indian culture and new lifestyle essay

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Indian Culture Essay

India is renowned throughout the world for its tradition and culture. It is a country with many different cultures and traditions. The world's ancient civilisations can be found in this country. Good manners, etiquette, civilised dialogue, customs, beliefs, values, etc., are essential elements of Indian culture . India is a special country because of the ability of its citizens from many cultures and traditions to live together in harmony. Here are a few sample essays on ‘Indian culture’.

100 Words Essay on Indian Culture

India's culture is the oldest in the world and dates back over 5,000 years. The first and greatest cultures in the world are regarded as being those of India. The phrase "Unity in Diversity" refers to India as a diverse nation where people of many religions coexist while maintaining their distinct customs. People of different religions have different languages, culinary customs, ceremonies, etc and yet they all live in harmony.

Hindi is India's official language. However, there are 400 other languages regularly spoken in India's many states and territories, in addition to the country's nearly 22 recognised languages. History has established India as the country where religions like Buddhism and Hinduism first emerged.

200 Words Essay on Indian Culture

India is a land of diverse cultures, religions, languages, and traditions. The rich cultural heritage of India is a result of its long history and the various invasions and settlements that have occurred in the country. Indian culture is a melting pot of various customs and traditions, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Religion | Religion plays a significant role in Indian culture. The major religions practiced in India are Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Each religion has its own set of beliefs, customs, and practices. Hinduism, the oldest religion in India, is the dominant religion and has a vast array of gods and goddesses. Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism are also widely practiced and have a significant number of followers in the country.

Food | Indian cuisine is known for its diverse range of flavors and spices. Each region in India has its own unique style of cooking and distinct dishes. Indian cuisine is known for its use of spices, herbs, and a variety of cooking techniques. Some of the most famous Indian dishes include biryani, curry, tandoori chicken, and dal makhani. Indian cuisine is also famous for its street food, which is a popular and affordable way to experience the diverse range of flavors that Indian food has to offer.

500 Words Essay on Indian Culture

Indian culture is known for its rich art and architecture. The ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 2500 BCE, had a sophisticated system of town planning and impressive architectural structures. Indian art is diverse and includes painting, sculpture, and architecture. The most famous form of Indian art is the cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora, which date back to the 2nd century BCE. Indian architecture is also famous for its temples, palaces, and forts, which are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Music and dance are an integral part of Indian culture . Indian music is diverse and ranges from classical to folk to modern. The classical music of India is known for its use of ragas, which are a set of musical notes that are used to create a melody. The traditional Indian dance forms include Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kathakali. These dance forms are known for their elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and intricate footwork.

My Experience

I had always been fascinated by the rich culture and history of India. So, when I finally got the opportunity to visit the country, I was beyond excited. I had heard so much about the diverse customs and traditions of India, and I couldn't wait to experience them firsthand. The moment I stepped off the plane and hit the streets, I was greeted by the overwhelming smell of spices and the hustle and bustle of the streets. I knew right away that I was in for an unforgettable journey.

My first stop was the ancient city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras. As I walked through the streets, I was struck by the vibrant colors and the sound of temple bells and chants. I visited the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and was amazed by the intricate architecture and the devotion of the devotees.

From Varanasi, I traveled to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City . Here, I visited the famous Amber Fort, which was built in the 16th century. The fort was a perfect example of the rich architecture of India and the level of craftsmanship that existed in ancient India.

As I continued my journey, I also had the opportunity to experience the food of India. From the spicy curries of the south to the tandoori dishes of the north, I was blown away by the range of flavors and the use of spices.

I also had the chance to experience the music and dance of India. I attended a Kathak dance performance and was mesmerized by the intricate footwork and the expressiveness of the dancers. I also had the opportunity to attend a classical music concert and was struck by the beauty of the ragas and the skill of the musicians.

My journey through India was truly an unforgettable experience. I had the chance to experience the diverse customs and traditions of India and was struck by the richness of the culture. From the ancient temples to the vibrant street markets, India is a treasure trove of history and culture. I knew that this would not be my last trip to India, as there is so much more to explore and experience.

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106 Indian Culture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Indian culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world. It is known for its diversity, traditions, customs, festivals, and values. Writing an essay on Indian culture can be a fascinating journey into the vast and colorful tapestry of this ancient civilization. To help you get started, here are 106 Indian culture essay topic ideas and examples that you can explore:

The significance of Diwali in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian classical music
The role of Bollywood in shaping Indian culture
Exploring the concept of karma in Hindu philosophy
The importance of yoga and meditation in Indian culture
The tradition of arranged marriages in India
The symbolism of henna in Indian weddings
The impact of colonization on Indian culture
The art of Indian miniature painting
The cultural significance of Indian spices
The history and customs of Indian weddings
The role of women in Indian society
The influence of Indian mythology on popular culture
The tradition of storytelling in Indian culture
Exploring the concept of dharma in Indian philosophy
The art of Indian classical dance forms
The history and customs of Indian festivals
The philosophy of non-violence in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian fashion and textiles
The tradition of hospitality in Indian culture
The impact of globalization on Indian culture
The role of religion in Indian society
The art of Indian street food
The cultural significance of Indian jewelry
The tradition of Ayurveda in Indian medicine
The influence of Indian literature on world literature
The art of Indian pottery and ceramics
The tradition of Indian folk music
The history and customs of Indian art forms
The philosophy of unity in diversity in Indian culture
The significance of the Taj Mahal in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian cinema
The tradition of Indian street art
The role of education in Indian society
The impact of technology on Indian culture
The art of Indian calligraphy
The tradition of Indian puppetry
The history and customs of Indian cuisine
The philosophy of time in Indian culture
The significance of the lotus flower in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian architecture
The tradition of Indian handicrafts
The role of sports in Indian society
The impact of climate change on Indian culture
The art of Indian jewelry making
The tradition of Indian storytelling
The history and customs of Indian textiles
The philosophy of karma in Indian culture
The significance of the peacock in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian sculpture
The tradition of Indian street food vendors
The role of music in Indian society
The impact of social media on Indian culture
The art of Indian embroidery
The tradition of Indian street performances
The history and customs of Indian dance
The philosophy of dharma in Indian culture
The significance of the cow in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian painting
The tradition of Indian street festivals
The role of art in Indian society
The impact of urbanization on Indian culture
The art of Indian textile printing
The tradition of Indian street musicians
The history and customs of Indian theater
The philosophy of ahimsa in Indian culture
The significance of the peepal tree in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian photography
The tradition of Indian street performers
The role of dance in Indian society
The impact of social movements on Indian culture
The art of Indian pottery making
The tradition of Indian street vendors
The history and customs of Indian music
The philosophy of seva in Indian culture
The significance of the mango in Indian culture
The evolution of Indian textiles
The tradition of Indian street art festivals
The role of theater in Indian society
The impact of climate change on Indian agriculture
The art of Indian textile weaving
The tradition of Indian street food carts
The history and customs of Indian literature
The significance of the lotus flower in Indian art
The evolution of Indian street fashion
The role of music in Indian religious ceremonies
The impact of urbanization on Indian architecture
The art of Indian street photography
The tradition of Indian street vendors selling flowers
The history and customs of Indian street food
The philosophy of karma in Indian street culture
The significance of the cow in Indian street art
The evolution of Indian street theater
The tradition of Indian street musicians playing traditional instruments
The role of dance in Indian street festivals
The impact of social movements on Indian street culture
The art of Indian street food vendors cooking traditional dishes
The tradition of Indian street art festivals celebrating local artists
The history and customs of Indian street music
The philosophy of seva in Indian street culture
The significance of the peepal tree in Indian street art
The evolution of Indian street photography
The tradition of Indian street performers entertaining crowds
The role of music in Indian street celebrations

These essay topic ideas and examples are just a starting point for exploring the rich and diverse culture of India. Whether you choose to delve into the history, customs, traditions, art forms, philosophies, or social aspects of Indian culture, there is a wealth of topics waiting to be explored. So grab your pen and paper, and embark on a journey of discovery into the vibrant world of Indian culture.

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School Education /

Essay on Indian Culture in 500 Words

Updated on
Dec 5, 2023

Did you know that Indian culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world? Mark Twain once said, ‘India is the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.’ Indian culture is known for its rich beauty, traditional values, ethics, and social norms.

Paragraph on Indian Culture

Ans: Indian culture is one of the most oldest and popular cultures in the world. Our culture is known for its rich diversity, traditional values, ethics, and social norms. We should proudly follow our cultural and traditional values, as they connect us to our age-old customs and what our culture means to us. India’s ethno-linguistically diverse culture has always been successful in catching global attention. Popular festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, etc. are not only celebrated in India but also in other parts of the world.

Ans: Indian culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world; Zero (0) and decimal systems were first used in Indian culture; Indian culture was the first one to follow the practice of Ayurveda, one of the oldest healing systems; world’s oldest legends, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, were recorded in India; and the name India is derived from a Greek word ‘Indica.’

Ans: India was ruled by various Muslim dynasties during the Medival period. They gave this land the name Hindustan, which is derived from the Persian word Hindu from the Sanskrit word Sindhu.

For more information on such interesting topics for your school, visit our essay writing page and make sure to follow Leverage Edu .

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Indian Culture and Tradition Essay

Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition

As students grow older, it is important for them to improve their understanding and hold over the language. This can be done only through consistent reading and writing. Writing an essay is a task that involves cooperation and coordination of both the mind and body. Students must be able to think as well reproduce their thoughts effectively without any confusion. This is important when it comes to writing answers and other important documents as ones go to higher classes. The art of writing effectively and efficiently can be improved by students through writing essays. To help students in this domain, Vedantu provides students with numerous essays. Students can go through the same and learn the correct manner of writing the essay.

Indian Culture and Tradition

India enjoys a wide variety of cultural and traditional presence amongst the 28 states. Indian origin religions Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism are all based on dharma and karma. Even, India is a blessed holy place which is also a native place for most of the religions. Recently, Muslim and Christianity also practised working amongst the whole India population. The pledge also added the line, ‘India is my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.’

