Funny Myths About India
Ever since we step out into this world, especially in a country like India, it comes along with different cultures, traditions, faith, and beliefs. India is a country full of mystics, magic and ‘myths’ or said to be as ‘kalpith-katha'.
Myths are stories that are based on tradition. Some may have factual origins, while others are completely fictional. But myths are more than mere stories and they serve a more profound purpose in ancient and modern cultures. Unlike fairy tales myths are not always very optimistic. In contrast to the nature of life, the essence of myths is such that they are often seen as warnings, promises, or even celebrations. Many myths (around India) act around social norms that have been followed since the late 1700s, until now. Myths have existed in every society. Indeed, it would seem to be a basic constituent of human culture in India.
1. National Language of India
India has a very diverse culture it would be wrong to say that Hindi is our national language.
Some 780 languages are spoken across the country(extraordinarily).
Among these languages, 23 of them are recognized as official languages including Hindi,
English, Bengali, Kashmiri, Nepali, Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, etc. While Hindi is the most
prominent language in the country, it is not the national language as no language in India
enjoys such a status according to the Constitution of India. The Constitution has never
declared Hindi as the ‘national’ language, rather terming it as an ‘official’ language along
with English. Hindi as a language, is spoken majorly in Central and Northern India, with
different styles and values added to it.
2. All Indians are Vegetarians
Talking about variety and culture, another misconception arises from the fact that Indians
are considered to be only vegetarians. It is often a topic of interest around many, because
of India’s wide variety of cultures that have been followed for a long time. Indians do
eat non-vegetarian, maybe not in mass quantity as compared to the vegetarian eaters.
The cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, is extremely diverse. Ranging from
Paneer Butter Masala, as Paneer is a major protein source for vegetarians, to
Chicken Butter Masala, Chicken being the main ingredient. India has come a long way in
putting behind this narrative of itself being just a veg-eating country.
3. Darker the Mehendi, Stronger the Love
Marriage in India is considered to be one of the most memorable affairs, a time of
celebration for everyone involved. Coming from this is a myth that Darker the Mehndi,
the luckier the bride. Wonder why all beautiful brides take hours on their Mehndi. This has
been an age-long tradition followed by our older generation.
At some point in life, we all have heard that the darker the color of the mehndi
of the bride, the stronger her marriage will be. That sounds like a wedding goal for sure!
4. Crying and 'Bidaai'
Speaking of Marriage, in Indian Culture, crying on ‘Bidaai’ is considered to be a good sign,
following that means the bride will not cry after this day, vowing that she is leaving all
her sorrows behind before entering into her new life. These myths contribute to making
the ambiance of the wedding out of sorts. Guests who come to have a gala time might
feel awkward not knowing what to do. Starting a new journey is difficult, but it can be
done with a smile instead of tears, right?! No matter. Say no to breaking down right at the start. The life ahead is going to be exciting! One cannot let tears wipe off the fun!
5. India is Decades behind China
Speaking of India, a myth has been rolling around it for quite a time now, that India is
decades behind China. Comparing these two extraordinary countries, even though China
is clearly ahead of India, the former 'looks' stronger than it is, while the latter is clearly stronger
than it looks. The difference between them concerning their urban centers is a
thing to ponder. Most visitors usually compare cities from both countries that have
made themselves a name, for example, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru from India,
Shanghai, and Beijing in China. Stating a fact, India’s GDP in 2020 was almost the same as China’s in 2008.
6. Rural India is 'Savage'
Funny that foreigners think that India is a country full of villains and black magic. They are
told to stay away from the rural population of India as they are inhospitable and
unfriendly. They do not understand the Indian culture and methodologies in the way the
urban population of the country does. But what it really is? India’s rural population has
a culture of its own, a very giving and caring culture. For them, it’s the small things
that matter. If you smile at them, they always smile back.
7. Land of Black Magic - 'Mayong'
In North Eastern India, there is a city with a mythological history!! “The Land of Black
Magic,” the untouched, secluded village of Mayong holds one of the oddest magical
backstories on the planet.
Mayong has been India’s center for witchcraft, since its inception many centuries ago. In
the early days of Mayong, legend has it, if you chanted “Uran Mantra” you would be able
to fly through the air and land directly beside your true love.
8. Indians Can Predict the Future
Speaking of Indian beliefs, Over the years, sadhus, yogis, Hindu saints, and sanyasis in the
country have racked up quite a reputation for themselves, some more notorious than
others, especially in the northern hilly regions of India. They have made this imperfectly
perfect image for themselves in terms of them being able to actually tell a person’s
future, and tell them everything related to their future. If there is one thing we cannot
deny them though, they can weave amazing stories around their mere
existence. In addition to this, there comes a new addition- Fortune tellers. We Indians
believe in a higher power. Besides things that we do in our daily life, we believe in Karma,
and in blessings from God.
These are some myths debunked out of many that India has been linked to in quite a
while now, aging from 100’s years back and till now are being followed in some parts
of the country, just because of certain beliefs and traditions coming on from the earlier
generations.