Hinduism is the largest religion in India, and a large portion of the Indian population resides in Indian villages. Therefore, it would be interesting to learn about Hinduism in villages in India.
It is essential to note the social situations in Indian villages before learning about Hinduism in Indian villages.
1. Most of the Hindus living in villages are illiterate or have very little education.
2. As the primary source of income is agriculture, most Hindu customs are related to agriculture.
3. They are orthodox Hindus and strongly believe in a medieval form of the caste system, but untouchability does not exist in any village right now.
4. Most do not know what is exactly written in the Hindu scriptures as they are illiterate.
5. The financial condition of most of the families is weak.
6. Many villages still lack basic facilities like tar roads, electricity, toilets, hospitals, etc.
7. They are very superstitious due to a lack of education. Black magic practices and preventive measures from black magic are prevalent. Belief in ghosts and supernatural powers is common.
Lots of people in villages in India are illiterate. Therefore, they stick to what their ancestors have followed for thousands of years. They do not bother about what is written in the Hindu scriptures. They are very much concerned about the traditions they are following and would not give them up readily. Therefore, Hindus in villages are somewhat of the orthodox type.
Marriages are arranged marriages only. Love marriages or intercaste marriages are not allowed at all.
Most of the Hindus in villages worship many Gods. Every village has a specific village deity. This deity is typically the reincarnation of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha are the most popular deities in villages. You will find the main temple of the village deity, plus other small temples scattered in the village, of local deities. As agriculture is the only source of income in most of the Indian villages, you will find small temples in the farms also. Hindus pray to these deities for good farming seasons and to protect their farms and grains from the forces of nature and robbers.
They offer coconuts and flower garlands to their deities, mainly on full-moon and no-moon days. Most Hindu festivals are associated with agriculture, as agriculture was the primary source of income for ancient Hindus. Therefore, festivals related to agriculture are celebrated with great enthusiasm in villages.
One chief priest in every village has been given the right to perform the rituals. In general, one family in the village has the right traditionally to perform the puja of the village deity. These rights are carried over from generation to generation.
The society in the villages of India is male-dominated. Therefore, every family wants at least one son who will carry their family traditions to the next generation.
The caste system still exists extensively in villages. A Brahmin family is considered superior to others in the village. Dalit homes are generally located at a distance from the main village. Drinking water resources are also divided between Dalits and the so-called upper-caste Hindus in some villages.
Since independence, the conditions have rapidly improved. The gap between castes is narrowing. Developments are being carried out in the villages. Due to the prevalence of television and electricity, people’s mindsets are changing and becoming more and more modern. People are trying to leave villages and settle in the cities. The literacy rate has also increased dramatically over the past few years. This is a very optimistic scenario. Due to the rapid urbanization of villages, the form of Hinduism practiced is also changing.