Indians are great with cooking; their spices are special for medicinal purposes, so visitors are difficult to adjust to with such heavy spices. The cricketers touring Indian pitches are out due to such food. Frequently, it's been observed that the sportsperson arrived in India either with cooking skills or with a cook. Spices such as cumin, turmeric and cardamom have been used for a long period, to make the dishes more delicious and nutritional. Wheat, rice and pulses help to complete the meal. The majority of the population is a vegetarian one due to their religious aspects.

Talking about the language, India is blessed with a wide range of languages used. Each state has its own language. A major part of the state is unable to speak other languages than the native one. Gujrathi, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Punjabi, Telugu and many more are the representative languages of the respective state. It's easy to recognize the person with the language he spoke. There are 15 regional languages but almost all of them Hindi is the national language of the country. Sanskrit is considered an ancient and respected language. And most of the legendary holy texts are found in Sanskrit only. Along with these, most of the people are aware of plenty of foreign languages.

Indian clothing is adorable to most of the foreigners. Woman wearing a sari is the pride of a nation. These create a pleasant effect and she looks so beautiful that a majority of foreign country’s female want to be like her. The origin of the sari is from the temple dancers in ancient times. Sari allows them to maintain modesty and freedom of movement. On the other hand, men traditionally wear a dhoti and kurta. Actually, Dhoti is a type of cloth without any further attached work done on it. The great Mahatma Gandhi was very fond of it and in their dignity, most of the people used to wear the same.

Apart from all the above facts, Indians are legends with arts and studious material. Shah-rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhirubhai Ambani, Amitabh Bachchan Rajnikant, Sundar Pichai are many more faces of India who are shining and representing India on a global scale. There are 20-30 grand festivals celebrated every year in which every festival pops up with history and respect to the respective religion. Even in terms of business, India is not behind. Agriculture is the best occupation of 70% of people in India. It’s our duty to protect the wonderful culture that we have.

Indian culture is one of the oldest and most unique cultures known across the globe. It has various kinds of traditional values, religion, dance, festivals, music, and cloth, which varies from each state or town even. Indian art, cuisine, religion, Literature, Education, Heritage, Clothes etc has a huge impact on the whole world where everyone admires and follows it. It is known as the land of cultural diversity. India thrives on a variety of languages, religions, and cultures due to the diverse race of people living in the country. It can be referred to as one of the world’s most culturally enriched countries. When one thinks of India, they picture colors, smiling faces of children running in the streets, bangle vendors, street food, music, religious festivals etc.

Religion

India is a land where different religious beliefs are followed. It is the land of many religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. Four Indian religions namely Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism were born in India while others are not of Indian origin but have people following those faiths. The people of India keep a solid belief in religion as they believe that following a faith adds meaning and purpose to their lives as it is the way of life. The religions here are not only confined to beliefs but also include ethics, rituals, ceremonies, life philosophies and many more.

Families

Family plays a vital role in every Indian household. Indians are known to live together as a joint family with their grandparents, uncles and aunts, and the next generation of offspring as well. The house gets passed down from family to family throughout the generations. But with the new modern age, nuclear families are starting to become more common as children go out of town into cities for work or studies and get settled there, also everyone now prefers to have their own private life without any interference. But still, the concept of family get together and family gatherings are not lost as everyone does come together frequently.

Indian Festivals

India is well known for its traditional festivals all over the world. As it is a secular country with diversity in religions, every month some festival celebration happens. These festivals can be religious, seasonal or are of national importance. Every festival is celebrated uniquely in different ways according to their ritual as each of them has its unique importance. National festivals such as Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated by the people of India across the entire nation. Religious festivals include Diwali, Dussehra, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Zuha, Christmas, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. All the seasonal festivals such as Baisakhi, Onam, Pongal, Bihu etc are celebrated to mark the season of harvest during two harvesting seasons, Rabi and Kharif.

Festivals bring love, bond, cross-cultural exchange and moments of happiness among people.

Indian cuisine is known for a variety of spicy dishes, curry, rice items, sweets etc. Each cuisine includes a wide range of dishes and cooking techniques as it varies from region to region. Each region of India cooks different types of dishes using different ingredients, also food varies from every festival and culture as well. Hindus eat mostly vegetarian food items such as pulao, vegetables, daal, rajma etc whereas people from Islamic cultural backgrounds eat meat, kebabs, haleem etc. In the southernmost part of India, you will find people use a lot of coconut oil for cooking purposes, they eat a lot of rice items such as Dosa, Idli, Appam etc with Coconut chutney, sambhar.

Indian Clothing is considered to be the epitome of modesty and every style is very different in each region and state. But the two pieces of clothing that represent Indian culture are dhoti for men and saree for women. Women adorn themselves with a lot of bangles and Payal that goes around their ankles. Even clothing styles varied from different religions to regions to cultures. Muslim women preferred to wear salwar kameez whereas Christian women preferred gowns. Men mostly stuck to dhoti, lungi, shalwar and kurta.In modern days, people have changed their sense of style, men and women now wear more modern western clothes. Indian clothes are still valued but are now in more trendy and fashionable styles.

There is no single language that is spoken all over India; however , Hindi is one common language most Indians know and can speak or understand. Every region has a different language or dialect. As per the official language act, Hindi and English are the official languages in India. Other regions or state wise languages include- Gujarati, Marathi, Bangla, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Kashmiri, Punjabi etc.

FAQs on Indian Culture and Tradition Essay

1. What are the Popular Spices in India?

Popular spices in India include - Haldi(Turmeric), Chakri Phool(Star Anise), Til (Sesame seeds/ Gingili seeds), Saunf(Fennel Seeds), Kesar(Saffron), Laal Mirch(Red chilli), Khas(Poppy seeds), Jayphal(Nutmeg), Kalonji(Nigella Seeds), Rai/Sarson(Mustard Seeds), Pudina(Mint), Javitri(Mace), Patthar ke Phool(Kalpasi), Kala Namak/ Sanchal/ Sanchar powder(Black salt/ Himalayan rock salt/ Pink salt), Sonth(Dry ginger powder), Methi dana(Fenugreek seeds), Suva Bhaji/ Sua Saag(Dill)

Kadi Patta(Curry Leaves), Sukha dhania(Coriander seeds), Laung(Cloves), Dalchini(Cinnamon), Sabza(Chia seeds), Chironji(Charoli), Ajwain(Carom seeds, thymol or celery seeds), Elaichi(Cardamom), Kali Mirch(Black Pepper (or White Pepper), Tej Patta(Bay Leaf), Hing(Asafoetida), Anardana(Pomegranate seeds), Amchoor(Dry mango powder)

2. What is the Language Diversity Available in India?

The Indian constitution has 22 officially recognized languages. Apart from it, there are around 60 languages that are recognized as smother tongue with more than one million speakers. India also has around 28 minor languages spoken by over one hundred thousand and one million people. Apart from these, there are numerous dialects spoken by a various sect of people based on their region of origin.

3. Who are Some of the Most Famous Indian Celebrities Popular Across the Globe?

India has people excelling in all aspects of art and activities. Few prominent celebrities to garner global fame include - Sudha Murthy, Amitabh Bacchan, Virat Kohli, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, Priyanka Chopra, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Mohanlal, A R Rehman, Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Narayana Murthy, Kiran Majumdar Shah, Narendra Modi, Amith Shah. all these people have received great accolades in their respective area of expertise globally and getting recognition to India on a global level.

4. How to Improve Writing and Reading Skills for Producing Good Essays?

Writing an essay becomes a tedious task when the mind and hand do not coordinate. It is important for you to be able to harness your mental ability to think clearly and reproduce the same on paper for a good essay. Always remember the first few thoughts that you get as soon as you see an essay topic is your best and purest thoughts. Ensure to note them down. Later you can develop your essay around these points. Make sure your essay has an introduction, body and the final conclusion. This will make the reader understand the topic clearly along with your ability to convey the any information without any hesitation or mistake.

5. How many religions are there in India?

As of now, there are a total of 9 major religions in India with Hinduism being the majority. The remaining religion includes- Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Baha'i Faith.

6. Which is the oldest language in India?

Indian classical oldest language is Sanskrit, it belongs to the Indo- Aryan branch of Indo- European languages.

7. What are the few famous folk dances of India?

Folk dances are the representation of a particular culture from where they are known to originate. Eight famous classical dances are- Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kathakali from Kerala, Kathak from North, West and Central India, Mohiniyattam from Kerala, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Odissi from Odisha, Manipuri from Manipur, Sattriya from Assam.

8. How many languages are spoken in India?

Other than Hindi and English there are 22 languages recognised by the constitution of India. However, more than 400 languages and dialects in India are still not known as they change after every town. Over the years, about 190 languages have become endangered due to very few surviving speakers.

9. Describe the Indian Culture.

Indian culture is very diverse and the people of India are very warm and welcoming. They have a strong sense of family and firmly believe in unity in diversity. In India, there's a saying saying 'Atithi Devo Bhava' means 'the guest is equivalent to god'. So if one visits India, they will never feel unwanted.

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Understanding Indian Culture: A Journey Through Time
World Cultures

Welcome to a journey through the rich and diverse culture of India. From its ancient traditions to modern influences , this article will take you on an exploration of the customs, beliefs, and practices that have shaped Indian society over thousands of years. Situated in the heart of Asia, India is a land of vibrant colors, exotic flavors, and deep-rooted traditions. With its many religions, languages, and cultures, India is a melting pot of diversity and has a unique identity that sets it apart from the rest of the world.

In this article, we will delve into the history, customs, and values that make up the fabric of Indian culture. So, join us as we embark on a journey through time to understand the essence of Indian culture, its evolution, and its significance in today's world. Welcome to the vibrant and diverse world of Indian culture. In this article, we will take you on a journey through time to understand the rich heritage and significance of Indian culture. From ancient civilizations to modern-day practices, we will cover everything you need to know about this fascinating culture. India has a long and complex history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to 75,000 years ago.

The first major civilization in India was the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. This advanced society had well-planned cities, a sophisticated drainage system, and a writing system that is yet to be deciphered. The legacy of this civilization can still be seen in modern-day India, particularly in the northwestern region. In the centuries that followed, India saw the rise and fall of many dynasties, each leaving their mark on the country's culture. The Mauryan Empire (322 BCE-185 BCE) was one of the first major empires in India, established by Chandragupta Maurya.

