India is renowned for its rich culture and traditions, and one of the most cherished customs is the warm and elaborate way of welcoming guests. In Indian culture, the act of greeting a guest is seen as a reflection of one’s worldview and cultural sensitivity, with each region having its own unique practices. A common tradition across India involves garlanding guests and applying a red dot, or tilak, to their foreheads as a mark of respect and honor.
Priya Singh, a tourism officer in Kapilvastu, Uttar Pradesh, a city known as an International Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre, explained the significance of using flower garlands in Indian customs. “We often use garlands as offerings during puja (prayer sessions) or to decorate religious festivals like Durga Puja or Buddhist occasions,” Singh noted. She added that garlands are also used to welcome guests as a way of leaving a lasting impression. “We believe that when someone from outside comes here, we should welcome them in a way that leaves a good impression.”
The garlands are typically made from locally grown flowers, with orange marigolds being the most preferred. “When guests arrive, we offer them roses, lilies, or marigolds because they look beautiful. Marigolds, in particular, are associated with every God, not just one specific deity,” Singh added.
In addition to flowers, garlands in India are sometimes made from holy seeds. The most commonly used are Rudraksha beads and tulsi, also known as holy basil, which is revered in Hinduism for symbolizing purity and good fortune. “Tulsi is very important to us because it emits oxygen. People worship it, especially during winter and Hanuman Jayanti,” Singh explained. She also mentioned that during the month of Kartik (October-November), people bathe with tulsi seeds and offer tulsi garlands to Lord Hanuman as part of their religious practices.
Another key aspect of welcoming in Indian tradition is applying the tilak, a red dot placed between the eyebrows. This gesture is more than just a cultural formality; it carries deep symbolic meaning. According to Swami Purnachaitanya, an expert in Yoga, Meditation, and Vedic Wisdom, the tilak is a way to bless and honor guests, symbolizing good wishes for their well-being. “In different sects, they apply it differently, but the scientific idea behind it is that it marks the ‘devasthanam’, the place where the Gods reside in the body,” Swami Purnachaitanya explained.
The tilak is usually made from natural substances like vermilion paste (kumkum), which is a mix of turmeric, alum, iodine, and camphor, or sandalwood paste (chandan), which is known for its cooling effect. “When the chandan dries, it draws attention to the Ajna Chakra, stimulating the pituitary and pineal glands, which makes us more alert and has a positive effect on the body,” he added.
In Hindu rites and ceremonies, the tilak is often topped with a few grains of rice and applied using the index finger or thumb. This same custom is observed when welcoming or bidding farewell to guests, conveying wishes of peace, love, and positivity.
Whether through floral garlands or a tilak, India’s traditional way of welcoming guests is a powerful expression of the country’s values, symbolizing respect, purity, and goodwill.
Source: VON