Green in Hindu Traditions, The significance of green in the Indian flag is downplayed since certain members of the Sanatani Hindutva community identify this colour with Islam in the context of the Pakistan flag, where green is prominent. In contrast to this viewpoint, there is a rich historical Hindu tradition that emphasises the significance of the colour green, particularly when it comes to the depiction of deities.
Significance of Green in Hindu Traditions
Gauri: A Goddess Draped in Green
Green in Hindu Traditions, Worshipped as the mother of Ganesha, the goddess Gauri is frequently depicted wearing green clothing, which represents the lush parts of the earth after the monsoon. Women dress in green, wear bangles, and adorn their hands and feet to commemorate festivals like Hariyali Teej, Kajari Teej, and Hartalika Teej. These festivities bring us back to a bygone era when the joy of foliage and the return of greenery following the rain were the only things on everyone’s minds.
Green Depictions in Traditional Art
Green in Hindu Traditions, Ram and Hanuman are usually shown in green tones in Tanjore, Mysore, and Odisha paintings. This southern custom has its origins in Natya Shastra, where the colour green stands for Kama, the love deity. Ram and Hanuman’s choice of green complements their status as lovely and handsome deities and reflects the broad cultural diversity of Hindu traditions.
Orange: The Color of Veera Rasa and Monastic Ideals
Green in Hindu Traditions, Orange is connected with veera rasa in Natya Shastra, which represents the flavour of heroism. Orange is usually associated with monastic clothing, despite the Hindutva idea that it represents the colour of warriors. Orange is the colour of the fighter of the intellect, who represents abstinence and moderation. This colour, coupled with green, creates a delicate balance on the Indian flag, signifying the interaction between feminine charms and masculine restraint, as well as monastic ideals and fertility practises.
Beyond Mythology: Green in Astrology and Global Flags
Green in Hindu Traditions, Beyond mythology, green has astrological significance since the planet Mercury (Budh) is connected to emeralds, which are linked to riches. In addition, the historical significance of the flags of Arab nations—which are distinguished by their primary colours of red, green, black, and white—represents the several Caliphates that formerly governed Muslim territories. The different ways that colours are interpreted in the Middle East and India highlight how culturally and contextually these interpretations differ.
Navigating Color Appropriation in Politics
Politicians’ adoption of colours adds even another level of nuance to their meanings. Even if interpretations are culturally and contextually specific, appropriation might result in discrimination based on colour. The examination of green’s significance in Hindu traditions highlights the necessity for a more complex understanding of colours than only their symbolic meaning.