Under the rule of Emperor Ashoka, it became one of the largest empires in the world at that time and played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism across Asia. The Gupta Empire (320 CE-550 CE) is considered the Golden Age of India, known for its advancements in science, mathematics, art, and literature. It was during this time that Hinduism became the dominant religion in India. The Mughal Empire (1526 CE-1857 CE) was another significant period in Indian history, with its capital in Delhi. Under the rule of Emperor Akbar, it saw a fusion of Indian and Persian cultures, resulting in magnificent architecture and art forms like the Taj Mahal and miniature paintings. Religion plays a significant role in Indian culture, with a diverse population practicing various faiths. Hinduism is the predominant religion, with over 80% of the population identifying as Hindus.

Buddhism, founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama, also has a significant following, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. Islam, brought to India by traders and Sufi saints, is the second-largest religion, followed by Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. Indian society is deeply rooted in customs and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Festivals are an integral part of Indian culture, with each region and religion having its own unique celebrations. Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas are some of the major festivals celebrated throughout the country. Food is another essential aspect of Indian culture, with each region having its own distinct cuisine.

Spices play a crucial role in Indian cuisine, adding flavor and aroma to dishes. Staple foods include rice, wheat, lentils, and vegetables, with a variety of meat and seafood dishes also available. Clothing in India is diverse and varies based on region, climate, and occasion. Traditional clothing for women includes sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas, while men typically wear dhotis, kurta-pajamas, or sherwanis. Modern fashion trends have also influenced Indian clothing styles. The art and architecture of India are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Traditions and Customs

These traditions are deeply rooted in the country's history, religion, and social structures, and they play a significant role in shaping the lives of its people. From daily rituals to festive celebrations, every aspect of Indian culture is infused with a unique set of customs and traditions. One of the most prominent customs in Indian culture is the emphasis on family and community. Family ties are highly valued, and extended families often live together in the same household. This close-knit structure is reflected in various customs and traditions, such as joint family meals and celebrations. Religion also plays a crucial role in shaping Indian customs and traditions.

With a diverse population practicing various religions, India is a melting pot of customs and beliefs. From the colorful festivals of Hinduism to the serene rituals of Buddhism, each religion brings its unique set of customs to the table. The concept of hospitality is another essential aspect of Indian culture. Guests are treated with utmost respect and are considered a part of the family. This tradition is deeply ingrained in the culture, and it is not uncommon for strangers to be invited into homes for a meal or celebration. The concept of karma and reincarnation is also a significant influence on Indian customs and traditions.

Modern Influences

With the rise of social media, the spread of Western fashion and music, and the increasing popularity of English as a language, the traditional values and customs of Indian culture are gradually being replaced by more modern and westernized influences. One of the most noticeable changes in Indian culture is the shift towards a more individualistic society. With the increase in education and job opportunities, young Indians are becoming more independent and are breaking away from traditional family structures. This has led to a change in social dynamics, with a focus on personal growth and success. Modernization has also impacted Indian cuisine, with the introduction of fast food chains and processed foods. Traditional dishes are being replaced by more convenient and accessible options, leading to changes in eating habits and health concerns. Another aspect of Indian culture that has been influenced by modernization is religion.

Religion and Spirituality

With over 1.3 billion people, India is home to multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. Each religion has its unique set of beliefs, rituals, and practices that contribute to the rich tapestry of Indian culture. Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, with around 80% of the population identifying as Hindus. It is a complex and diverse religion that encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. The key principles of Hinduism are dharma (duty), karma (action), samsara (reincarnation), and moksha (liberation).Buddhism, which originated in India, is another major religion followed by millions of people in the country.

It emphasizes the importance of achieving enlightenment through meditation and living a moral life. Jainism, one of the oldest religions in the world, promotes non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. Its followers believe in the concept of ahimsa (non-harming) and follow a strict vegetarian diet. Sikhism, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes equality and service to others. Its followers believe in the concept of one God and reject the caste system. Islam is the second-largest religion in India, with around 200 million followers. It was brought to India by Arab traders and flourished under the Mughal Empire.

The religion follows the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and emphasizes the importance of prayer, charity, and submission to God. Christianity was introduced to India by Saint Thomas in the 1st century and has since spread across the country. It is the third-largest religion in India, with over 28 million followers. Christians in India come from a variety of backgrounds and belong to different denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. Religion in India is not just a set of beliefs and practices; it is a way of life. It influences every aspect of society, from festivals and rituals to food and dress.

A Glimpse Into History

It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya and became one of the largest empires in ancient India. The Mauryan rulers were known for their religious tolerance and administrative efficiency. The Gupta Empire, which ruled from 320 CE to 550 CE, is considered the golden age of Indian culture. It was a time of great prosperity, advancements in science and mathematics, and flourishing art and literature. The Mughal Empire, which reigned from the 16th to 19th centuries, had a significant impact on Indian culture. The Mughals brought with them their own customs and traditions, which blended with the existing Indian culture to create a unique fusion.

They also left behind some of the most magnificent architectural marvels, such as the Taj Mahal. Today, India is a diverse mix of various cultures, religions, and traditions, all of which have been shaped by its rich history. From the vibrant festivals to the mouth-watering cuisine, every aspect of Indian culture has a story to tell. By exploring the different dynasties and empires that have ruled India, we can gain a deeper understanding of the country's cultural heritage and its significance in the modern world. As we come to the end of our journey, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indian culture. It is a land of rich heritage, diverse beliefs, and vibrant traditions. Whether you are interested in history , religion , or modern-day influences, India has something to offer for everyone.

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Indian Culture Essay in English for Students

August 10, 2021 by Sandeep

Essay on Indian Culture: Indian culture is one of the oldest and unique cultures worldwide. It has influenced many foreign countries due to its richness in heritage and diverse paths. Indian culture is splendid in its traditions, customs, art forms, food and cuisines, music and dance forms, etc. The joint family system, elaborate weddings, multicultural festivals, languages, and extensions of the Indian cultural diaspora.

Essay on Indian Culture

Below we have provided an Indian Culture Essay in English, suitable for classes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10. This short essay on Indian culture is helpful for school students who are participating in the essay writing competition.

Our Indian culture is diverse and vibrant and considered to be the oldest and supreme one. India’s identity all over the world is due to its tradition and mixed religions. It consists of vital components like linguistic differences, etiquette, customs, rituals, beliefs, values, etc. Even though India has adopted modernisation in its lifestyle, but they haven’t changed their traditional methods. Hence this sets it apart from other nations making it unique and dynamic. Every one respects different culture and peacefully follow their religion.

Components of Indian Culture

Despite having religious, language, and state differences, Indian culture teaches us to co-exist harmoniously. Indians accept this vast diversification with a broad outlook and look forward to work and stay together happily. People celebrate all festivals irrespective of their different caste with great pomp and reverence.

Indian culture instils positivity to a great extent by motivating to keep hope alive. Through the Epic stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata, it infuses the values of strong will and determination. Ramayana teaches to respect elders and be duty-bound towards parents. Be committed to your duty and be loyal to your spouse.

It stresses to remain grounded no matter how successful a person becomes. Mahabharata depicts an eternal bond of friendship. Stand by what you believe and never giving up attitude are the crux of its teachings. Jainism gave us five vows or principles: Non-Violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Celibacy, and Non-attachment. These were the cornerstone of Jainism given by Vardhaman Mahavir the 24th Tirthankara.

The most important highlight of his teachings was freedom to women and belief in soul and karma. Despite being a king, Gautama Buddha gave up worldly things and went on the journey to find enlightenment. After attaining enlightenment, he had given the four noble truths that one must adhere to. It states that everyone suffers, and the cause of such suffering is greed, desires, and ignorance.

One can live without such pains if they follow a correct path and eightfold path, including right knowledge, attitude, speech, action, means of livelihood, efforts, awareness, and meditation. Despite being a king gave up worldly things and went on the journey to find enlightenment. Bhagwat Gita (The holy book of Hindus) inspires one to follow the right conduct and virtue and has three main themes-knowledge, action, and love. It guides us to follow the path of devotion and compassion.

Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition

Students are often asked to write an essay on Indian Culture and Tradition in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition

Introduction.

Indian culture and tradition, one of the oldest in the world, is rich and diverse. It is a unique blend of various customs, beliefs, and rituals.

India is known for its spiritual diversity with Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism. Each religion contributes to India’s cultural richness.

Art and Architecture

Indian art and architecture represent the country’s history. Monuments like Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and paintings like Tanjore, Madhubani depict India’s artistic heritage.

Indian festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, and Holi showcase the country’s vibrant traditions and unity in diversity.

Indian culture and tradition, with its diversity, teaches us tolerance and respect for all, making it a treasure for humanity.

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Speech on Indian Culture and Tradition

250 Words Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition

Indian culture and tradition, one of the oldest and richest in the world, is a beautiful amalgamation of customs, beliefs, and values. It is a unique blend of various customs that have been passed down through generations.

Unity in Diversity

The phrase “Unity in Diversity” aptly describes India. Despite the vast geographical expanse, language variations, and diverse customs, there exists an underlying thread of unity. This unity is reflected in the shared festivals, art, music, and dance forms that are celebrated across the country.

Religion and Spirituality

Indian culture is deeply rooted in spirituality and religion. With Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism originating here, and the widespread practice of Islam, Christianity, and other religions, India exemplifies religious tolerance and coexistence.

Art and Literature

Art and literature form the backbone of Indian culture. From the Vedas and Upanishads to modern literature, Indian authors have contributed significantly to the world. The diverse art forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and others, along with the rich tapestry of Indian Cinema, showcase the cultural depth of India.

Indian culture and tradition are an integral part of the country’s identity. They are the threads that weave the diverse Indian society into a single fabric. Embracing and preserving these traditions while adapting to the changing world is the responsibility of every Indian. In this way, the rich heritage of Indian culture can be passed on to future generations.

500 Words Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition

Introduction: the mosaic of indian culture.

India, often referred to as a ‘subcontinent’, is a fascinating mosaic of cultures and traditions. This vast nation is characterized by its diversity, yet there is a deep-rooted sense of unity that binds its people together. The Indian culture and tradition are a rich amalgamation of the past and the present, reflecting a civilization that is ancient yet vibrant.

