Indian culture is ancient, diverse, and complex. With more than 1.4 billion people, one thousand festivals, 705 ethnic groups, 121 languages, 28 states, and six major religions, it's hard to make generalizations about Indian culture. The nation is home to a wide variety of religions, dialects, and ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive practices and customs. Indian culture, composed of its traditions, festivals, cuisine, music, dance, languages, literature, etc is a rich and diverse tapestry that reflects the country's long and complex history.
Over thousands of years, countless people and communities have contributed to the creation and preservation of Indian culture. From Ancient Indian philosophers and scholars, Emperors and rulers, artists and authors, religious and spiritual leaders to everyday people, individuals who have made a major contribution to the continued existence and prosperity of Indian culture.
The Indian Culture of West Bengal/Calcutta
West Bengal is located along the Bay of Bengal, with a population of over 91 million inhabitants. It is the eighth-most populous country subdivision in the globe and the fourth-most populous state in India. Its borders with Bangladesh in the east, Nepal and Bhutan in the north, and Bhutan are all parts of the Bengal area of the Indian subcontinent. The state capital, Kolkata is India's third-largest metropolis. Bengalis make up the majority of the state's population and are the dominant ethnic community. West Bengali culture has developed over the years into an ideal synthesis of contemporary ideas and age-old customs. Hooghly's spirituality, the Eastern Mountains' natural splendor, the Sunderbans' rich variety, and the Tea Gardens' invigorating aroma, music, literature, folk arts and crafts all contribute to West Bengal's one-of-a-kind culture.
India Culture and Folk Arts Are Catalysts For Transforming Lives
Can the folk art of India empower rural communities? Meet the founder of Banglanatak and learn how he uses crafts to alleviate poverty.
Interview with Amitava Bhattacharya, Founder of Banglanatak.com
Can the creative economy empower rural communities? Banglanatak is a social enterprise in India that uses culture to alleviate poverty. Meet its founder!
The Indian Culture of the Capital city of Delhi
Delhi is in the north of India and is split between the Yamuna's western and eastern banks. Delhi served as the seat of power for two massive dynasties that ruled over much of South Asia: the Delhi sultanate and the Mughal Empire. The history of Delhi and its association with the position of the Indian capital have left their mark on the city's culture. Delhi is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Red Fort, the Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb. Due to its broad variety of delicious food, Delhi has a special place in the hearts of Indians.
Buddhist and Gond Art Forms of Indian Culture
Buddhist and Gond art have their origins in various regions of India and have developed over time. Both these art forms have their unique style and are an integral part of Indian culture. Buddhist art, originated in India during the Maurya era, is inspired by Buddhist beliefs and practices.
Gond art, on the other hand, is a form of tribal art that originated in the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh and has now spread to other parts of India. This art uses vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and tribal and nature-inspired themes. Both Buddhist and Gond art are fundamental to Indian culture and history, and their distinctive aesthetics and subject matter have added to the depth and variety of Indian art.
New Delhi Photographer & Film-Maker Benoy Behl on the Art of India
New Delhi Photographer and Film Maker Benoy Behl shares his adventures across India in search of history and meaning behind art in India.
Gond Art and Culture Shared by Painter Vijay Shyam
Gond art of India is an ancient tribal art form that uses bright colors to bring myths, emotions and community values alive!
The Indian Culture of the city of Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the city with the most people in India, and it is known for its lively culture, design, history, and business. It is home to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of India's busiest train stops, is also in the city. Mumbai is a busy and varied city with a unique mix of history, culture, and the modern world.
Explore Sustainable Fashion of Indian Culture
The fashion of the people of India is an integral part of the routine of this nation, and is highly influenced by many civilizations. The rich cultural heritage of India is reflected in the diverse and vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary styles that make up Indian fashion. It is evidently a fusion of many cultures, and has varied over years but yet, it has managed to remain unique and authentic. Discover more about the nation’s distinctive cuisine and fashion.
Organic Fabrics Made From Temple Flowers In India
Learn how colors of India are created by a Mumbai entrepreneur who recycles floral offerings from Hindu temples into artisanal, hand-dyed organic fabrics.
