Unique Culture Of India : Customs and Indian Traditions

Indian culture and traditions are something which has now become renowned all across the world. Most of these originate from the Ancient Indian scriptures and texts, which have dictated the way of life in India for thousands of years.

Here are 11 fascinating Indian traditions and customs

Greetings
Religious Customs
Festivals of India
Family Structure & Marriage
Symbols
Cuisine & Food
Traditional Clothing
Dances of India
Epics & Mythology
Martial Arts
Languages

1. The Namaste

The Namaste is one of the most popular Indian customs and isn’t just restricted to the Indian territory anymore. The word Namaha can also be translated as ‘na ma’ (not mine), to signify the reductions of one’s ego in the presence of the other.

2.Indian Ethnic Wear

Saris - An important part of Indian Culture and attire, India Customs and Traditions

Indian women are often seen sporting ‘saris’. It initially started as a Hindu tradition but has very elegantly spread across all religions. The same applies to the more functional ‘Kurta-Pyjama’, and the formal wear of ‘Sherwani’ for Indian men of all faiths.

3. Indian Dances

India is a land of ‘unity in diversity’, and our dances are no different. Eight classical dances, which are classified as Indian classical dances and find a mention in the Hindu Sanskrit text ‘Natyashashtra’, (a text of performing arts) are:

Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu
Kathakali from Kerela
Kathak from North, West and Central India
Mohiniyattam from Kerela
Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh
Oddisi from Odhisa
Manipuri from Manipur
Sattriya from Assam

4. Indian Food

Indian Thali, India Customs and Traditions

Indian food and cuisine not only form an integral part of the culture of India but are also one of the critical factors of India’s popularity worldwide. While vegetarian food is an integral part of Gujrati South Indian and Rajasthani cuisines, non-vegetarian dishes form a central part of Mughlai, Bengali, North Indian and Punjabi cuisine.

5. Languages

India is socially, culturally, and linguistically very diverse. Hindi and English are widely spoken and recognised for official purposes. Other than than, there are 22 scheduled languages recognised by the constitution of India. However, more than 400 languages and dialects in India are still not known.

6.Joint Families

Concept of Joint Families - Significant part of Indian Culture

Also, in India, there exists the concept of a joint family, wherein the entire family (parents, wife, children and in some cases, relatives) all live together. This is mostly because of the cohesive nature of the Indian society, and also reportedly helps in handling pressure and stress