The Cultural Fabric: Religion and Philosophy

At the heart of Indian culture lies its profound religious and philosophical ideologies. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism originated here, while Islam and Christianity also significantly influence the cultural fabric. Each religion has its unique rituals, festivals, and philosophies, contributing to the country’s cultural richness. The Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning ‘the world is one family’, underpins the nation’s outlook towards diversity and pluralism.

Art and Architecture: Aesthetic Manifestations

Art and architecture form an integral part of Indian culture, reflecting the civilization’s historical and societal changes. The intricate carvings of the Ajanta-Ellora caves, the grandeur of Mughal architecture, and the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture showcase the aesthetic brilliance of different eras. Indian art forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and Odissi dance, or the musical traditions of Carnatic and Hindustani music, are world-renowned.

Language and Literature: The Voice of a Nation

India’s linguistic diversity is astounding, with over 2000 dialects and 22 officially recognized languages. This linguistic multitude has given birth to a rich literary tradition, with ancient scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana setting the foundation. Modern Indian literature, written in various regional languages and English, continues this legacy, exploring contemporary themes and narratives.

Social Structure: The Caste System and Beyond

The caste system, although much criticized, has significantly influenced Indian society and culture. It has shaped social relations, occupations, and even culinary habits. However, with modernization, the rigidities of the caste system are slowly dissolving, leading to a more egalitarian society.

Food and Clothing: A Diverse Palette

Indian cuisine, with its diverse regional variations, reflects the country’s cultural diversity. Spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables used in Indian dishes vary widely across regions. Similarly, traditional clothing like sarees, salwar kameez, dhotis, and turbans, though varied, symbolize Indian cultural ethos.

Conclusion: Preserving the Cultural Heritage

Indian culture and tradition, while deeply rooted in history, are not static. They have evolved and adapted, absorbing influences from invaders, colonizers, and immigrants. As we move forward, it is crucial to preserve this rich cultural heritage while allowing it to grow and adapt in the globalized world. The culture and tradition of India, with their extraordinary diversity and unity, are a testament to the country’s resilience and adaptability, offering valuable lessons for humanity.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Essay on Indian Art and Culture
Essay on India’s Natural Beauty
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Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition 1000+ Words

Indian culture and tradition, akin to a captivating mosaic, are comprised of myriad vibrant components that constitute the nation’s multifaceted heritage. With deep historical roots, they are commemorated through various avenues such as festivals, art forms, and daily customs. As we embark on this essay, we will delve into the profound essence and importance of Indian culture and tradition. This exploration will encompass their distinctive attributes, their societal significance, and their enduring pertinence.

Diversity in Unity

Indian culture and tradition are renowned for their diversity. India is home to a multitude of languages, religions, cuisines, and customs. Despite this diversity, there is a strong sense of unity that binds the nation together.

Historical Significance

India’s culture and traditions have evolved over thousands of years. The Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedas, and the teachings of ancient sages have all played a role in shaping the culture we see today.

Festivals and Celebrations

India is known for its vibrant festivals, such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and more. These celebrations bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and joy.

Cultural Art Forms

Indian culture finds expression in various art forms such as classical dance, including Bharatanatyam and Kathak, as well as music, encompassing Carnatic and Hindustani traditions, and theater. Furthermore, these art forms boast a rich historical heritage and persistently flourish in contemporary times.

Traditional Clothing

Indian clothing is a reflection of culture and tradition. Attire like the saree, dhoti, and kurta are not just clothing items but symbols of identity.

Expert Opinions

Cultural scholars like Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan emphasize the role of culture in shaping society and providing a sense of identity. They believe that culture is a dynamic force that evolves with time.

Spiritual Practices

Religion and spirituality play a significant role in Indian culture. Practices like meditation, yoga, and visiting temples or mosques are common ways for individuals to connect with their spirituality.

Traditional Medicine

Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, has been practiced for centuries. It emphasizes holistic well-being and natural healing methods.

Family Values

Indian culture places a strong emphasis on family values. Respect for elders, strong family bonds, and the concept of joint families are integral to Indian society.

Conclusion of Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition

In conclusion, Indian culture and tradition, as a testament to the country’s rich history, diversity, and unity, provide a sense of identity and belonging to millions of people. Moreover, as India continues to evolve in the modern world, it is crucial to preserve and celebrate these cultural treasures. By valuing diversity, promoting cultural exchange, and passing on traditions to future generations, we can ensure that Indian culture and tradition continue to thrive and enrich the lives of all who embrace them. Consequently, India’s cultural heritage is a source of pride and inspiration, forming a tapestry of traditions that we must cherish and protect for generations to come.

Also Check: Simple Guide on How To Write An Essay

Indian culture: Customs and traditions

Indian culture is built upon centuries of history and heritage, making it one of the oldest in the world.

Indian population

Languages of India

Religion in india, indian food, indian architecture and art, indian fashion, doing business in india.

Holidays and celebrations

Additional resources and reading

Bibliography.

Indian culture is among the world's oldest as the people of India can track their civilization back as far as 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as "Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara" — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.

Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and "every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution," she told Live Science. "In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior. Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East."

However, Indians made significant advances in architecture ( Taj Mahal ), mathematics ( the invention of zero ) and medicine ( Ayurveda ) well in advance of many western civilizations.

Population of India

Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.3 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook , making it the second most populous nation in the world after China . Some estimates, such as those by Statista , place the population at very nearly 1.4 billion. The ethnic makeup of India, according to the CIA is 72 percent Indo-Aryan (a coverall term for people of largely Central Asian descent) and 25 percent are Dravidian (being largely of South Asian descent).

About 35 percent of the population lives in urban areas with an estimated annual rate of a little over 2 percent moving to cities each year. New Delhi is the most populous city in India with a population of 31.18 million people, according to the CIA, second only to Tokyo, Japan for its population size. Mumbai is the second largest city in India with 20.67 million people, followed by Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, all with more than 10 million people.

According to Statista, 26.16 percent of India population was under 14-years-old as of 2020, 67.27 were aged 15 to 64 and 6.57 percent were 65 or older.

India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization . There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010 , though Hindi is the official language of the government and English is considered a subsidiary official language. The Constitution of India officially recognizes 23 official languages.

Many people living in India write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, at least 56 percent of Indian residents speak something other than Hindi, according to the CIA. Bengali,, Marathi, Telugu Tamil, Gujarati and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country.

Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language, came from Northern India. How the language started has been a point of argument amongst linguists. It shares many similarities with English, French, Farsi and Russian languages.

New DNA research in 2017 found that an Aryan migration may have introduced the beginnings of Sanskrit. "People have been debating the arrival of the Indo-European languages in India for hundreds of years," said study co-author Martin Richards, an archaeogeneticist at the University of Huddersfield in England. "There's been a very long-running debate about whether the Indo-European languages were brought from migrations from outside, which is what most linguists would accept, or if they evolved indigenously."

India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions in the world. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the " Handbook of Research on Development and Religion ," edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013).

There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.

About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the "Handbook."

The CIA cited similar figures. According to its World Factbook, around 80 percent of the population is Hindu, 14.2 percent is Muslim, 2.3 percent is Christian, 1.7 percent is Sikh and 2 percent is unspecified.

When the Mughul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on Indian cuisine. "The influence of the Mughal rulers who ruled India is distinctly perceptible in the style of cooking made famous by them. This cuisine is a fusion of Turkish and Persian cuisine, where mostly ground spices are used in the preparation of unique flavor and taste," wrote Krishna Gopal Dubey in " The Indian Cuisine " (PHI Publisher, 2010). Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.

Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric , dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.

Many Hindus are vegetarian, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. " The Guardian " reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India's population is vegetarian. A tradition of vegetarianism appears to go back to the ancient past. "India may have been vegetarian during the Mohenjodaro and Harappan civilizations. We do not know for sure as its script has not been unlocked, but it has been proven that the ancient Dravidian civilization was truly vegetarian," wrote Dubey.

Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There are a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread; and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.

The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.

India is well known for its film industry, which is commonly referred to as Bollywood. The country's movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes . Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing as well as their elaborate action sequences.

Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of " Contract Law in India " (Wolters Kluwer, 2016). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.

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A study published in April 2016 in the Journal of Indian Ocean Archaeology found that some Indian horns have many similarities with horns made in Ireland. This research may suggest that the two countries may have exchanged ideas and techniques in making musical instruments during the Bronze Age.

"Some horns are frankly shockingly similar, to the point where it is like witnessing time travel," study author Billy Ó Foghlú, an archaeologist and doctoral student at the Australian National University in Canberra, told Live Science . "If I were to find one of these modern Indian instruments in an Irish archaeological excavation and I didn't know what I was looking at, I would likely assume it was a Late Bronze Age Irish artifact."

Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country's women. The origins of this garment go back to Ancient India and evolved over time to include more expensive fabrics and adornments as they came to the country, according to " The Times of India ". A traditional piece of clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length.

For special occasions, men wear a sherwani or achkan, which is a long coat with a collar having no lapel. It is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. A shorter version of a sherwani is called a Nehru jacket. It is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, India's prime minister from 1947 to 1964. He actually preferred the achkan, according to Tehelka , an Indian newspaper. The Nehru jacket was primarily marketed to Westerners and made famous by The Beatles and The Monkees as well as being worn by a number of James Bond villains.

India's currency is the rupee. Almost 62 percent of the country's GDP comes from the service sector with industry making up 23 percent and agriculture contributing 15.4 percent, according to the CIA World Factbook. Its primary agricultural products are sugar cane, rice, wheat, buffalo milk, milk, potatoes, vegetables, bananas, maize, and mangoes.

Indian business culture places emphasis on strong hierarchies and formalities, according to Santander , with decisions, particularly important ones, being considered for a length of time and ultimately made by those at the top of a company.

Indian holidays and celebrations

Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.

Holi, the festival of colors , also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring. The country also celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi 's birthday (Oct. 2).

For a deep dive into another element of Indian culture, learn when yoga originated and more about the ancient practice.

For a closer look at an important cultural artifact, you can read all about the golf-ball sized Star of India sapphire that was once stolen in a heist.

