India is home to a vast plethora of languages, religions, cuisine, and arts that each have sub-genres of their own.

With so many different facets of rich Indian culture to take in, exploring the country can be overwhelming at first for those who are unfamiliar with it.

But the subcontinent holds tremendous history and beauty for those who take the time to immerse themselves in it.

To give you an idea of India’s cultural diversity, here is a detailed breakdown by region, with a total of 50 fascinating facts about India.

• Culture of North India
• Culture of South India
• Culture of West India
• Culture of East India
• Culture of Central India
• Himalayan Culture

NORTH INDIAN CULTURE

Kathak

Kathak is a form of classical Indian Dance arising out of north India.

The name kathak comes from the Sanskrit word “katha,” which means story, and this expressive dance form more than lives up to its name.

Kathak is known for its fluid dances depicting popular stories from Hindu mythology.

The specific dance style depends on where students learned their craft. There are three prominent schools of dance in India located in Benares, Jaipur, and Lucknow.

Both facial expressions and intricate footwork are crucial aspects of this dance form. But these three schools, or gharanas, tend to put more emphasis on one over the other in their respective teaching styles.

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Hindustani Music

One of the two classical forms of Music found in the country, Hindustani music (the more well-known in the west) comes from north India.

While it and the Carnatic music of southern India were once one form, Hindustani music took on its individual form around the 12th century.

North Indian classical music is characterized by its seven-note scale, “sa re ga ma pa dha ni sa,” which is similar to the “do re mi” scale found in Western music.

Singing is the primary form of performance for Hindustani music, with several different singing techniques highlighting the beauty of the Sanskrit lyrics and different moods.

Popular accompanying instruments include the sitar, veena, tabla, and many more, with Persian influence adding new instruments to the mix.

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Holi

Perhaps one of the best-known holidays in India, Holi is the Hindu festival of color (also known as “the festival of love”) and celebrates the end of winter and the victory of good over evil.

This holiday is observed every spring, with the date changing depending on the Hindu calendar. The next celebration will be on March 21, 2019.

On Holika Dahan (the night before Holi), people perform religious rituals before a raging bonfire, which symbolizes cleansing and the forgiveness of past debts and other transgressions. The next morning is the wild free-for-all for which Holi is known.

True to its name, “the festival of color,” Holi is celebrated with people “playing” Holi. This involves throwing colored powder at one another, either by hand or in water guns.

The colored powder is usually made from natural sources and dried. So the colors are washable and do not contain any harmful chemicals that would tarnish the environment or your skin.

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Tandoori Chicken

Chicken is among the most popular meats eaten by many non-vegetarians in India. Tandoori chicken is a famous dish known for its fiery red color.

Tandoori chicken originated in Peshawar (part of modern-day Pakistan) and stands out for its unique approach to preparation.

This chicken dish is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical oven, with heat coming from wood or coal.

The oven helps give the chicken its distinct taste, along with other spices that are staples in Indian cooking, such as garam masala, haldi (turmeric), and more depending on the region.

The dish is popular throughout north India, especially in major areas like the city of Mumbai and the state of Punjab.

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Bhangra: Punjab

Known for its exciting moves and engaging performances, bhangra is a dance form that originated in Punjab, but has evolved into an international phenomenon.

Bhangra was started by farmers as a folk dance to celebrate the harvest season. But it eventually evolved in the 20th century, incorporating elements of western music into traditional dances to form a mixture of both worlds.

The beat of the dhol (a type of Indian drum) is incorporated into remixes with American pop music and popular Indian music. This high-energy fusion accompanies a dance filled with non-stop jumps, kicks, and positive energy.

Watching this dance form is sure to leave you feeling more energized and upbeat.

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Republic Day

Though it is observed throughout India as a national holiday, Republic Day is best enjoyed with the annual parade held in the capital city of New Delhi.

Celebrated every year on January 26, this holiday highlights India’s adoption of a new constitution in 1950, three years after succeeding in its struggle for independence from British colonialism

The parade is the centerpiece of a three-day-long celebration, showcasing the various branches of India’s armed forces along with floats or tableaus depicting each of the nation’s states.

This day also welcomes state guests of honor from different countries (including former US President Barack Obama in 2015) to take part in the festivities.

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Sheesha/Shisha Embroidery: Haryana

India is known for its wide variety of clothing styles and designs, and these include many different types of embroidery and needlework.

Shisha is one of these forms, originating in northern India (in Haryana) and western India in Gujarat and Rajasthan).

