India

People

India is one of the most populous and ethnically diverse countries in the world, with dominant groups of Indo-European and Dravidian origin. Among them are the Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Marathi, while numerous linguistic and religious minorities can be found across different regions—such as the Sikhs, Jains, and the large Muslim communities of Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir. Culturally unique are also the isolated tribes of the northeastern states and the Himalayan regions, like the Naga or the Ladakhi, each with their own customs and traditions.

India is the birthplace of some of the world’s oldest religions and is marked by profound religious diversity. Hinduism, followed by the majority of the population, shapes much of the country’s culture and daily life, with deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga worshipped in countless temples and festivals. Buddhism and Jainism, also native to India, have smaller but significant followings, especially in the north. Sikhism, born in Punjab, has a strong presence in that state. Islam is the second-largest religion in India, particularly prominent in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir, while Christians—mainly Catholics and Eastern Orthodox of the Saint Thomas tradition—are found in coastal regions like Kerala and Goa. Despite occasional tensions, India remains a deeply spiritual nation where many religious traditions coexist in the same space.

Traditional clothing varies greatly depending on region, gender, and social background. Women typically wear sari, salwar kameez, or lehenga, while in rural areas garments are often heavier and more ornamental. Men commonly wear dhoti or kurta, with turbans being widespread in states like Rajasthan and Punjab. In urban centers, strong Western influences are seen in fashion, with younger generations blending modern and traditional styles.

India’s aesthetic culture is also evident in the decorated trucks and rickshaws, colorful rangoli patterns on home thresholds, and henna body art worn by women during celebrations. Indian cuisine, rich in spice and flavor, varies greatly by geography, from the masala dosa of the South to the tandoori and paneer dishes of the North. Rice and flatbreads (like naan, chapati, paratha) often accompany vegetarian or meat-based dishes, flavored with curry and a wide range of traditional spices.

India’s traditional caste system, known as varna, divides people into social groups based on ancestry and occupation. The four main castes are the Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and artisans), while outside this structure are the Dalits, also referred to as “untouchables,” who have historically faced social exclusion. Although India’s Constitution prohibits caste-based discrimination and promotes equality, caste divisions remain evident—especially in rural areas and in matters like marriage, professional opportunities, and social mobility. In recent years, slow but steady change is taking place, particularly in urban areas where caste is gradually losing significance as a core element of identity.

Places

India is vast and incredibly diverse, with each region offering its own geography, culture, and way of life. In the far north, the Himalayas dominate the landscape with snow-covered peaks, remote monasteries, and people who live in close harmony with nature, particularly in Ladakh, Sikkim, and the Spiti Valley. Punjab, home of the Sikh community, is marked by its fertile farmlands and the iconic Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Ganges River Valley, with historic cities like Varanasi and Allahabad, is the spiritual heart of Hinduism and a constant destination for pilgrims.

In the heart of the country lies Rajasthan, with its desert landscapes, royal palaces, and colorful cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur. To the east, Kolkata carries its colonial legacy and is a center for art and literature. Southern India stands out for its distinct Dravidian heritage, with Kerala offering tranquil backwaters, Ayurvedic tradition, and Kathakali performances, Tamil Nadu known for its ancient temple architecture and the bustling city of Chennai, and Karnataka as the home of India’s tech hub, Bangalore.

The western coast, featuring Mumbai as the economic capital and Goa with its beaches and Portuguese heritage, has a more cosmopolitan and modern character. Finally, the remote northeastern states, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, remain lesser known but culturally unique, home to tribal communities, lush greenery, and exceptional biodiversity. Each region in India contributes a piece to the colorful mosaic of a country where geography and culture are inseparable.

Experiences