"Indian Culture" All World Gayatri Pariwar
"India " CIA World Factbook
"India - Statistics & Facts" Statista
" Handbook of Research on Development and Religion ," edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013)
" The Indian Cuisine " by Krishna Gopal Dubey (PHI Publisher, 2010)
"The best countries in the world for vegetarians" " The Guardian "
" Contract Law in India " by Nilima Bhadbhade (Wolters Kluwer, 2016)
"Ancient Irish musical history found in modern India" Australian National University
"The history of sari: The nine yard wonder," " The Times of India "
"Nehru’s style statement" Tehelka

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Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds . He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games™ and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK.

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80 Indian Culture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best indian culture topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 interesting topics to write about indian culture, 🥇 simple & easy indian culture essay titles, 💡 good research topics about indian culture.

The Influence of Ramayana on the Indian Culture If one considers the image provided in the work with the work itself, one notices the detailed depiction of the life and activities of the protagonist.
Servant Leadership in Indian Culture and Hindu Religion The basis of this approach is the reorientation of the values of the leader, who considers the empowerment of followers as a means and goal of his activity.
Indian Custom and Culture Community For example, there were various activities used to illustrate this marking, and these would include invitation and welcoming of the bridegroom, exchange of flower garlands, presentation of the would-be wife, the ceremony of the sacred […]
American Culture and Indian Culture Comparison Children in India are raised mostly in patriarchal joint family systems, and the head of the family is usually the senior most male, in most cases the grand parents of the child.
Indian Culture and Its Distinctive Qualities Indian culture is one of the oldest in the world and truly one of the most influential due to the number of Indians that inhabit the Earth.
Indian and Greek Cultures Comparison Although modern India is a mixture of cults and beliefs, the ancient religion of Hinduism is still strong among the people.
Cheyenne Indians History and Culture Furthermore, it was to emphasize the unique powers and the superiority of the chief priests and the prophets in the community.
The Blackfoot Indians Culture and Historical Heritage The Reservation of the Blackfoot Indians is the place of residence to over 17 thousand members of the given nation and spans 1,5 million acres.
Hinduism’s Cultural and Religious Opinions As a result, it is not easy to trace the history of Hinduism and the Hindus are not concerned about the specific dates when the religion might have started.
British Colonialism and Its Impact on Indian Culture Though the Indians resisted Britain’s rule they were unable to overcome the British soldiers’ tactics and weapons hence the British East India Company took the region as its colony for trading and governance purposes. Britain […]
Indian Culture: Dances of Rajasthan Diwali is one of the major festivals in the country. Ghoomar dance is also common in the region.
The Practice of Counseling in the US and Indian Culture Owing the varied nature of the constituents of this culture, there is a large and continually expanding evolution of the Indian culture especially as regards religion, beliefs and societal values that is quite influential to […]
Understanding the Significance of Diwali as a Representation of Indian Culture The aim of this thesis is to understand the close relationship between the popular Hindu festival, Diwali and efforts being made by the global Indian diaspora to perpetuate their old country’s traditions and culture in […]
Culturally-Relevant Interventions for Indian Children The culture of American Indian children have customs and traditions related to the care of children with chronic illness, abuse, substance abuse, and mental illness.
Indian Cultures the “White Man” Tried to Remove The hair in the Indian culture is therefore connected to the character trait of basing a culture on symbols. The fourth Indian culture, the “white man,” also tried to steal from the Indians their attire.
Indian Culture, Food, Temples, and Clothing Key Terms: Traditional dresses, Indian fashion, saree, headgear Claim: Despite the inevitable impact of globalization and westernization, India is a country that could preserve its culture by wearing traditional clothes. It is normal to see […]
The Cultural Misappropriation of the Cleveland Indians The cultural misappropriation of the Cleveland Indians, an American ball club, has been a practice that has continued for a long time because of the unresolved contention encompassing its logo and Name. The essay discusses […]
Mdewakanton Dakota, Sioux Indian Tribe of Red Wing: Cultural Orientations Ethnocentrism is one of the signs characterizing the attitude of people to the Native Americans and in particular to the Mdewakanton tribe.
Communicating Cross-Culturally: Indian and Japanese Workers The purpose of this presentation is to propose ways in which a virtual team consisting of Indian and Japanese employees can be motivated.
Culturally Competent Care in Indian Health Service Such a situation requires the physicians and nurses to fully understand the needs of the patients. The paper argues that the IHS is an embodiment of the application of cultural competence in healthcare.
Gulf’s Indian Ocean Connections and Cultural Exchanges The persistence of Indian Ocean-Gulf trade due to demand of the goods resulted in a mixture of heritage and culture from the sailors, fishers, and traders from the western Indian Ocean system.
Ancient Indians Historical and Cultural Way of Life Visiting of the historical and cultural museums is the integral part of the enrichment of your knowledge about the way of life of certain cultural groups.
Myths: Daphne and Ahalya. Greek and Indian Culture Mythology The book describes the Creation of the World and continues to the time of Julius Caesar and is considered as a mythic-historical document.
The Possibility of Modernizing Indian Culture The Indian culture is based mainly upon the traditions prevailing in the times of Emperor Asoka and the secular rule of Akbar. In the Indian culture, the youth is supposed to show this respect by […]
Iroquois Indians Culture and History Review Much of what we know of ancient culture is brought to us in the form of stories; either the stories of the descendants of the stories of outsiders.
Taensa Indians Culture Analysis So it is due to this fact that most of the Taensas are getting discrimination in most of the activities like in business, sharing of the economic resources and the land rights of these people.
Indian Culture and Its Building Blocks The purpose of this paper is to discuss the building blocks of a culture that is different from that of the author of this writing.
Cultural Diversity: Chippewa Indians There were overt attempts to racially segregate the Indians in a successively smaller area, and the Indians were ultimately left to the mercy of the US government.”The said Chippewa Indians surrender to the United States […]
Indian vs. American Cultural Heritage and Traditions Usually, the representatives of different races and nationalities enter countries that are not their native, adding diversity to the homogeneous people of that state.
American Indians and Cultural Assimilation Laws At the end of the eighteenth century, the government of the United States was concerned about the problem of cultural heterogeneity.
Cultural Diversity: Indians and White Americans As it is said in the lectures by Harvey and Allard, the issue of discrimination is not only based on the factors of race or ethnicity.
Indian Spiritualism in Cross-Cultural Perception In this case, the interviewee can be referred to as a medium as she claims to have the ability to communicate with the dead.
Canadian Indians, Métis, and Inuit Material Culture The relevance of this book is identified by problems of modern history and anthropology and, mainly, by the need to examine the representation of artifacts of the First Nations as well as by the need […]
Udayan Care: Indian Culture Care Community The analysis started with a narrative of the background of Udayan Care, especially as compared to the institutionalized care given by the government and private homes in India and the West.
Relations Between Homosexuality and Indian Culture Lesbianism is a relatively silent practice in India as opposed to gay practice and even the organizations for women do not really advocate for or promote it.
Traditional Food Culture in the Indian Religion As demonstrated by this particular author, the traditional food culture is important in the Hindu religion because of the fact that food “speaks” a language that conjoins the gross and the subtle, body and spirit, […]
Views of Benjamin Franklin on Indian Culture The tenacity with which the Indians held to their traditions came out clearly in the treaty of Lancaster in Pennsylvania. A juxtaposition of civilization in the eyes of the Indians to the western countries is […]
Native American Culture and American Indians However, the history of the USA has come through the colonization and many people who now inhabit the continent are not the Native Americans.
Understanding the Significance of Diwali as a Representation of the Indian Culture People refer the festival to as the festival of Sweets. In the South East Asia, and Indian populations elsewhere in the world, people celebrate the Diwali somewhat differently.
Historical Analysis of 19th Century Indian Culture
American and Indian Culture: Comparative Analysis
Overview of American Indian Culture Before 1763
American Indian Culture and Its Effects on Nursing
Historical Analysis of Ancient Indian Culture
Comparative Analysis of Asian and Indian Culture
Cherokee Indian Culture and Its Impact on United States Culture
Comparison of Chinese and Indian Culture
Analysis of Contemporary Indian Culture
Contrasts Between German and Indian Culture and Qualities
Cultural Challenges With the Indian Culture to Business in Kenya
Difference Between Western and Indian Culture
Cultural Islam: Keeping Faith and Tradition Under Indian Culture in Pakistan
Differences Between American Culture and Indian Culture
Cultural Experience: Overview of Indian Culture
The Relationships Between Economics and Indian Culture
Culture Comparisons Between the Kung and the Indian Cultures
Analysis of Entrepreneurs From the Indian Culture
European Settlers and the Impact of Indian Culture
Examining the Assorted Heritage of Indian Culture
Hinduism and Buddhism’s Influence on Indian Culture in Southeast Asia
Indian Culture and Its Architectural Heritage
Overview of Indian Culture, Politics, and Business
Indian Culture and Food After Meeting an Indian Lady
Reasons Why Indian Culture Restrains the Women
Indian Culture and How Its Diversity Glorifies India at an Incredible Level
Individual Cultural Communication: Study of Indian Culture
Indian Culture and How It Translates to America
Projecting Ethos Through Indian Culture
Indian Culture and Its Different Religions
Reward and Punishment Allocation in the Indian Culture
Indian Culture and Its Impact on Society
The Apache Indian Culture and History
Indian Culture and the River Sutra’s Healing Powers
Comparative Analysis of Canadian Culture and Indian Culture
Indian Culture: Getting the Best From the Best
The Fundamental Issues Within the Romanian and Indian Culture
The Indian Culture and Modern Education System
Understanding Indian Culture With a Healthcare Perspective
The Indian Culture Referring to the Seven Dimensions of Trompenaars
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Essay on Indian Heritage for Students and Children

500+ words essay on indian heritage.

Heritage means what we inherit from our ancestors and from our past. India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. People from numerous castes, religions, and creeds reside in our country. Each ethnic group in our country has its own tale of origin and its set of unique traditions and culture. They have all contributed to the making of Indian history and culture. Nature has made India into a distinct geographical entity.