Meaning “little glass,” shisha is also known as mirror-work due to the presence of small, reflective pieces in the textiles.

These tiny additions can be seen in different types of textiles such as tapestries, purses, pillows, and, of course, women’s clothing.

These mirror-like pieces were originally made of mica. But they are now made of flat pieces of blown glass, which are sewn into fabric via various types of stitches, both by hand and machine.

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 Sikh Dastar

India is the birthplace of many religions, and one of these religions is Sikhism. Originating in Punjab in the 1500s, Sikhism incorporates many unique teachings and traditions.

One standout custom is the wearing of the dastar (or pagri), the distinctive turban worn by many Sikhs that fully covers their hair.

The dastar represents many important values in the Sikh religion, such as courage and spirituality, and the dastar itself is an easy way to identify a Sikh person.

While many Sikhs choose not to wear turbans today for many reasons, this item of clothing is a long-lasting symbol of the Sikh faith.

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THE CULTURE OF SOUTH INDIA

Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a form of classical dance that originated thousands of years ago in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The name of the dance combines four facets: “bha” for bhava, or emotions; “ra” for raga, or melody; “ta” for tala, or rhythm; and “natyam” for dance.

The Natya Shastra is an ancient book detailing the theory behind many different forms of Indian dance, as well as techniques and gestures found specifically in bharatanatyam.

Bharatanatyam is a devotional dance, with different dances depicting different Hindu myths and gods.

The style is also notable for its unique sequences of hand gestures, intricate footwork, and the presence of strong facial expressions (or abhinaya).

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Carnatic Music

One of two forms of Indian classical music, Carnatic music is found throughout south India as well as Sri Lanka.

While there are some similarities to the Hindustani music of the north, Carnatic music differs through its instruments and lack of stylistic influences from the Middle East.

Much of the focus in Carnatic music is on the vocals, but instruments like the violin and mridangam (a two-headed drum) also accompany the singing.

To perform, musicians often sit together in a line with the vocalist being the main performer, and these instruments and more providing a accompanying rhythm (tala) and melody (raga).

Improvisation is another key aspect of Carnatic music, but it is kept to a minimum while accompanying dance performances.

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Onam Festival: Kerala

Native to the south Indian state of Kerala, the Onam Festival is a Hindu celebration which lasts anywhere from 4 to 10 days.

The Onam Festival is a harvest festival based on legends of the demon king Mahabali, who is said to visit Kerala every year during the time of the festival.

Taking place between August and September (or the month of Chingam on the Malayalam calendar), there are numerous activities designed to celebrate the arrival of King Mahabali.

Some of these activities include dance performances, large meals, intricate flower arrangements (called Pookalam), and the Snake Boat Race called Vallamkali, in which decorated boats are rowed across the river.

Dosas

Sometimes likened to pancakes or crepes, Indian dosas are in a league of their own.

Dosas are a savory, pancake-shaped food made from fermented grain, specifically rice and black gram.

The exact origin of dosas is unclear, but it is generally accepted to be a south Indian creation that has spread to other regions over time.

This notable bread comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a thin, paper-like texture to a giant, foot-long masterpiece.

Dosas can be eaten in many ways as well, such as filled with vegetables like cauliflower and spinach or topped with a spicy sauce called chutney.

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Bahubali Statues in Karnataka

Many religions coexist in India, including Jainism. Jainism originated in India, and is known for many practices and beliefs, including non-violence, meditation, and peaceful living.

Statues of a Jain saint, Bahubali, can be seen throughout the southern India state of Karnataka.

Bahubali is known for having meditated in a standing position for one year before attaining enlightenment. In these statues he is often seen standing upright, with arms at his sides.

These statues range in height from a 57-foot statue in the town of Shravanabelagola to a 20-foot statue in the town of Gommatagiri.

Other, shorter statues can be found throughout India.

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Lungi

The lungi is a long, sarong-like garment worn by men throughout south India.

This garment is tightly fitted and usually reaches mid-calf or longer. Like the Scottish kilt, it comes in a variety of colors depending on the state and occasion.

Some lungi are colorful while others are plain white, and they can be tied either on the right or left sides.

This garment is also worn to perform certain dance forms and on special occasions like weddings, but some people do wear it as daily attire.

With India being a tropical climate, the garment is well-suited to its environment and has withstood the test of time.

Turmeric in Tamil Nadu

Though only recently gaining popularity in the western world for its health benefits, turmeric has long been a staple in Indian cuisine.

