Diversity in India has been often talked about and discussed but how have we achieved this?
Indian culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world. For the unversed, India is a country which has several communities living together and in unison with one another. The cultural diversity of India makes it a unique place. India, divided into 29 states and seven union territories, is surrounded by countries such as Pakistan, Tibet, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Down south, there is Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Moreover, each state in India is home to several communities. That brings about diversity in India.
Reason Behind Cultural diversity in India:
Several things have given India this diverse culture in the face of the world. It would help if you read about the reasons here.
Clothing –
India is truly a multicultural city, as each state and its inhabitants have numerous attires. Every community has a traditional dress, as well. You will find different dyeing, weaving, and embellishing techniques in whichever part of India you go. Every community has a story to tell, and they do so in style. Additionally, you will often find stories woven into the garments like sarees and shawls in embroideries, fabric painting, and embellishments. Indians have myriad clothing like dhotis, sarees, ghagras, lehengas, kurta, turban, and sherwani. Saree is the preferred garment for millions of women in India. On traditional days, you will see the women donning their sarees in different drapes. Yes, you are right; there are numerous drapes, like the Bengali drape, Santali drape, Gujrati drape, and so on.
Also Read: Village Culture: Why is it gaining popularity India?
Indian Food –
Food is another reason behind the diversity in culture in India. As you step out from one state, the food plates change. You will find people gorging on rice and dal in Bengal, along with fish. In the Northern part of the country, you will find people gorging on rajma, rice, paranthas, and kheer. As you go to the South, you find people gorging on curd, rice, dosas, and idlis. In the east, you will find Gujaratis forging on Theplas. It can go on and on.
Moreover, if you check the food habits of the Northeast, you will certainly find western influences there. The culinary diversity of India is one of its biggest cultural assets. Every place in India has a variation in cuisines at the provincial level.
Indian Customs –
You will find differences in the culture and tradition of Indians as well. The marriage rituals also vary a lot from one community to the other. So do the puja rituals. Every state or community prays to a different god. Apart from that, the list of festivals in India is practically endless. You should know about the country’s cultures, traditions, and customs, to understand the reasons behind the diversity of culture in India.
The Muslims celebrate Eid, the Christians have their Christmas and Good Friday, the Sikhs have Baisakhi and the birthdays of their Gurujis, and the Hindus have Diwali, Holi, Makar Sankranti, and so on. Now, if you thought that was all, you were wrong. The Bengalis are one of the communities that have 13 festivals in a matter of 12 months. The list of personal beliefs is also endless. Indians also take part in many Vedic rituals. You will be amazed to see the symbols like Swastik, Om, and Trishul, that signify Hindu customs. The Ganesha happens to be a common lord, although different communities worship him in different ways. India has the most varied dance forms, like Bharat Natyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, etc.
Indian Kingdoms –
Many kingdoms have ruled India from time to time. Each ruler has passed on different cultures and traditions from generation to generation. The beliefs and the practices of the rulers still exist in society.
So, you can say that there are too many reasons for cultural diversity in India. Diversity means different skin colours, ethnicity, gender, ideologies, socio-economic conditions, generation, experiences, spiritual faiths, and political beliefs. The list can go on and on. The country maintains harmony quite well through this diversity.
Now that you know why India is a diverse country, you should also know that the Indians are united in diversity. This diversity sets it apart from the rest of the world. Due to this diversity, the country has been able to forge ahead in the global arena. The country is united, and that is what leads to its development. The various types of diversity like physical, racial, linguistic, religious, and caste-based diversity have led to a unique one-country, India. India is a culturally rich place that is home to myriad variations.