Indian Heritage: A Gift from the Older Generations

Indian heritage and culture are vast and vivid because of the large number of religious groups residing in our country. Every community has its own set of customs and traditions which it passes on to its younger generation.

However, some of our customs and traditions remain the same throughout IndiaOur traditions teach us to inculcate good habits and make us a good human being. Our cultural heritage is thus a beautiful gift from our older generation that will help us become a better human being and build a harmonious society.

Respect for our Indian Heritage

The elders should take responsibility to invoke love for the Indian heritage in the younger generations. This must be done from the very beginning only then we can preserve our rich heritage. It is the duty of the elders to invoke love for the Indian heritage in the younger generations.

This must be done from the very beginning only then we can preserve our rich heritage. Schools must teach students about Indian heritage and how it has survived for centuries. They must also share the importance of preserving it. This would help in invoking a feeling of pride in them and they would be inspired to continue the tradition and also pass it on to the new generation. This needs a collective effort by the teachers as well as parents.

Our Literature

Indian literature is as rich as its culture. We have various books written on many topics since ancient times. We have the Vedic literature, epic Sanskrit literature, Classic Sanskrit literature and Pali literature among other kinds of Indian literature. Many of our books are being translated to other languages to provide access to a greater number of readers so that more and people can benefit from the knowledge. Such a wonderful and rich literature must be preserved at any cost.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Beautiful Geological Structures

Numerous beautiful geological structures found in different parts of India. Best of the splendid geological structures that form a part of our country include Lonar Crater Lake, Siachen Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir, Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal, Barren Island, Andamans, Magnetic Hill, Leh, Columnar Basaltic Lava, Udupi, and Toad Rock. All these structures are true wonders of nature. A lot of tourists every year from around the world especially visit these places just to catch a glimpse of these marvelous creations of God.

UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in India

The below geological places have been enlisted in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. These sites include:

1. Home for the rare one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park, in 1985.

2. Home for numerous species of beautiful birds, Keoladeo National Park, in 1985.

3. A beautiful wildlife sanctuary, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, in 1985.

4. The biggest mangrove forest, Sundarbans, in the year 1987.

5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, in 2004.

6. The Western Ghats, in 2012.

7. The Great Himalayan National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2014.

India is an ancient country. We are blessed with a beautiful heritage. We are solely responsible to preserve the same so that our future generations also get to see and experience the same.

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Paragraph on Indian Culture

The cultural diversity in India refers to the variety of cultures and societies. It indicates the customs, beliefs, ideas, and social attributes of people. There are many different communities in India that differ markedly from each other. The more prominent cultural differences that exist between people of India are, the languages, traditions, dressing styles and food habits. Different religions influence Indian culture and the amalgamation of various cultures and traditions is evident across India. Indian culture has largely been influenced by Indian history. There is also difference in the way communities present and organize themselves in terms of morality and etiquettes. It denotes the manner in which people actually live.

You will find below a number of short and long paragraphs on Indian Culture. We hope these Indian Culture paragraphs will help students in completing their school assignments. These will also help children to write and read out paragraphs with simple words and small sentences. Students can select any paragraph on Indian Culture according to their particular requirement.

Long and Short Paragraphs on Indian Culture

Paragraph on indian culture 1 (100 words).

Indian culture is popular across the world. Indian culture is considered as the oldest and most diverse cultures of the world. People of different religions and cultures live here with strong bond. Indian people are highly devoted to their culture and religion. The Indian literature, philosophy, art and music have heavily been influenced by Indian culture and Dharmic religions throughout the history of India.

There has been prominent fusion of cultures between different religions and people of India over the past centuries. The most dominant religions in India are Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism though other religions such as Islam and Christianity are also present widely. Our country is culturally and religiously one of the most diverse country across the world.

Paragraph on Indian Culture 2 (150 words)

Indian culture refers to the amalgamation of distinct and unique cultures of all religions and communities that exist in India. India is a diverse country and the customs, traditions, food, music, religion and dance differs from place to place within the nation. The diversity in Indian culture is known across the world.

India is multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society. People in India speak different languages and have diverse lingual tones. Various languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, English, Tamil, Sindhi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Manipuri and Marathi are spoken in India. It is home to people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles.

India has traditional culture and lifestyle in villages that symbolizes the true essence of India. The village life has highly been replaced by urban lifestyle over the period of time with urbanization and development of our nation.

The culture and lifestyle in India is not rigid. While people of diverse religions, cultures and languages intermingle in India the lifestyle of people also transforms with changing times.

Paragraph on Indian Culture 3 (200 words)

The culture of India refers to the distinct cultures of various religions’ and societies in India. The phrase ‘Unity in Diversity’ is rightly coined by Jawaharlal Nehru to describe our nation that is rich in culture and heritage. India has always been known for its traditions and amiability. The affection in relations and the high spirit of celebrations make our nation stand out distinctively in the world. The vibrant culture of India is the fusion of different religions, cultures, food, festivals, dance, music, art and crafts. Everything from the cultures, traditions, values, beliefs, customs and rituals is unique in our country. The art of Indian culture blends all sorts of hues.

India is one of the most secular countries in the world. Freedom to follow different religions is the phenomenon of congenial permanence of diverse cultures In India. In spite of cultural differences there is a sort of oneness in the country. India has set an example with brotherhood and cooperation across the world. The culture of our nation, India is traditional yet contemporary. The traditional Indian culture has transformed a lot with changing time and survives in modern era with pride.

Thus, India is a blend of traditional and modern culture. People have the right to worship and follow different religions.

Paragraph on Indian Culture 4 (250 words)

The culture of India is a blend of distinctive cultures of all religions and communities present in our nation. India is popular for its rich culture and heritage across the world. People in India follow certain traditions from several decades that are prominent even in the modern times.

There are different customs and traditions followed by people in India like the unique manner in which people greet each other. Greeting with Namaste is one of the most popular customs in India. It is one of the most ancient and traditional forms of greetings mentioned in Vedas and Hindu Scriptures. It is the most customary and conventional greetings when people meet or take leave of each other. Another way of greeting most customary in India is Charana-Sparsh, i.e. touching elders’ feet. It is the most common way in India to show respect to the elders. The custom is age old and is followed even today.

Indian people also follow the unique custom of welcoming with flower garlands. It is a tradition to offer garland before a guest or a respectable personality. Even the foreigners are welcomed with flower garlands sometimes and they are overwhelmed with the kind of love and respect they receive in India. It is a humble act of admiration and that is the spirit of India.

Hence, showing love and respect is explicitly very essential part of Indian culture. It is the essence of India. Though there is a lot of transformation in the cultures, traditions, values and beliefs of the people in India in modern times, some of the rich Indian customs are still prominent in India and have great importance.

Paragraph on Indian Culture 5 (300 words)

India is a rich country with blend of several cultures, manifested in its religions, traditions, languages, values, art and craft. There is enormous variety in the culture of India due to diversity in its population. This diversity also reflects in the way people conduct themselves, their dressing styles, customs and the rituals they perform on special occasions.

Indian Dresses

India is quite popular across the world for its ethnic style of dressing. Different kinds of outfits are worn by people in India. These include salwar kameez, sarees and other traditional, fusion and modern outfits. In most of the rural parts of the country women wear ghaghara cholis. During festive seasons marriages and religious ceremonies people in India mostly prefer wearing ethnic outfits. Women usually dress up in sarees, lehenga cholis, anarkali dresses and salwar kameez while men wear dhoti kurtas, sherwanis and other traditional outfits. The traditional outfits are also teamed with pieces of jewelry. In Indian tradition wearing and possessing gold jewelry is a status symbol. People in India also wear western outfits, designer outfits and experiment a lot with their dressing.

Marriages in India

India is a land immersed in rich cultures and traditions therefore it is no surprise that marriages here are marked by traditions and customs. In most parts of India marriages are still arranged by the families though the lot has changed in modern times. Marriage in India is the manifestation of its rich cultural heritage and unites two families. The uniqueness of Indian marriages is in its lavishness. It is celebrated as a festival in India. Different rituals and customs are followed by different religions not only on the wedding day but also before and after wedding.

Indians have special rituals and customs for all the occasions and dress accordingly. The diversity is visible in the traditions and cultures of various religions. Indian culture is popular across the world for its diversity and uniqueness.

Paragraph on Indian Culture 6 (350 words)

Indian culture is the heart of India as it is a way of life for Indians. It is the amalgamation of several cultures present in India influenced by the history of our nation.

Indian Culture and Religions

Indian culture is much influenced by its religions. The most dominant religions in India include Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism that are rooted on the notion of Dharma and Karma, though the other religions such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity are also prominent in India. Indian philosophy, art, architecture and literature are highly influenced by the Indian culture. India is ethnically and religiously the most diverse countries in the world.

In India worshiping God is the most important part of the daily life. People in India mostly start and end their day with prayers. People have different values and beliefs. Hindus worship cow and consider cow as a sacred animal. Indians also worship trees. Neem tree, Peepal tree, Banyan tree and various other trees are known for their religious connotations. Rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Narmada and Tapti River are also considered holy. These are worshiped by people in India.

In India, there are many famous religious places like Haridwar, Vaishnao Devi, Amarnath, Badrinath, and Varanasi in the northern part of the country. In southern part one can visit Sabrimala, Sringeri and Rameshwaram. The other religious places one can visit are Dwarkadish Temple and Somnath Temple in Gujarat and Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Maharashtra, Mumbai. Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most beautiful and important Sikh pilgrimage site in India.

Muslims in India follow Islam and worship Allah. Quran is their religious text. Dargah Sharif of Ajmer and Ajan Pir in Assam are famous pilgrimage sites for those who follow Islam dharma.

Christians visit church for their prayers. Some of the most famous churches in India are Medak Cathedral in Andhra Pradesh, St. Joseph Church in Uttar Pradesh, Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi, St. Michael’s Cathedral in Shimla and Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi.

The custom of worshiping is the important element of Indian Culture. There are diverse religions and different rituals of worship that are performed by people here. There are prayers for different occasions and festivals in India. The variation in Indian culture is most prominent in its customs.

Paragraph on Indian Culture 7 (400 words)

India is home for host of people belonging to diverse and unique cultures and religions. Indian religions, languages, art forms and lifestyle differ from place to place within the nation. India is one of the most populated countries in the world with 29 states in India with different cultures and traditions. The cultural diversity spans across our nation.

