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Indian Culture: Festivals, Traditions, Art and Daily Life
This section is about the India you live in, not just the one you read about in history books: why Lohri bonfires are lit on the coldest night of the Punjab winter, how a Bharatanatyam dancer tells a story with her hands, what a Madhubani painter uses for colour, and why Chhath begins with prayers to the setting sun.
Each guide explains where a tradition comes from, how it differs from one region to another, and what it looks like today. Where a popular story is a legend rather than recorded history, I say so. Festival guides also give the dates for the coming year, which I update every year.
Start here
- Festivals: Diwali and its five days, Navratri, Dussehra, Chhath Puja, Lohri and Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami
- Art and performance: the eight classical dance forms and folk painting from Madhubani to Gond
- Customs: traditional clothing by region, wedding rituals and Karva Chauth
- Daily life: life in an Indian village and life in the big cities
All culture articles
Seema Anand: The Storyteller Bringing Indian Mythology and Tantra to a Modern Audience
Seema Anand is a London-based mythologist and storyteller known for her work on the Kama Sutra and Indian oral traditions. A look at her work, her storytelling style and her impact.
Lohri and Makar Sankranti: The Harvest Festivals That Still Shape Life in India
Lohri and Makar Sankranti are India’s great winter harvest festivals. Learn their history, the story of Dulla Bhatti, regional customs, traditional foods and why they still matter.
Christmas in India: Bada Din Traditions From Kerala, Goa, and the North East
Christmas in India is celebrated with joy, love, and togetherness, bringing people of different cultures and faiths together. From church services and carol singing to festive markets and family gatherings, the festival reflects unity, warmth, and shared traditions.
Rural Lifestyle in India: Village Life, Farming, and Community Structure
Rural lifestyle in India reflects rich cultural traditions, close-knit communities, and a deep connection with nature. This article explores village life, customs, occupations, festivals, and the values that shape rural India.
Urban Lifestyle in India: Life in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Other Metros
Urban lifestyle in India reflects fast-paced living, modern infrastructure, and diverse cultures shaped by metro cities. This article explores daily life, work culture, transportation, housing, and social trends in India’s urban centers.
