The incredibly rich cultural heritage of India is known all over the world. Its diverse cultural history dates back 5000 years ago and is deeply rooted in its traditions, practices and religion. Being a secular state (from a governmental perspective), several major religions currently thrive in India including Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism. The diversity of Indian culture breeds from the variety of religions, languages, and geographical distinctions of the country, but Indian values remain the same throughout most of the country, weaving the people into the same spirit of unity.

As the people adopt culture from their own religion and geographical demarcations, the differences in art, music, architecture and dressing is striking. Social customs and traditions of the north are markedly different from that of southern India, which are also different than western and eastern India.

Music in India is considered to be the soul of the body. Indian classical music is known to have been divided on the basis of region. While people in northern India are dedicated to Hinduism music, south Indians love Carnatic music. Different forms of music are also famous in villages that have the liveliness and tint of the folk tradition. In additional to these traditional forms of music, there are also the very popular songs from Bollywood, that win the hearts of millions.

Since there are innumerable Indian languages like Bengali, Punjabi, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi et al, there is a smorgasbord of music and movies in different languages that depict different aspects of Indian culture.

The assortment of cuisines of different states also represent the diversity that beautifies the culture of India. If you are in northern India, you may have a belly full of delicious food like tanduri chicken, kadi chawal, rajma chawal, daal baati churma, dhokla and chole bhature. On the other hand, southern India would treat you with lip-smacking gourmet food such as rasam, sambar dosa, rava uttpam, meen, appam, sambar-lemon rice among other dishes. Places like the Thali Regional Cuisine offer a variety of foods from the same cuisine.

From art and languages to religion, the diversity of Indian culture is sure to leave you awestruck. The distinct customs can further be seen in Indian marriages as well. Marriages in India are seen as unison of not only two individuals but also unity of two families. A boisterous celebration with great dance and music is almost a rule at the weddings, no matter to which religion or state people may belong to. Every community, caste, and religion has their own traditions and marriage ceremonies, making Indian weddings a very interesting topic.

While Punjabis are known to have the “Roka” ceremony, the community of Sindhis perform the ceremony of “Berana”. Muslims have a different kind of marriage ceremony, popularly known as “Nikaah”. At this auspicious occasion, groom’s family presents a nuptial gift or Mehar to the new bride. The community of Parsis usually plant one mango tree at the time of wedding, called the “Madhavsaro” ceremony.

While there is a lot to talk about the diversity of Indian culture, the unity that is witnessed in the nation is astounding as well. Festivals throughout the year such as Holi, Makar Sakranti, Diwali, Guru Purv, Janamashtami, Christmas and many others are celebrated in high spirits throughout the length and breadth of the country.

The thread of Indian values is another remarkable, crucial bonding that brings together all Indians, irrespective of their caste, religion, language and geographical location. Among these values are beginning the day with prayers (to each person’s respective deities) and treating guests with the utmost respect.

Elders in the family also earn great respect. Blessings of elders are sought by the young ones by touching their feet. Traditionally, the men of the family have had the most power in the family while the women would take care of the house, children, and other domestic obligations. This attitude is now changing though, as the emancipation of Indian women has given them a lot of freedom to work outside of the home in places like the corporate world.

The joint family system is quite common as two to three generations of people of the same family live under the same roof. All people in the family generally have deep love and respect for one another. This is because Indian culture is very family-oriented and ones relatives always come first.

The helpful nature of Indians is another Indian value that is taught to children from their tender years. At times of distress, they are always ready to help one another even when they do not know each other. It is deep routed values such as these that unite all Indians and make them proud of their tradition and culture and it is what keeps the country united despite all of the people’s differences.