Preserving Cultural Rituals in India
IB MYP Personal Project Documentary Script
Opening & Introduction (0:00 – 1:00)
Hello, I am Rudraksh Sisodia, welcome to my MYP5 IB Personal Project documentary.
India is a country known for its rich culture, ancient traditions, spirituality, temples, festivals,
and diversity. From food and clothing to language and beliefs, Indian culture is deeply connected
to rituals that guide people’s daily lives and special occasions.
In this documentary, I explore Indian cultural rituals — some that are still actively practiced and
some that are slowly disappearing over time.
My research question is:
To what extent does Indian culture promote the perpetuation of its traditional rituals?
This project is explored through the global context of personal and cultural expression,
because rituals are one of the strongest ways people express who they are, what they believe in,
and where they come from. Through rituals, culture is shared, identity is shaped, and traditions
are passed from one generation to the next.
Through this documentary, I aim to understand how Indian culture helps preserve rituals, how
modernization and globalization affect them, and why some traditions survive while others fade
away.
Understanding India, North India, and South India (1:00 –
2:30)
India’s culture is not the same everywhere. The country is broadly divided into regions, and two
major cultural regions are North India and South India.
North India is known for its vibrant festivals, historical cities, and strong family-centered
traditions. Many rituals here are linked to festivals, seasonal changes, and family relationships.
South India is known for its deep spiritual roots, temple traditions, classical arts, and strong
respect for rituals connected to work, learning, and devotion.
Although North India and South India differ in language, food, clothing, customs, and ritual
practices, both regions are deeply connected by shared values such as family, faith, respect, and
tradition.
In this documentary, I explore 20 ritual practices — 10 from North India and 10 from South
India — including rituals that are preserved and rituals that are disappearing.
NORTH INDIA
Ritual Practices Still Followed (2:30 – 4:30)
Diwali
Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights. People light oil lamps, decorate their homes, pray,
share sweets, and spend time with family.
Its significance lies in spreading happiness, hope, and positivity. Diwali symbolizes the victory
of light over darkness and teaches the importance of togetherness and goodness.
Holi
Holi is the Festival of Colors, where people play with colored powders, sing, dance, and
celebrate the arrival of spring.
Its significance is unity and equality, as people celebrate together without differences. It
promotes joy, forgiveness, and social bonding.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a ritual that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The sister ties a
rakhi on her brother’s wrist, and the brother promises to protect and support her.
Its significance lies in strengthening family relationships and emotional connections.
Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth is a fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life and well-being of
their husbands.
Its significance reflects devotion, commitment, and traditional family values, although its
practice is evolving in modern times.
Mundan Ceremony
Mundan is a child’s first hair-cutting ceremony, usually done at a young age.
Its significance is purity, blessings, and a fresh beginning in a child’s life.
Ritual Practices Disappearing in North India (4:30 – 5:30)
Sati (Historical)
Sati was a ritual where widows were forced to die on their husband’s funeral pyre.
It is now completely banned, and its disappearance shows how Indian culture changes through
education, awareness, and legal reform.
Devadasi Tradition
This was a practice where young girls were dedicated to temple service.
It is now rejected because of social reform and awareness about human rights and dignity.
Hook-Swinging Rituals
These were extreme acts of devotion involving physical harm.
They are disappearing due to safety concerns and changing views on religious expression.
Animal Sacrifices
Once practiced in some communities, animal sacrifices are now often replaced by symbolic
offerings.
This shows adaptation in religious practices.
Child Marriage Ceremonies
Child marriage rituals have reduced greatly due to education, laws, and social awareness.
SOUTH INDIA
Ritual Practices Still Followed (5:30 – 7:00)
Pongal
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by cooking a special dish and thanking nature and the Sun
God.
Its significance lies in gratitude, respect for farmers, and harmony with nature.
Onam
Onam is a major festival in Kerala celebrated with floral designs, feasts, and boat races.
It promotes unity, equality, and cultural pride.
Navaratri – Golu Display
During Navaratri, families arrange dolls on steps to tell stories from mythology and culture.
Its significance is learning, creativity, and passing cultural knowledge within families.
Temple Chariot Festivals
Large temple chariots are pulled by devotees through the streets.
These rituals show unity, devotion, and collective participation.
Ayudha Puja
Ayudha Puja is a ritual where tools, books, and vehicles are worshipped.
It highlights respect for work, education, and knowledge, connecting tradition with modern life.
Ritual Practices Disappearing in South India (7:00 – 8:00)
Devadasi Practice
Once present in temples, it has declined due to social reform.
Theemithi (Fire Walking)
Fire walking is still practiced in some places but is decreasing due to safety awareness.
Animal Sacrifices
Many communities now prefer symbolic rituals instead.
Extreme Body Piercing during Thaipusam
While the festival remains, extreme physical acts are becoming rare.
Bathukamma
A flower festival from Telangana that is culturally important but less practiced today due to
urban lifestyles.
Rituals in the Age of Modernization and Globalization (8:00
– 8:40)
In today’s world, modernization and globalization have a strong influence on cultural practices.
Education, technology, urban life, and global exposure have changed how people view traditions.
Some rituals adapt to modern life and continue in new forms, while others disappear because
they no longer align with present-day values. This shows that Indian culture is not fixed, but
flexible — preserving meaningful rituals while allowing change.
Interviews with Indian People in Togo (8:40 – 9:30)
In this section, I interviewed Indian people living in Togo. Through communication and
interaction, I gained deeper knowledge and understanding of Indian culture and traditions. These
interviews helped strengthen my documentary and gave real-life perspectives beyond books and
online sources.
Conclusion (9:30 – 10:15)
Indian culture promotes the perpetuation of its traditional rituals to a large extent. As shown in
this documentary, rituals survive mainly because of strong family bonds, religious beliefs,
festivals, and community involvement.
At the same time, modernization and globalization influence which rituals continue and which
fade away. Indian culture adapts by preserving traditions that support identity, unity, and well-
being, while letting go of practices that no longer fit modern values.
In conclusion, rituals are not just old traditions — they are living expressions of culture and
identity. Preserving them helps keep cultural pride alive while moving forward in a changing
world.