Ancient India practices that are currently widely used worldwide

India has a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. Many of these ancient practices are still used today in modern India and around the world.

There are lot of these practices that people from India have been using it on almost daily basis but some of these got very popular worldwide outside India. Some of these have been prevailing in India from ancient times and continue to be widely used in contemporary times.

Here are a few examples:

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Today, yoga is practiced all over the world and has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation.

Man doing yoga

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is based on the concept of balance and uses natural remedies to treat various health conditions. It emphasizes the use of natural remedies and holistic healing methods to promote health and well-being. Ayurveda is still widely practiced in India and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well.

Meditation

Meditation is another ancient Indian practice that has gained widespread popularity in recent times. It is a technique that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a state of mental clarity and calmness. Meditation is used for stress reduction, relaxation, and spiritual growth.

Indian classical music

Indian classical music is a traditional form of music that has been practiced in India for centuries. It is a complex and intricate system that involves ragas (melodic structures) and talas (rhythmic patterns). Today, Indian classical music is still popular in India and has gained a following in other parts of the world as well.

1975: Guitarist George Harrison poses for a portrait with Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar in circa 1975. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

One of the most famous indian classical music instrument is Sitar and Ravi Shankar was a famous Sitar Player. Sitar was so famous that even the lead guitarist from Beatles, George Harrison was interested.

George Harrison and Ravi Shankar were connected through their shared interest in Indian classical music. George Harrison first became interested in Indian music in the mid-1960s and was introduced to Ravi Shankar’s music through his bandmate in The Beatles, John Lennon.

Harrison was fascinated by the sitar, a traditional Indian stringed instrument, and sought out lessons from Ravi Shankar in 1966. Shankar became Harrison’s mentor and taught him how to play the sitar. Harrison’s interest in Indian music had a profound impact on his songwriting and he went on to incorporate elements of Indian music into many of The Beatles’ songs.

Harrison and Shankar became close friends over the years and collaborated on a number of musical projects.

Henna art

Henna art, also known as mehndi, is an ancient Indian art form that involves applying henna paste on the skin to create intricate designs. It is a traditional practice that is still widely used in India and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well.

Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture that is still used today to design buildings and homes. It emphasizes the use of natural materials and the alignment of structures with the natural environment. It is based on traditional Hindu and Vedic beliefs. It is considered a sacred science and is used to create harmonious living and working spaces that are in balance with the natural world.

According to Vaastu Shastra, the layout, design, and placement of buildings, rooms, and objects within a space can have a profound effect on the well-being of the inhabitants. The principles of Vaastu Shastra are based on the five elements of nature – earth, water, fire, air, and space – and how they interact with each other.

Vaastu Shastra is still widely used today in modern times, particularly in India and other parts of South Asia. Many people believe that following Vaastu principles can lead to a more balanced and harmonious life, and they incorporate these principles into the design of their homes, offices, and other buildings.

Jyotish

Jyotish, also known as Vedic astrology, is an ancient system of astrology that originated in India and is based on the principles of Hindu astrology and astronomy. Jyotish uses the positions of the planets and stars to make predictions about human affairs and to provide guidance on various aspects of life, including health, career, relationships, and spiritual growth.

Jyotish is still used worldwide, particularly in India and other parts of South Asia, where it is an important part of traditional culture and spirituality. It is also practiced in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe, where it has gained popularity in recent years.

These are just a few examples of the many ancient Indian practices that continue to be widely used today.