India has a diverse culture that has been growing for thousands of years and varies from region to region. Indian culture is full of unique customs and traditions to be explored.The cultural differ widely across India’s 28 states and 7 territories, and many of them are stem from ancient sculpture and texts, which paved the way of life in India for centuries. Here is a brief overview of culture and tradition in India:

Religion:

India is considered the birthplace of some of the world’s major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Today, other religions, such as Islam and Christianity, have taken their stand for true worship, though Hinduism is still largely popular.India is the home to a number of religions.All religions are treated equally in this country and the religions are also given equal oppurtunities in the constitution of India.

Clothing:

Colorful silk sari are the most recognizable image of women to be worn in India while men traditionally wear dhoti. The Saris vary from five to five feet [5 m] in length and two to four feet in width, and are wrapped around the waist and worn over the shoulder usually revealing a midriff. It is possible that the saris came from Indian temple dancers in ancient times because the saris allowed them to maintain modesty while giving limbs and legs the freedom to move.Dhoti is a piece of non-woven fabric that measures 4 to 5 meters long and is tied at the waist and legs. Gandhi often wore a dhoti, and it was considered a garment that gave dignity and respect.

Foods:

For some guests, the bitter spices and herbs used in Indian cuisine can be difficult to get used to. Indian spices are famous for their medicinal properties, food preservation and flavor. Spices, such as cumin, turmeric and cardamom, have been used for thousands of years to make distinctions but nutritious dishes taste better. Although varied from region to region, wheat, Basmati rice and pulses are the mainstays of Indian cuisine. Several religious groups do not eat vegetables or have certain restrictions as to which meat they may eat, but sheep and chicken are most common among those who eat meat.

Languages:

As the second most populous country in the world (after China), India has a wide range of languages. The Constitution recognizes 15 regional languages but Hindi and English are recognized as official languages. There are over 1,000 vernacular languages spoken in India.

Architecture:

The Taj Mahal is a well-known example of Indian architecture. Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, as evidence of his love for her.

Arts:

Often referred to as “Bollywood,” the Indian film industry is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Bollywood films are known for their detailed singing and dancing. The “Golden Age” of Hindi cinema lasted from the late 1940s to the 1960s.

Indian culture is different and although modernity occurs over the years, the Indian people remain entrenched in their rich heritage.

Festivals:

There are hundreds of festivals you can find in India, which means every day there is a new celebration. The vast variety of festivals represents the rich culture and traditions of India, with its all-state, religious, and community-based festivals.

Hindus celebrate Diwali, Holi and Makar Sakranti, Muslims celebrate Eid, Baisakhi (harvest crops) Sikh festivals, Jains remember Mahavir Jayanti and Buddhists mark Buddhist birthdays. Christmas and Good Friday are also celebrated by Christians. Then there are festivals honoring saints, celebrities, and gurus.

Indian festivals featured images of elaborate streets, elaborate bowls, dances and music, sacred rituals, and vivid colors. There is also welfare, yoga and walking ceremonies. Unlike many festivals around the world that may be boozy stories, many ‘dry days’ in which the sale of liquor is banned fall on major Indian national festivals and events.