This spice comes from a flowering plant and is used in numerous ways. Cooking is the most well-known application, with food taking on a vivid yellow color when turmeric is used.

Other uses for turmeric include dye for fabric (giving clothes a yellow-orange color) and traditional medicine (where it is used for ailments such as the common cold).

Currently, the state of Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of the spice in India, and India as a nation produces the largest quantity of turmeric in the world.

South Indian Film Industry

While Bollywood (which originated in West India) is more well-known around the world, South Indian films have also gained momentum and popularity over time as well.

These movies are made in languages like Tamil and Telugu as opposed to Hindi, and many of them tackle more serious themes than a typical, light-hearted Bollywood film.

Early South Indian films in the 1920s focused mostly on religious themes. But over time these films focused more on social issues and other modern themes and storylines.

Depending on where the movie was made, these films are often subtitled and dubbed into various South Indian and other international languages to reach more viewers globally.

Baahubali: The Beginning, released in 2015, was one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful South Indian films in recent years.

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WEST INDIAN CULTURE

Bollywood in Mumbai

One of the most famous and popular aspects of Indian culture, the thriving Bollywood film industry is based in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay).

Though similar in some ways to classic Broadway musicals, the colorful films from this area have a unique flavor that’s all their own.

With the name “Bollywood” originally achieving notoriety in the 1970s, this industry has grossed billions of dollars over the years.

While known for dramatic acting and well-executed group dance numbers, these films are a fusion of traditional Indian theatre and music and the stylistically polished film traditions of Hollywood.

Whether you prefer the more realistic films of the 1950s, the melodrama of the 1970s, or the fantastic combination of styles today, Bollywood is an umbrella term that encompasses films for everyone.

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Tie-dye in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, but the city is known for so much more.

One nickname for Jaipur is “the Pink City,” due to the vast number of pink buildings. This dominant color also appears in many of textile fabrics made there.

Tie-dyed cloth is a staple all over India. But Jaipur is particularly known for its tied-and-dyed crafts, which contribute to the lucrative textile industry of Rajasthan.

The process of making one popular type of tie-dyed cloth, bandhani, is called bandhana. It’s not your typical at-home tie-dye experience.

Several yards of fabric are dyed with naturally-sourced color at once. This style requires the etching of intricate patterns into the fabric, which results in one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing.

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Bikaner Camel Festival in Bikaner, Rajasthan

The Bikaner Camel Festival, held annually in Rajasthan, celebrates the pack animals knowns as the “Ships of the Desert” every January.

Camels were once the primary means of transportation through the deserts of Rajasthan, and the people of Bikaner heavily depended on them.

These days, the camels are dressed in colorful capes and open the festival by walking around the 16th century Junagarh Fort.

As you’d expect, camels are right at the forefront of this cultural festival. Popular activities include camel races, camel milking, and even a camel beauty pageant.

Additionally, attendees can view fireworks and music/dance performances. The festival also offers a marketplace with stalls selling food, jewelry, and other handmade art.

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Garba in Gujarat

Originating in Gujarat, garba is a dance form that is often seen when celebrating the Hindu holiday of Navratri.

The dance is performed by large groups of people who move in a circle, which is said to represent the cycle of life.

Dandiya, another local form of dance, has integrated with garba as well to create a lively dance experience. This style is performed with two wooden sticks amongst partners and large groups, who hit the sticks in a rhythmic pattern.

Garba is also notable for the unique clothing people wear to celebrate. Women and girls wear ghagra/chaniya cholis, a type of long, beaded skirt that comes in a plethora of bright colors.

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Architecture & Kaavi Art in Goa

Goa, which is located in southwestern India, is known for being a destination filled with beautiful beaches for Indians and visitors alike.

Due to the region’s longtime colonial rule by Portugal, the area’s art and architecture is heavily influenced by Portuguese style.

Kaavi art is known for its red murals, which decorates the walls of temples and occasionally churches.This art is created from laterite, a reddish-colored stone, which is mixed together with white limestone.

The mixture is hand-spread on walls, and the engraving of geometric designs is the final touch on this unique (but rarely found) art form.

This art can be seen primarily in Goa as well as Karnataka.

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Sangeet Natak in Maharashtra

Literally meaning “musical drama,” Sangeet Natak is a type of dramatic performance that arose from Maharashtra in western India.

This theatrical style originated in the 19th century, and includes elements of both Hindustani and Carnatic music. Music plays a key part of this performance art, and the form that accompanies these plays is called Natya Sangeet.