Festivals in India

In India people celebrate festivals of various religions with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is the land of festivals. People of different religions and communities come together and celebrate festivals with love and brotherhood. Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Raksha Bandhan, Christmas, Ramzan, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi and many more festivals are celebrated here. Each festival has its religious and cultural importance. Different festivals are celebrated with different customs and traditions. The national festivals of India are, Independence Day (celebrated on 15th of August), Republic Day (celebrated on 26th January) and Gandhi Jayanti (celebrated on 2nd October). National holiday is declared on these national festivals. People in India mostly wear ethnic outfits during festive season and love to team them up with traditional jewelry.

Indian Food

With the diversity in religion and culture, a wide range of Indian food and multiple cuisines is no surprise. Indian food comprises of several ingredients and is prepared with varied cooking techniques and styles. Variety of spices and herbs are used to cook food in India. Multiple cuisines like Chinese, Punjabi, Gujarati, Thai, Mexican, Chinese and South Indian are popular in India. The aromas and flavors of Indian food are unique and praised across the world.

Indian Dance and Music

Indian art of dance includes many classical forms like Bharatnatayam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali and Odissi. Its folk dance forms include bhangra, Garba, Bihu, Ghoomar, Lavani and Dekhni.

Other than dance, the music of India is also popular. The diverse forms of music in India include classical, folk, religious, Bollywood, rock, ghazals and pop music. It is the land of Lord Krishna well-known for playing flute. The legends like Mian Tansen, M.S. Shubhalakshmi, Pt. Ravi Shankar, S. Balachandra, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Zakir Hussain, A.R. Rehman and many more are popular in India to create music.

Thus, Indians live life to the fullest and be it culture, festivals, tradition, food, music or dance – there is a wide variety in every sphere. People here celebrate different festivals, enjoy different food, perform various forms of arts and have various colours of life.

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Indian Cultural diversity: The True Essence and Beauty of India

Indian Culture
Indian Heritage

India the land of diversity, diversity in architecture , diversity in indian clothing, diversity in indian food, diversity in religion, diversity in indian customs and tradition, diversity of indian languages, diversity in indian art forms, diversity in indian festivals, diversity in indian music, diversity in indian cinema, diversity in indian litrature, diversity in indian celebration.

Indian culture is one of the most ancient cultures present in the world. The country is quite diverse and is home to several communities, each of whom has their own culture and traditions. It is this combination of various splendid cultures that make India one of a kind. The Indian cultural diversity is what makes India unique and beautiful.

Situated in the continent of Asia and enclosed by the Arabian sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, the nation, is divided into twenty-nine states and seven union territories. Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan , and Nepal form the neighbouring countries of India.

India is a land of diversity each state in the country is home to several communities who live in harmony with each other while preserving and upholding their own distinct culture and traditions. From Delhi , the capital of India, to Tamil Nadu , the southernmost state of India, the land, is blessed with amazing scenic beauty. The country is also home to several historical monuments which add to the varied heritage of India.

Recommended Read – Understanding the Culture of Indian States [Infographic]

India is a country that is incredibly diversified and that of Indian architecture . India’s architecture spans from ancient caves to contemporary skyscrapers. As India grows, India’s architecture continues to diversify through continuously reverting to its roots while maintaining current trends.

India is also classified by the Dravidian and the Nagara architectural styles as the focal focus of Hindu architecture. In the empires, in the South of India, the Dravidian style prospered, whilst in the North of India, the Nagara style predominately appeared. India’s history, culture and religion are ingrained in its architecture.

India’s vast and boundless array of traditional dress is full of aesthetic beauty. Made from many states of the country are fabrics, weaving processes, embellishments, styles and accessories of multiple sorts. A compelling epic about craftsmanship, culture or legacy tells a story in each piece. The land is a centre of heritage mode. Its diversity was a muse for a number of notable connoisseurs of fashion. In addition to the western clothing, Indians have their own ethnic attire like dhoti, kurta, sari, sherwani, turban etc. Dhoti is a piece of cloth draped around the waist by men. Dhoti is sometimes called Laacha or Dhuti. Kurta is one of India’s famous men’s ethnic clothing. It is usually worn on holidays today by folks. Likewise, the saree is the favourite choice for Indian women. A saree is a long robe, gracefully drawn by women around their bodies. Saree is Indian women’s most trendy clothing worldwide. Indian women are mostly seen in lovely sarees during religious and cultural events. However, due to their convenience, the sarees are substituted by salwar suits for the preferred daily wear.

Indian food is one of the world’s most tasteful and nuanced. There is no flavour homogeneity between North and South or East and West but rather an incredible richness of tastes. One of India’s assets is its culinary diversity.

Indian food contains so much that one ought to discuss more than just “Indian cuisines.” Each region offers a number of traditional meals and its own culinary features.

Each area is specialised in cuisine, not solely at regional, but also at the provincial level. The diversity in cuisine stem from diverse local cultures, geography (whether the region is near the sea, desert or mountains), and the economy. Indigenous kitchen likewise relies heavily on fresh local products and is seasonal.

Indian cuisine tends generally to seek a balance between spices and herbs that offers delicious dishes with surprising therapeutic and medicinal benefits.

Indian religions have influenced and shaped the Indian culture

Indian-Cultural-diversity-in-North Indian

The vast differences in the customs, traditional beliefs and rituals can be witnessed if one analyses the differences in the culture prevalent in the northern and southern part of India. The festivals, the art forms, and to an extent, even the dressing style of the people are quite different in Northern India when compared to those in Southern India . While most of the Indian women wear the saree, the style of draping the saree varies in different parts of India. This difference can be seen, not only among different states but also among the various communities within the same state.

Indian-Cultural-diversity-in-South Indian

Though Hindi is the most commonly used language in India, there exist many other languages too. As diverse the country is, each state has its distinct language, such as Kannada, (which, is spoken in Karnataka), Malayalam, (which, is spoken in Kerala), Tamil , is spoken in Tamil Nadu, etc. Apart from the fact that each state has its own language, it is also worth mentioning that some states in India have more than one and sometimes more than three prevalent languages. Due to this, it would not come as a surprise that most Indians are bilingual (or sometimes Multilingual), and can effortlessly handle more than one or two languages.

The family has always been an integral part of Indian society. In an Indian family, all the members share a close-knit connection. Joint families are also common in the country. In joint families, all the members of the family live under the same roof. However, in present times, nuclear families are becoming more common. In India, arranged marriages are relatively more common. The concept of an arranged marriage might seem a bit confusing to people from the western part of the world. However, in India, arranged marriages are more encouraged and are still very much prevalent in the country.

The unique and splendid art forms of India have a significant position in the culture of India. Each state is blessed with its unique art form and differs considerably from that of its neighbour. Though, it is worthwhile to note that many art forms of India are in some ways the amalgamation of other art forms borrowed from the neighbouring states. From the elegant Mohiniyattam , which focuses on the elegant and graceful movements of the dancer to the Ghoomar , a folk dance in Rajasthan, the art forms vary from each other but are equally beautiful and magical.

The festivals of India , too, are worth mentioning. As said earlier, each state has its own festivals, from the fragrant Onam, the festival of Kerala , which is characterized by the making of a floral carpet to the Pôhela Boishakh, (the onset New Year according to the Bengali calendar), the festivals are both colourful and equally incredible.

Indian-Cultural-diversity-in-classical-music

Music plays a significant role in the culture of any country, and India, too, is not an exception. Carnatic music , Hindustani music are the most popular in India. These are usually accompanied by the tune of the traditional musical instruments such as the tabla and the veena. Indian music is quite soothing and pleasing to the ear.

The movies produced in India, too, reflect the culture of the society. Each state in India has its own movie industry, though Bollywood is the most popular among them. The movie industries in India are known by different terms such as Mollywood (Malayalam movie industry), Tollywood, etc. Owing to the number of movies produced each year in different languages across India, adding to the fact that Indians love movies, India has now become one of the greatest producers of films.

India has also been blessed with many intellectuals and legendary writers and poets who are renowned worldwide for their contributions to humanity. Prominent among them is Rabindranath Tagore , the first Asian and Indian to win the Nobel Prize . His work Gitanjali continues to spread its message and inspires all those who read it. Other prominent writers of India include Sarojini Naidu, Aurobindo Ghosh, among others. Artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, and M F Hussain have helped in changing the face of Indian art.

Festivals and celebrations are a common occurrence in India as they occur almost every other day; however, the grandeur and pomp of these festivals are quite impressive. The country is also home to many heritage sites and monuments , including the Taj Mahal. It is all these facts combined that makes the Indian culture unique and distinct from others.

The seventh-largest country in the world, India has set itself a unique and distinct place among the other countries of the world. The host of a culture that has been prevalent for a long time, India is perhaps one of the most diverse countries in the world. From the attire worn by the people belonging to different communities to the languages spoken and even in the food habits, the country both reflects its diversity and varied heritage.

Cover Photo by Tom Chen on Unsplash

Image credits: The copyright for the images used in this article belong to their respective owners. Best known credits are given under the image. For changing the image credit or to get the image removed from Caleidoscope, please contact us.

very good knowledge

Very good guys

It’s very helpful for my science homework theme page: celebrating cultural diversity

Thanks Aarradhya, all the best for your class project!

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Essay On Indian Culture And Tradition – 10 Lines, Short & Long Essay For Kids

Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay on Indian Culture And Tradition For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on ‘indian culture and tradition’ for kids, short essay on indian culture and its tradition for children, long essay on ‘indian culture and tradition’ in english for kids, what your child will learn from the essay on indian culture and tradition.

India is a diverse country with a glorious heritage. One can find a beautiful amalgamation of various cultures, traditions, beliefs, and intellectual achievements here. Without a doubt, this is the x-factor of India. Writing an essay on Indian culture and tradition in English will allow kids to see the unseen charm of the country they are living in and polish their English vocabulary. Essay writing can also be a good way to introduce kids to various cultures and traditions. Read on for some sample ‘Indian Culture and Tradition’ essays for classes 1, 2 & 3.

