ritualism in India in brief?
Answers
● Hinduism is not just a religion in India. It is a way of life. ● In Hinduism, rituals are performed to bring spirituality into human life and inculcate feelings of devotion and religiosity.
● Rituals are not only celebrated during life but continue after death, including burial and cremation practices.
● The four stages of life are as follows -
- Brahmacharya - Acquiring education and enhancing one’s character
- Grihastha - Worldly pleasures and pursuits that include marriage and career
- Vanaprastha - Spirituality
- Sannyasa - The life of contemplation
1. Cannibalism - Aghoris
The cannibalistic Aghoris are a very famous sect in India. They are cult followers of Lord Shiva and believe that everything nature provides can be consumed. They are one of the most well known cannibalistic tribes in India.
2. Veni Daan - Allahabad
This is a weird ritual practised by Hindu couples residing in Allahabad and Maharashtra. During a Hindu wedding, the husband and wife promise to spend not just one, but 7 lifetimes together
3. Baby tossing - Maharashtra and Karnataka
One of the most terrifying rituals performed in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka is the baby tossing ritual. The ritual, that takes place in December, involves the father scaling the temple stairs/walls with his baby in hand or tied behind his back. Once he reaches the top, the new-born is handed over to men standing at the top of the temple. The men swing the baby back and forth once or twice and then suddenly drop it 10-15 meters towards the ground. Another group of men wait on the ground holding blankets. As the baby falls on the blanket, it is allowed to bounce once and then immediately picked up and handed to the mother. This ritual is said to make babies stronger and healthier.
Hope this much is enough and it helps...