When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I’m sure many of you have heard this saying a lot. And just to reiterate, that saying has loads of wisdom! If you really want to enjoy a place, blend in deep. Go to its roots (I mean it metaphorically) and learn its culture.
Overflowing cultural pot
In India itself, we have many cultures and congregations that lead such different lifestyles, it’s easy to get lost in keeping track. That said, there’s beauty on each of these sides. Whether you want to dress like them, follow their traditions, or just simply soak in their religious values, you have lots of options to follow.
I’ve not traveled far and large (though that’s the end goal), but I’ve seen my share of beautiful cultures. In Ooty, we came across Toda huts deep in the gardens of the famous Ooty Botanical Gardens. They were sorts of temples for the folk who stayed there with entrances so low, you can’t help but crawl to get into. That symbolizes humility when entering the presence of God.
A spiritual moment
That said, I’m not confusing religion with culture though some are undeniably interchangeable. But culture can be the coffee-pickers outfit that is so practical to the ways they take their meals. The day-to-day life they lead is so similar but oh so different.
You can head up to Coorg and fall in love with the peaceful ambiance of the monasteries or end up jiving to Baila in a Goan wedding. It is all about enjoying the minors differences that form the culture of a place.
Beauty culture creates
And last but not the least, with culture comes art. Whether it is a folk dance, artform or a simple song. An everlasting impression that we let flow to our future generation. Everything rich in culture comes from experience and wisdom. Let’s not forget the amazing architecture that culminates this experience.
Enjoy the culture of any place and mingle with the locals to experience authenticity in any destination.