Sacred echoes: A glimpse into India’s unique ancient practices

Fascinating and fierce traditions across India

India is a land of ancient traditions deeply rooted in spirituality, nature worship and community values. Across its vast landscape, various regions have preserved unique practices which highlight the richness of Indian traditions.

India’s soul lives in its stories, songs and sacred traditions passed down through generations. Each region offers a unique window into a spiritual past still pulsing in the present.

These captivating cultural practices, alive with devotion and courage reflect a deep connection to the divine, to nature and to one another.

They are not just rituals, they are ways of life that provide a glimpse of how ancient beliefs continue to shape and guide Indian communities today.

Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is an age-old festival where snakes, especially the King Cobras, are worshipped. Celebrated in many parts of India, people offer milk and prayers to snake holes or temples. Snakes are seen as sacred and are often linked to Shiva, a Hindu god.

This tradition reflects the belief that every living creature holds spiritual significance and deserves respect.

Ayyappa Pilgrimage and 41-Day Vratham

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala in Kerala is one of the most spiritual journeys in India. Devotees of Lord Ayyappa prepare themselves through a 41-day vratham, which includes strict rules, such as eating simple food, avoiding luxury, praying daily, abstinence and living a pure life.

This intense spiritual discipline is believed to help them focus on devotion, self-control and inner peace.

Garudan Thookkam

Garudan Thookkam is a dramatic and intense ritual dance dedicated to Goddess Kali, performed in parts of the south-western state of Kerala. Men dress as garuda, the divine bird and perform fierce dances.

Some even allow their skin to be pierced and hang from hooks as a form of offering. This powerful ritual shows the depth of faith and the idea of surrendering oneself completely to the divine.

Agni Keli

Agni Keli is a fiery ritual performed during a temple festival in Karnataka. Devotees throw burning torches at each other in a carefully organised event.

Though it may seem dangerous, people believe it brings blessings and drives away evil. This practice highlights belief of the community in the purifying power of fire.

Kavadi Attam

Kavadi Attam is a devotional dance performed by followers of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu. Devotees carry beautifully decorated structures called kavadi on their shoulders.

Some pierce their bodies with spears or hooks as a sign of penance. This spiritual journey represents devotion, sacrifice and the strength of belief.

Bani Festival

At the Devaragattu temple in Andhra Pradesh, the Bani Festival takes place on Dussehra night. Men from surrounding villages gather to fight mock battles with sticks.

This symbolic battle honours an ancient fight between gods and demons.

Chhau Mask Dance

The Chhau dance is a beautiful art form that combines storytelling, martial arts and religious themes originating from the Purulia district of West Bengal. Dancers wear elaborate masks and act out stories from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

This traditional dance brings communities together and keeps ancient stories alive through performance.

Worship of Sacred Groves

In regions like Kodagu in Karnataka and parts of Northeast India, people protect sacred groves, small forests believed to be home to gods or ancestral spirits.

These groves are never cut down and rituals are held to honour the divine presence within them.