Culture and society in India

India is an amazing country that combines rich history, cultural diversity and natural beauty. From ancient times to the present day, India has always been a center of cultural development and intellectual wealth. Its rich cultural palette includes beautiful works of art, architecture, music, dance and literature. India's society exhibits remarkable harmony and tolerance where modernity blends with the traditions and values of the past.

National Diversity. India is home to more than 2000 ethnic groups and tribes. The main ones are Indo-Aryans (descendants of migrants from Central Asia), who make up 72% of the country's population. They are compactly settled in the north, west and central parts of India. Dravidians (25%) historically inhabit the south of Hindustan. Other nationalities (3%) include Mongoloid tribes in the mountainous regions of the northeast, and small groups on the islands and coast. With ethnic and cultural diversity, Indian society is characterized by tolerance and respect for the traditions of different peoples.

Linguistic Diversity. Although Hindi and English are the official languages of India, there are 22 official languages and a huge number of dialects - over 19,500. Each state has its own main language - Bengali in West Bengal, Telugu in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, etc. Apart from the state languages, there are national and tribal languages. Multilingualism has become the norm for the people of India with its linguistic richness.

Religion. India is known as the spiritual cradle of the world, where such world religions as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated. At the same time, different faiths coexist peacefully here. The majority of the population (79.8%) professes Hinduism. 14.2% of Indians are Muslims, for whom this country is the second largest spiritual homeland after the Arab world. Christianity (2.3%) and Sikhism (1.7%) are also influential religions. Despite being multi-religious, India has a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect of faiths.

Caste system. Historically, society in India is divided into castes - estates based on the principles of Hinduism. The highest caste is Brahmans (priests and scholars), followed by Kshatriyas (warriors and aristocrats), Vaishyas (merchants and landowners), and Shudras (servants and craftsmen). Outside the caste system are the "untouchables" - people of lower professions. Although castes are officially banned, caste traditions persist, especially in rural areas. At the same time, caste boundaries are gradually being erased.

Family values. The family in India is a strong unit of society where patriarchy reigns. Indians are very attached to their relatives, ancestors and ancestral roots. Reverence for elders, respect for family customs and traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Marriages, especially in rural areas, are often arranged by agreement between the parents of the bride and groom. Cohabitation of several generations of one family under one roof is considered a norm and strengthens kinship ties.

Social customs. Indian culture attaches great importance to the rules of etiquette regulating various spheres of life. Thus, greeting a compatriot is accompanied by a complex ritual with folded palms ("Namaste"). It is customary to remove one's shoes before entering dwellings and holy places. Modesty in dress and demeanor, especially for women, is the norm. Showing public signs of attention, kissing or hugging in public is considered a sign of bad behavior. Addressing etiquette is strictly observed, with respectful suffixes such as "ji" added to names.

Indian Holidays. India is home to many colorful holidays and festivals, most of which are religious in origin. The main Hindu celebrations are Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of colors and spring) and Durga Puja (festival of Goddess Durga). Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) are also celebrated with great fanfare. The festivals are accompanied by colorful processions, fireworks, refreshments, dressing up in traditional attire, and temple rituals.

Greetings and addresses. The traditional Indian greeting "Namaste" is accompanied by a bow with folded palms at chest level. When addressing elders or respected people, it is customary to add the courtesy suffixes "ji" for men and "ji" or "ben" for women to their names. Indians pronounce their names in reverse order - first the family name, then the personal name. In formal settings, handshakes are acceptable only between men; women usually nod their heads or fold their palms.

Clothing and Appearance. Indian etiquette implies a modest appearance, especially for women. The traditional dress is the "dupatta" cape for women and long "kurta" shirts for men. Short skirts, revealing tops and body parts are considered unacceptable, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Avoid bright colors in clothing, pastel shades are preferred. According to tradition, elders give way to the older ones and the younger ones should stand up when they appear.

Rules in public places. Smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited in public places, stores and on the streets. Loud talking, shouting, whistling and clapping hands are considered impolite. Public displays of affection are unacceptable - kissing, hugging. It is customary to stand up at the appearance of elders or respected people. In stores and stalls it is only necessary to touch, not to touch goods with hands.

Home visiting and hospitality. When entering someone's home, it is customary to take off your shoes and wipe your soles after the street. Hosts will always offer water or drinks to guests. It is considered indecent to refuse a treat. It is customary to take food only with the right hand, the left hand is considered "unclean". As a sign of respect, one should not grab food before the elders. After the meal, guests should praise the food and thank the hosts.

Rules for visiting temples. When visiting Hindu temples, you must remove your shoes before entering and wear a skirt/shorts below the knees. In temples it is not customary to take pictures of the interior and people praying. You should perform ablution rites in special tanks. In Buddhist and Hindu temples, you should walk clockwise around the statues/altars, observing the ritual rules.

Communication and nonverbal gestures. In Indian culture, it is not customary to make direct eye contact with elders or people of the opposite sex. Pointing a finger or touching someone with your feet is considered offensive. One should not stand with one's back to elders, sacred images or altars. Indians tend to nod their heads in affirmation, but this does not always mean agreement.

Tipping and gifts. Tipping is not compulsory, but is welcome as a token of appreciation for good service. In restaurants and hotels it is customary to leave 5-10% of the bill. Drivers, guides and porters can be given 50-100 rupees for a good job. Both hands should be used when giving gifts, showing respect. Business gifts should be given in public and personal gifts should be given without witnesses.

Thus, strict adherence to Indian etiquette in all spheres of daily life shows respect for local traditions and helps to avoid cultural conflicts while traveling in this amazing country.