INDIAN COMMUNITY
Malaysian
Indian is Malaysians of Indian origin. Many are descendants from those who
migrated from India during the British colonization of Malaya. Prior to this,
Indians have been present in the Malayan archipelago at least since the period
of the influential Tamil Chola dynasty of the 11th century. Today,
they form the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia after the Chinese and the
Malays.
CLOTHING
Traditional
Indian clothing for men and women in the north and east are saris where a
loincloth is used to cover the upper body with shiny ornaments added. This is
not only used in daily wear, but also on festive occasions. Sari made out of
silk is considered the most elegant. For men, traditional clothes are sherwani
(Jippa), Dhoti. The Dhoti is from 4 to 6 long white or colour strips of cotton.
This traditional attire is mainly worn by men in villages.
WEDDING
The
traditional Indian Wedding is about 2 families being brought together socially,
with as much emphasis placed on the families coming closer as the married
couple. Many wedding customs are common among Hindus and Sikhs. They combine
local, religious and family traditions. The period of Hindu marriage ceremonies
dates from the application (lagan) of tilak. A Hindu wedding is traditionally
conducted at least partially in Sanskrit, the language of most holy Hindu
ceremonies. The local language of the people involved is also used since most
Hindus do not understand Sanskrit. Hindus have many rituals that have evolved
since traditional times and differ in many ways from the modern western wedding
ceremony and also among the different religions, families and castes. The
Saptapadi (Sanskrit for seven steps /feet), is perhaps the most important
component of Vedic Hindu weddings. The couple conduct 7 circuits of Holy Fire
(Agni), which is considered a witness to the vows they make each other are led.
CUISINE
INDIAN
breakfast delicacies such as idli, vadai and dosa( spelled in Malaysia as “thosai”) are common. The
appam is a favourite breakfast dish in Tamil homes. Idiyappam is known as
putumayam in Malay and usually sold by mobile motorcycle vendors. The murukku
is made to mark Deepavali. Banana leaf rice meals with various meat dishes and
condiments are served in restaurants during lunch and dinner and in Indian
households during special occasions. Mutton is highly favored and served as either
varuval (dry curry) or peratal.
MUSIC
The music
of India includes varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B.
India’s classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has
a history spanning millennia and developed over several years’ eras. Music in
India began as an integral part pf socio religious life and that follow one
another expressing an emotional state in an aesthetic unity. 2 main traditions
of classical music are Carnatic music, found predominantly in the peninsular
regions and Hindustani music found in northern and central regions. The basic
concepts of this music include Shruti , Lankar , raga and Tala . Its tonal
system divides the octave into 22 segments called shrutis, not all equal but
each roughly equal to one quarter of a whole tone of Western Music, melody is
based on the system of ragas, which are melody types used as the basis of
improvisation.
ART AND HANDICRAFT
Rangoli,
also known as kolam, is a folk art from India. Rangoli are decorative designs
made on living room and courtyard floors during Hindu festivals typically
consisting of bright colours. They are meant to be sacred welcoming area for
the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed down through the ages, from
each generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.
The patterns are typically created with materials including coloured rice, dry
flour (colored) sand or even flower petals.
The purpose
of rangoli is decoration and it is thought to bring good luck. Designs
depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore and practices
that are unique to each area. Over the years modern additions have been
adopted. It is traditionally done by women. Generally, this practice is showcased
during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, and celebration of
marriages and other similar milestones and gatherings.
CULTURE CELEBRATION
One of the
biggest Indian festivals in Malaysia is Thaipusam. Thaipusam is a religious
festival dedicated to the Tamil deity Murugan which occurs on the day in the
Indian month of Pausha (January- February) when the asterism Poosam is on the
ascendant. It is celebrated in grand style in the temples of Singapore, Penang
and Kuala Lumpur for 3 days. Deepavali or Diwali is another popular Hindu
festival which is the “Festival of Lights” and celebrated by all Hindu
community. Another festival of Indian is Pongal. It falls on the first day of
the Tamil month of Thai (14 or 15 January). It is celebrated by boiling rice
with fresh milk and jiggery in new clay pots.
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