The music is one aspect of a beloved genre that also includes poetry, drama, and dance.

The shows are based on ancient Hindu texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as other, shorter stories of Hindu mythology.

But social themes also became topics for the plays as time went on.

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Nauvari/Kaashtha Saris in Maharashtra

Of the many traditional forms of Indian clothing, the sari is probably the most well-known in the west.

The Kaashtha sari, which originated in Maharashtra, is known for being tucked in at the back rather than hanging down.

This style of sari is also referred to as Nauvari (which means nine yards) due to the fact that it is usually made from a single 9-yard piece of cloth.

The Kaashtha style is popular because it doesn’t require any other clothing to support it, and can be worn by women from all walks of life.

It appears everywhere from important religious and cultural events to farm workers. Women in the past even fought wars while wearing this style of sari.

Zari Thread in Rajasthan

While there is much discussion about embroidery in India, the materials used are not often the focal point.

But in Rajasthan they make a special type of thread called Zari. It’s made made of gold or silver, and its luxurious appearance can be seen woven in distinct patterns on fine clothing (including brocade on saris).

The tradition dates back to India’s Mughal era, which began in 1526 and incorporated a mixture of Indian  and Persian cultural influences.

The style was historically associated with nobility and literary figures, primarily due to the cost. But these days the Zari is made of cotton or or polyester thread wrapped in golden or silver metallic thread.

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EAST INDIAN CULTURE

Tea Gardens in Assam

A holdover from the era of British colonization, tea is a staple beverage in many parts of India. Assam, which is located in East India, is where most of the country’s tea is grown.

Black or darjeeling tea was first cultivated in Assam back in 1839. Today it has emerged as the largest tea-producing region in India.

Assam’s tea gardens (a.k.a. tea plantations) are celebrated at the Assam Tea Festival every November. There, visitors can view the various tea gardens and taste-test different types of tea in the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.

Most of the tea gardens are situated along the beautiful Brahmaputra River, which is one of India’s most well-known rivers.

Even if you’re not a tea connoisseur, it’s a great place to take in the gorgeous natural beauty of Assam.

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Odissi in Odisha

Originating in the eastern state of Odisha, Odissi is another form of classical Indian dance.

Like the other classical dance forms we’ve covered here (including Bharatanatyam and Kathak), the roots of Odissi are found in the ancient Natya Shastra, the original source of many classical Indian art forms.

Originally developed in the temples of Odisha, Odissi depicts stories of Hindu mythology through strong facial expressions and various body positions and hand gestures.

This dance form is accompanied by Odissian music, which is a blend of northern Hindustani music and southern Carnatic music.

Much like Kathak, there are three primary schools of instruction for Odissi that focus on different aspects of the dance form.

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Calcutta Architecture in West Bengal

The architecture of the state of West Bengal (as well as Bangladesh) is distinctive because it combines Islamic and British colonial influence on traditionally Hindu and Jain structures.

In the capital of Calcutta, several prominent buildings are made of marble, while others are made of clay and are a distinct reddish color.

This combination creates a beautiful contrast in color against the different styles of structures in the city.

Most of the temples you’ll find in this area were built after the revival of temple architecture that started in the 17th century.

Many are covered on the outside by strikingly impressive terra cotta reliefs, often depicting secular imagery that offer insights into the social structure of the era.

Baul Music in West Bengal

Known for its rich language, Bengali, West Bengal has many unique music and dance traditions.

The Baul musicians reside in Bangladesh and West Bengal, and their style of music (known as Baul Sangeet) represents their mystic beliefs.

These ancient songs are primarily an oral tradition, and were not commonly written down until the 20th century. Traditional instruments include several types of drums, as well as flutes and percussive anklets covered in bells.

The lyrics are perhaps the most meaningful aspect of this music, as they convey the mesmerizing mysticism of the Baul musicians and their free-spirited ways.

Interestingly, these musicians come from different backgrounds and religions, with some being Hindus and others being Sufi Muslims.

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Momos and Noodles in Sikkim

Due to its proximity to southeast Asian countries, food in Sikkim is different from what you’ll find in the rest of India.

In fact, the region takes much of its culinary inspiration from neighboring Nepal.

Noodle dishes are prominent in this northeastern state, with dishes such as chow mein (which originated in China) and a noodle soup from Tibet called thukpa.

Another popular dish in Sikkim is momos. These delicious steamed dumplings are filled with vegetables, buffalo meat or pork and served with soup, and are a common s