water is sprinkled on the body 5.necklace of wooden beads may be put around the dead person’s neck as may garlands of flowers TABOOS  Touching of something with your feet in the Indian culture is considered unholy. Also marrying outside your religion is considered unsacred. Menstrual taboos in Hindus during the first four days of a woman's menstrual cycle, she is considered 'impure' and isn't allowed to even enter temples. Menstrual blood is considered to be impure and girls aren't supposed to enter kitchens also. RELIGION  Religion has been an important part of indias culture they believe in diversity of religious beliefs and practices. According to the 2011 census, 79.8% of the population of India practices Hinduism and 14.2% adheres to Islam, while the remaining 6% adheres to other religions among them christianity,christianity is the 3rd largest religion in India. although most people know indians to practice hinduism where they worship different gods. Hinduism has a god for various works here are some of the hindu gods Brahma, the Creator Vishnu, the Preserver Shiva, the Destroyer Ganapati, the Remover of Obstacles Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning