Introduction: A culture of any society is an aggregation of thoughts, values and behaviors that can be mirrored in its age long tradition. A culture is a composition of arts, literature, customs and ceremonies that accumulates human values and thoughts for future prospects. Any ceremony and customs are incomplete without rites and rituals.
Human life is incomplete without the presence of rites and rituals. They cover every span of human life and existence. These everlasting religious laws are significant in any religious community. Undoubtedly, humans are not only social beings, but also ritual beings. These religious manners are quite significant in Indian life that can be seen vividly in various religious or social practices. These religious manners are regular and occasional too. The Hindu rites and rituals derive their authority from the Vedas, the oldest literature.
Rite and Ritual: Etymologically, a rite can be described as the ceremonial practice of a group of people. It is a religious custom or event or prescribed behavior for religious purposes.
Ritual can be described as a predefined set of actions according to religious law or manner that are always performed in the same predefined way as a part of religious or social ceremony. In simple words, any ritual is part of a rite.
A rite can be described as a religious event that marks important stages in human life like birth, marriage, death etc. A rite is a ceremonial practice of a particular group of people that is incomplete without rituals. The predefined actions in predefined format that are performed for the accomplishment of any rite are known as rituals. They are sometimes religious, social, or both in nature. They are a series of actions that are always performed in the same predefined way as a part of religious ceremony. For example: a marriage is a rite that requires a set of actions known as rituals to get accomplished.
The practice of these rites and rituals follows some words, songs, actions, vow and motives. These actions are considered sacred and auspicious in Indian religious life.
Indians are so sensitive for these religious actions. The affection for religious activities are so deep-rooted in Indian tradition.
Ritual Art: The art related to ritualistic practices is known as ritual art. Ritual art is significant in rites, ceremonies, fasts and festivals. In India, ritual art is pious and a way to attain salvation. It is a part of daily activity and occasional, which is especially done by the womenfolk of the society. The motive behind these expressions are to appease god and to perform religious duty. Ritual art consists of many art forms like songs, drawings, dance, tales, stories, myths etc. Walls and floors in Indian houses are beautifully decorated with these beautiful ritualistic expressions. They are the strongest medium for handling down the age long culture and tradition for next generation. The idea behind their execution is purely religious and sacred. These art forms are rich in their execution and motives that transcend the message of social welfare, virtues and values for posterity.
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