The Glamour of Traditional Indian Clothing
Traditional Indian clothing is one of the world’s most distinctive hallmarks of cultural identity. The country’s dress is also a major influence on Western fashion, with its rich and vibrant colors, imaginative textile patterns and detailed embellishments, and flowing lines.
The Glamour of Traditional Indian Clothing Goes Global
Get the backstory on traditional Indian clothing and why it's a hallmark of cultural identity that's gaining global appeal.
Spotlight on Karnataka Region of Indian Culture
In India, there is a history behind every custom, and Indian culture is unique to each of India's individual states. Karnataka, a state in India, is a great example of this kind of extraordinary location. Located in the South of the Indian Peninsula with the Arabian sea to its west, Karnataka is a land known for its warm people and vast culture.
With a 60 million population, the state is an ambassador of Indian culture and heritage with a majority of people speaking in the language of ‘Kannada’ making them ‘Kannadigas’. The authentic culture of the state meets the contemporary side of the city living in Bengaluru, the state's capital. Many individuals from different cultures and backgrounds—not just those from India, but from all over the world—call it their happy home. The best thing about the state is how welcoming the people are. They are accepting of new ideas and cultures while also being proud to uphold the Kannada culture, which includes a strong sense of patriotism for the country, language, and history. Check out stories of Karnataka's folk art, history, beliefs, cuisines, crafts, music, and lifestyle.
Explore the Cuisine of Indian Culture
Due to its diverse and attractive one of a kind resources, India has allured a large number of travelers as well as conquerors. The Arabs, Mughals, Turks, Portuguese, French, and British period in India have impacted Indian culture making it an amalgamation of the best of all cultures. To this day, people continue to adhere to the cultural customs that these colonies and empires created. Karnataka's cuisine is a significant part of its culture and identity. It reflects the state's rich cultural past and the varied cultures that have influenced it, including the Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, and Konkani communities, in the state of Karnataka. The cuisine of the state now includes special dishes created by each of these groups. Discover more about the state’s distinctive cuisine.
Classic Indian Cuisine Revealed With Personal and Cultural Stories
Indian Cuisine is carefully woven into the country's culture. Every recipe has an exciting story behind it.
Traditions of Karnataka Miracles of Folk Legend Video
The cultures of Karnataka in South India, highlight Indian culture and revolve around many folk legends who, in the form of their poems, have preached the right ways of living to the commons. One such folk lord is ‘Manteswamy’. Manteswamy was a popular community saint who lived around the 15th century known for his miracles.
Modernisation has resulted in the fading of such folk music traditions. The number of people who learn and participate in these folk celebrations are reducing everyday.Thanks to artists like Prof. Nitin Nanjappa, we continue to hear these forgotten legendary stories leading to the preservation of Indian culture. Find out why the miracles of Manteswamy are addressed as ‘Lord’ by the people of Karnataka and more. Watch the full video now!
Traditions of Karnataka Folk Art Form Video
Folk art forms of Karnataka are a set of arts followed by a group of people. One of the folk art forms of Karnataka is 'Yakshagana'. These art forms are essential to keep the Indian culture relevant and close to the people's daily lives. Watch the art form performed on stage and hear the story behind it.
Traditions of Karnataka Town of Toys Video
Channapatna is a small city 40 miles from the city of Bengaluru. This city is famous for its Toy making tradition. This craft is protected as a Geographical indication meaning a sign that the product originated and is specific to this geography. It has a history of 250 years and to this day is an important part of Indian culture and people’s lives. People happily participate in toy-making and relate themselves closely to this tradition. Owing to the close association of these toys, the city of Channapatna is popularly known as the ‘Town of Toys’. This mini-documentary explores the process of making wooden toys and dolls by skilled artisans of Channapatna.
Traditions of Karnataka Carnatic Classical Music Video
Carnatic music is one of the two major forms of Indian Classical Music mainly practiced in all states of South India and is an inseparable element of Indian culture. Its origin dates back to the Vedic age. HN Meera is a Carnatic musician and a teacher who has been passionately practicing the art for more than 50 years. She believes that music brings a balance to the mind and body (breathing system). It offers you peace of mind and helps you concentrate well. Watch her share her story and why music makes her feel good. Don’t miss to close your eyes and enjoy while you hear her sing.