Atithi Devo Bhava : The Indian way to treat guests
Team Hindi
Bharat’s Culture and traditions have drawn people since the beginning of civilizations and have mesmerized generations of visitors. Many of our practices have even been imitated by other cultures and have changed the world. Starting from our scientific innovations to our Architectural styles, there is not one field where Indians haven’t made a mark or not contributed immensely. One of them is to welcome our guests with utmost honour and respect.
It has been written in sacred texts way before time, that we must treat our guests with honour and respect. Atithi Devo Bhava that is written in Upanishad, means every Atitihi (Guest) is like Dev (God). This is the reason why the people of Bharat have an innate sense of hospitality and congeniality.
A widespread custom among most Indians is to welcome every guest into our homes by putting a Chandan/Vermillion Tika on the forehead and garland them with flowers. Unfortunately nowadays this practice has slowly waned.
Our country has so many things to offer to an international visitor, especially because of our diversity.
A vibrant land not painted by just one color, India is home to different castes, creeds and cultures. Both independently and together, India developed several distinct communities of people who have different lifestyles, languages, and cultural practices, which are weaved together in the rich tapestry of India. India is the land of an astonishing number of languages and dialects, all having given their own contribution to literature. One lifetime is not enough to appreciate the writers of this country.
Not just languages, but even different types of music, art and dance have developed due to the passionate nature of the people of India. Under the patronage of Kings of the Gupta Dynasty, Chola Kings, Mughal Dynasty and others, different forms of artistic expression was encouraged and we are thankful to these golden periods of History. Even today the creative power of India is lauded all over the world where the vivid expressions, wonderful stylistic patterns and sensuous way of living have fascinated the people of the world.
Along with the arts, even sciences have always flourished due to our innate nature of scientific enquiry which is always in search of better solutions for the world. Way before other civilizations could catch up; we had already vast inroads in technology and innovation.
All these things and more are the reason why India has gained a reputation as a must visit country. To visit India is to visit a whole new world with dizzying variety. We welcome everyone with open arms.
Come explore Bharat, a magnificent land of diversity, culture and wonders.
