Wednesday 26 / June / 2024
New Delhi: India’s essence is a vibrant mosaic, glowing from sacred and infinite blend of faith, rituals and culture that have co-existed over the centuries. In this cultural atmosphere lies mysticism and the sublime idea of “composite culture”, which means an elegant intermingling where the culture is drawn from various strands and combined into a higher transcendental unity where all barriers, psychological hindrances and illusory divides are surrendered.
The cultural origin can be traced back to ancient times when travellers and spiritual seekers arrived at the shores of Bharatvarsha which created a space for cultural ideation and multiple encounters of narratives and stories.
This fusion is a divine alchemy of India’s countless spiritual streams where the unique synthesis finds vibrant expression in the form of celebrations at various pilgrimage sites across the country transcending boundaries and fostering a shared sense of identity and cultural exchange.
It is within these sanctified spaces where one beholds the eternal spirit of "Indianness" an inclusive oneness where the sacred unification of diverse faiths generates the collective flowering of national identity and pluralism. The Sufi mystics and saints blossomed manifesting their eternal message of divine love, spiritual harmony.
The smile of Nizamuddin, Qawwali and rose petals nurturing oneness
The elegance of Indianness can be encountered at the shrine, Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi’s historic Nizamuddin Basti where during the vibrant festivals of Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, and other seasonal celebrations, the dargah becomes a vibrant melting pot where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and people from all paths consciously surrender their identities by wearing saffron, orange, and mustard coloured robes creating a united stream of worship where the arrival of spring and harvest season is celebrated.
The air is filled with the enchanting melodies of qawwali and the fragrance of rose petals, creating an atmosphere of unity and within the sacred walls of the dargah, religious boundaries dissolve, and a profound sense of oneness prevails defining the essence of composite culture.
According to Sufi Hammad Nizami, one of the custodian of the dargah, the tradition could be dated back to 700 years ago. Dark clouds floated over a spiritual leader, Nizamuddin Aulia when he lost his nephew, and this made him very sad as he was unable to bear the pain of the loss. He stopped smiling due to his anguish.
One day, his disciple, poet Amir Khusro was wandering and he spotted some farmers joyously heading to a temple. They carried yellow flowers and scarves to thank the gods and deities for a bountiful harvest. Khusro had an idea.
He seized a scarf from the farmer and wore it around his head like a turban. Then he strolled and went to Nizamuddin Aulia, humming cheery spring tunes he had made up along the way.
He told the spiritual leader that he was doing all this merely to make him smile again. Listening to the melodies, Nizamuddin Aulia smiled again six months. Since then, they have held this celebration every year to commemorate how happiness was restored to Nizamuddin Aulia.
Surrendering Identities: A vibrant unity in Diversity
According to Ghani Shah, who stays at the Dargah, Haji Waris Ali Shah, a Sufi saint had a deep rooted belief that the foundation of every religion is based on the feeling of compassion, love and devotion. This faith initiated the beginning of practice. The tradition of playing Holi in Barabanki with members from all the communities. On that day, the white campus of Dewa Sharif shrine turns yellow, green, purple as thousands of people including Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, gathers to celebrate Holi
One finds wondrous visions of this composite culture's magic in the ecstatic festivities of Holi at blessed sites like Waris Pak, Dewa Sharif, and Hamudin Nagori where people from different spiritual paths shed all mortal veils and distinctions to be one happy ecstatic stream and joyfully partake in the festivities, showering each other with colourful gulal (colored powder) and exchanging sweets.
The atmosphere is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a spirit of inclusiveness that transcends religious affiliations. These celebrations are not mere rituals; they are living embodiments of the shared cultural heritage that binds diverse communities together. The enthusiasm of people from all faiths reflects the deep-rooted spirit of tolerance, cultural awareness, mutual respect, and understanding that has created a foundation of the Indian society.
Composite Fusions
The impact of composite culture extends beyond religious festivities, permeating various aspects of Indian life. It has facilitated an exchange of architectural styles, culinary traditions, music, dance forms, and artistic expressions, resulting in a fusion of influences.
The intricate carvings on temples and mosques, the myriad flavors of Indian cuisine, and the diverse yet harmonious melodies of classical music are all testaments to this cultural amalgamation.
Moreover, national celebrations such as Republic Day and Independence Day serve as platforms for people from all backgrounds to come together and collectively honor the nation's diversity while cherishing the common threads that bind them. These occasions reinforce the sense of unity and pride in India's composite heritage.
The celebration of composite culture not only enriches India's diversity but also fosters an environment of cultural positivity and harmony. By embracing and appreciating the unique traditions and practices of different communities, a deeper understanding and respect for one another's beliefs emerge. This, in turn, cultivates an atmosphere of inclusivity, where people feel empowered to express their cultural identities without fear or prejudice.
As India continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the spirit of composite culture remains a guiding force, reminding us of the strength that lies in unity and the beauty that can be found in embracing differences.
It is a legacy that has withstood the test of time, a testament to the resilience of a nation that has transcended boundaries and embraced the richness of its diverse heritage. By celebrating and cherishing this composite culture, we not only honor the past but also pave the way for a more harmonious and inclusive future.
