Celebrating Life Around the World

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 11 August, 2024

Yesterday, I attended a house party at a friend’s place. As we were about to leave, my daughter Sara remarked on how much she loved Indian and Asian culture, saying, “It doesn’t really matter what shoes we wear since we take them off outside anyway. It feels so much like home even at a party!” Her comment made me realize how second nature it is for us to remove our shoes when entering a home. This practice not only keeps the house clean but also transforms it into a welcoming space, making us feel at home even at someone else’s place. While this concept is foreign to most people in the west, during my visit to Svalbard, the northernmost city in the world, I was pleasantly surprised to see this tradition followed in hotels and restaurants. Comfortable fleece-lined slippers were provided for visitors to leave their shoes outside, a practice originating from the coal mining industry that cultivated a warm, homely feeling throughout the city. 

As we reached my friend’s house and left our shoes at the door, I joked to myself, “Well, at least they won’t rub their noses against ours when they greet us!” This thought took me back to my first visit to New Zealand, where I experienced the Hongi, a traditional Māori greeting. The Hongi involves pressing one's nose and forehead to another’s, symbolizing the sharing of breath and life force. It’s a powerful expression of unity and respect, welcoming you into the community and acknowledging you as an equal. This connection underscores the importance of human interaction and our universal need for acceptance. On Veena World’s New Zealand tour, our guests, often find this cultural interaction in Rotorua to be a standout experience, alongside the stunning scenic beauty of the South Island. 

Traveling is more than just visiting new places; it's about immersing ourselves in the diverse mosaic of human culture. One of the most fascinating aspects of travel is discovering the unique customs and rituals that define each destination. These traditions offer a glimpse into the heart of a culture, showcasing its values, beliefs, and history. So, this week, let’s explore some of the most captivating customs and rituals that make travel such an enriching experience. 

One of the joys of traveling is meeting people and learning about them, and for me, sharing a cup of warm tea or coffee is the best way to do this. Whether with local friends or alone in a coffee shop, observing how locals drink their tea or coffee can be enlightening and offer a glimpse into the local culture and tradition. We are all familiar with the Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, which exemplifies cultural richness. This ritual involves the careful preparation and serving of matcha in a serene, meditative environment, emphasizing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Each movement and gesture reflects mindfulness and appreciation of the present moment, fostering a sense of peace and connection. Matcha tea is an acquired taste but Ive found that mint tea is palatable to most people. During my travels in Morocco, I enjoyed mint tea everywhere, often stopping at small establishments similar to our dhabas, savoring the flavor of freshly brewed mint tea. 

Discussing tea and coffee traditions worldwide could fill an entire article, but Ethiopian coffee ceremonies deserve special mention. In Ethiopia, coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a vital part of social life. Families and communities gather to strengthen bonds over freshly brewed coffee, sharing news, discussing local events, and passing down wisdom. The ceremony involves several significant steps: washing the coffee beans symbolizes purification; roasting the beans represents transformation and awakening the senses; grinding the beans signifies the labor and care involved; brewing the coffee in a special pot called a jebena underscores patience and tradition; and serving the coffee in three rounds (abol, tona, and baraka) reflects hospitality and community. Even with modernization, this ceremony remains a cherished tradition in both homes and coffee shops. 

In Africa, I also glimpsed the vibrant culture of the Masai people of Kenya and Tanzania. One of their most striking rituals is the Adumu, or jumping dance. Young warriors, known as morans, perform impressive vertical jumps while chanting rhythmic songs. This dance is a display of physical prowess, a rite of passage, and a way to attract potential partners—the highest jumper often wins his partner’s favor! 

This unique matchmaking ceremony reminded me of a fun experience at a friend’s wedding in Greece. After the ceremony, we were given plates to smash as everyone danced around. In Greece, breaking plates symbolizes celebration, joy, and the release of pent-up emotions. Often performed at weddings and parties, plate smashing is accompanied by lively music and dancing, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. It’s a joyful reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. 

One of the country that has many traditions to celebrate the joy of being is Spain and the small town of Buñol, hosts the annual La Tomatina festival, where participants engage in a massive tomato fight, throwing ripe tomatoes at each other in the streets. This quirky tradition began in the mid-20th century and has become a popular event, attracting thousands of visitors. La Tomatina is a joyous celebration of fun and spontaneity, proving that sometimes the simplest activities bring the greatest happiness. 

Traditions often begin as small rituals, but the joy they bring turns them into timeless practices that are passed down through generations to enjoy and cherish. In India, we have a vast diversity of rituals and traditions. While some may be completely different from one another, they often find a common thread that binds us all together.  

Exploring the world reveals that the rituals and traditions of each culture tell a story, offering insights into their values, beliefs, and history. Traveling to different parts of the world and experiencing these unique customs and rituals opens our minds and hearts to the incredible diversity of the human race. So, pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and let me know—which unique tradition or ritual would you love to experience on your next adventure?