Vedic society and religion, which developed in ancient India around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, had several distinctive features:

1. Ritualism and Sacrifice: Central to Vedic religion were elaborate rituals and sacrificial ceremonies (yajnas), performed by priests (Brahmins) to appease gods such as Indra, Agni, and Varuna.

2. Caste System: The Vedic society was organized into four varnas (castes): Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (farmers, traders, and merchants), and Shudras (laborers and servants). This hierarchical system defined social roles and duties based on birth.

3. Hymns and Scriptures: The Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda) were the sacred texts composed in Sanskrit, containing hymns, prayers, and rituals that formed the basis of religious practices.

4. Concept of Dharma: Dharma, the moral and ethical duty, governed individual conduct and societal norms. It encompassed duties specific to each caste and stage of life (ashramas).

5. Polytheism: Vedic religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses representing natural forces, celestial bodies, and abstract concepts.

6. Importance of Fire (Agni): Fire (Agni) was a sacred element in Vedic rituals, symbolizing purification and communication between humans and gods.

7. Philosophical Speculation: Early philosophical ideas in the Vedas laid the groundwork for later philosophical systems like Vedanta, Samkhya, and Yoga.

Regarding their prevalence in modern Indian society:

*Continuation of Rituals and Festivals*: Many Vedic rituals and festivals are still observed, albeit with modifications influenced by regional practices and modern interpretations.

*Influence on Hinduism*: Vedic concepts such as karma, dharma, and the varna system continue to influence Hindu religious thought and societal structure.

*Caste System*: While the rigid varna system has evolved over time, remnants of caste-based distinctions and social stratification are still observable in some aspects of Indian society.

*Religious Practices*: Elements like fire worship, Sanskrit chants, and the reverence for Vedic deities are preserved in certain Hindu rituals and ceremonies.

In summary, while Vedic society and religion have evolved significantly over millennia, their foundational elements continue to resonate in various forms within modern Indian society, particularly in religious practices, philosophical thought, and social structures.