Writing a composition on Indian culture and tradition can be challenging for kids if they are not well-versed with essay-writing. Below are some key points to remember while writing an essay on the topic.

There should be a proper introduction to the essay giving a brief idea about Indian culture and traditions.
The body should describe the various facets of Indian culture and traditions like their importance, essence, origin, etc.
Close the essay with a well-rounded conclusion.

Teachers and parents usually ask kids in junior classes to draft small sentences to introduce them to the topic. It also strengthens their ability to form correct sentences. Given below are a few lines on ‘Indian Culture And Tradition’ to write a good essay for classes 1 & 2.

The culture of any country showcases its social structure, beliefs, values, religious sentiments, and core philosophy.
India is a culturally diverse nation where every community lives harmoniously.
The difference in culture is reflected in dialect, clothing, and religious and social beliefs.
India’s diversity is known worldwide.
These cultures and traditions highlight India’s glorious past.
India has a distinct cultural approach in every field, including music, dance, language, etc.
The culture and traditions of India portray humanity, tolerance, unity, and social bonding.
Traditionally, we greet people by saying namaskar , namaskaaram , etc.
In many regions of the country, the younger generation touches the feet of the elders to show respect.
One can see cultural and traditional variations in the food habits of India, too.

Indian culture and tradition is a very popular topic to be given for essay writing to kids. Given below is a small paragraph of 150-200 words on the topic your child can refer to when drafting their essay.

India is an excellent example of ‘unity in diversity’. In India, you will find culturally, regionally, and intellectually varied people. Indians hold their cultures and traditions very close to their heart. It is reflected in everything, from the language, art, fashion, scriptures, and rituals to customs, ethics, behaviours, values, etc. One of the most famous attributes of Indian culture is that Indians treat their guests as Gods ( atithi devo bhava) . It is the main reason why the country has a flourishing hospitality and tourism sector. For Indians, their cultures and traditions are not mere processes but a way of living. One of the most significant differences can be spotted in Indian weddings, where in some parts, the bride needs to wear a red-coloured attire on D-day, and in some, wearing white is considered auspicious. Cultures and traditions have many dimensions in India and can be seen in the variety of food, clothing, and art forms found in the country. No matter how modern the young generation is, their roots lie in the cultures and traditions followed in the country.

Indian culture and tradition is a topic that teachers and parents think every kid should explore and know how to write about. Below is an essay for class 3 on Indian culture and tradition.

India is known for its rich and diverse culture. People worldwide recognise us with our culturally-influenced mannerisms, ethics, and beliefs. India is believed to have the oldest civilisation in the history of humanity. We are a country of 28 states with 22 major languages and nine significant faiths, including Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Despite so many differences, we live in harmony and unity. Every religion has its own festivals, customs, and beliefs, which the entire country celebrates. One can see variety in costume, food habits, and social inclinations too. Other than this diversity, ideas of humanity, unity, tolerance and social empathy also form an essential part of Indian sensibilities.

Tradition And Customs Of India

The tradition and cultures of India give the country its identity. Read on to know some of them.

1. Greetings

Indians usually greet each other by joining both the palms, bowing a little with respect, and saying namaste or namaskar , which means ‘I bow to you’. The practice of bowing has great significance in the culture. One can commonly see younger kids touching their elders’ feet to show their respect. These greetings are globally recognised for their warmth and uniqueness.

2. Religion and Festivals

India is home to religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, etc. Thanks to these communities, we celebrate a number of festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Good Friday, Christmas, Baisakhi, etc. Indians use festivals as an opportunity to come together and live harmoniously. Considering a large number of Indian festivals, one can say the country celebrates all the time.

3. Family Structure

Indians believe in living together, eating together, and celebrating together; therefore, the concept of joint families is quite prevalent here. Due to certain obligations, some families may choose to live nuclear, but most of them come together to celebrate festivals.

4. Language

India has 22 official languages and various regional dialects. So, don’t be surprised if you find someone speaking a language besides Hindi in the country.

5. Cuisines

We Indians are known for our exclusive use of herbs and spices in our foods. The cooking style also varies depending upon the region. In the South, you will find rice as a staple food. In the north, wheat chapattis are consumed with great love. You might not find rajma easily in the South, but idli is always cooked in every house. Eating with hands is typical in most traditional Indian houses.

India has various clothing styles depending on the region and its climatic conditions. Traditionally, women wear sarees, but other Indian attires, like salwar-kameez, ghagra-choli, etc., are also used in certain regions. Men, on the other hand, wear kurta-pyjama or dhoti .

By writing this essay, kids learn about the diverse culture and traditions of India, and they can use the same context when writing on a relevant topic, like ‘Values Of Indian Culture’. The more they study and write about it, the more they are likely to respect their legacy and become the torchbearers of Indian culture.

These sample essays are sure to make it easier for your child to draft their composition about the cultures and traditions of India. Once the child has the primary information, they can add their own thoughts and create a unique write-up.

Essays for Class 1
Essays for Class 2
Essays for Class 3

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Growing Up a Desi Girl: What It Means to Be Between Two Worlds

When I'm presented with a "Where are you from?" I usually run through this multiple-choice quiz in my head:

a. Say that I'm American and be prodded to admit where I'm really from, as though being born on native soil isn't enough of a token of my American-ness.

b. Say that I'm Indian and sit through the whole FAQ, ("Wait, red dot Indian or Native American? Do you eat curry every night? Do your parents speak English? Will your marriage be arranged?")

c. Say "around here" and fake that I have to go to the bathroom.

I roll the dice with options A-C, depending on how much energy I have that day. But, the truth is? I'm not sure myself some days.

Being a woman of color, people often press you even harder on that "Where are you from?" question. Questions that are often considered harmless can sometimes result in an awkward, stumbling identity crisis. My standard reply of, "California, around the SF… Bay Area," never seems to placate people, because my tan skin, big dark eyes, and thick eyebrows betray me. I don't look like I'm really American to a lot of people (read: sun-kissed, California-beach-blonde beauty), and so the label never quite fits. Add in the fact that my name is "Nikita" and I've truly thrown the audience a plot twist. Is she from here? Is she mixed-race? Is she an alien? Stay tuned to find out!

I've lived in four big cities in under 18 years: Chicago, New Delhi, San Francisco, and New York. New York is now home, and technically because my family is in California, so is San Francisco. It's odd to juggle specific regional identities that pertain to the U.S. only while negotiating the complications of my ethnic and cultural identities as well. Saying I'm from California means something different to people than "American," and saying I'm Indian carries other implications. Plus, the "Indian" identity is an umbrella term for a series of different identities all woven together by a similar overarching cultural thread and a political boundary. India is a vast country with dozens of languages, cuisines, and more — no two Indian experiences can ever neatly intersect.

Perhaps if I were entirely born and raised in America, I'd feel as though I wasn't too Indian to fit under "American" neatly. And, maybe if I didn't spend the better part of my 21 years in America, I'd feel better just saying I am Indian. I love being Indian, but sometimes I don't feel Indian enough, really. I am Indian. I am American. I am Indian-American. Neither there, nor there — but somewhere in between.

I lived in India for the better part of the first 5 years of my life, and once I moved back to the U.S., I immediately felt alien amongst my classmates. With my broken English, my funny accent, and the fact that I had no idea who Pikachu was, I may as well have been from another planet. I was a quick study, though: I laboriously repaired my accent, always making sure to pronounce my Vs and Ws correctly, and never allowing my Rs to linger on my tongue for too long; I watched all the "Blue's Clues" I could get my hands on; I asked my parents to take me to movies, the works. However, despite all my efforts otherwise, I felt culturally inept.

So I stepped up my efforts. I began shirking my Indian-ness and wholly adopting American culture in an attempt to fit in. I spent the better part of my teenage years acting as though my own culture was backwards, primitive, and something worth being ashamed of. I turned up my nose at Indian food, maligned religion, and was just kind of a brat. "I'm like, the whitest Indian girl like, ever," and all that jazz. I tried so desperately to lose all the things that made me different so that I could fall into a dominant narrative that wasn't mine and didn't need to be mine — despite how much the world sometimes made (and still makes) me feel otherwise.

I had made an error in naively assuming that assimilating wholeheartedly would make my life easier, but the truth is: whiteness didn't fit. And somehow, full on Indian-ness didn't either, given that I was (mostly) raised and schooled in America. I didn't feel as though I could relate to either fairly. In retrospect? As much as I desperately wanted one label or the other to fit in an absolutist fashion, they never needed to: it's okay to be who I am, the way I am. I think I fall somewhere in between Indian and American; I am the definition of a hyphenated, hybrid identity.

The truth is, it's okay to feel like you're neither here nor there — we are all shaped by the experiences we've lived through. There is no right way to be Indian, and there is no right way to be American. We're formed by our individual experiences and beliefs, and it's daunting to collapse millions of experiences into one label for a curious stranger (or even yourself!). It is normal to feel confused by your own identity from time to time, to feel like an enigma. Trust me though — as much as the world keeps making you feel like an absolute weirdo, you are not. Learning and knowing that I have a place in this world has been healing; finding people who have shared similar struggles, experiences, and stories has been instrumental. Know that you are not entirely alone, and as you go through life you will encounter your people.

I still don't know how to really answer that dreaded question, though. I'll keep rolling the dice and get back to you.

*Editor's Note: This headline has been adjusted from "Growing Up Indian and American" since its original publish date to reflect that Neelam Gill, the model pictured, is Indian and British.

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Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Indian Culture and Western Culture

On the other hand, Western culture , it is quite advanced and open. The norms, beliefs, values, traditions, customs and practices are greatly inspired by European culture. Moreover, Western Culture includes British culture, French culture, Spanish culture

In this article, you will find the most important differences between Indian Culture and Western Culture.

Content: Indian Culture Vs Western Culture

Comparison chart, about indian culture.

Indian Culture is the ancient and one of the most popular cultures in the world. India is very well known for its rich cultural heritage which is a combination of customs, traditions, lifestyle, religion, languages, rituals, cuisine, etc. depending upon area. Here you can see unity in diversity like people belonging to different religions live happily.

Guests are considered God here, people welcomed them with joined hands and a smile on their face. Not only the guests but here people worship animals, statues, rivers, stones, trees, kids, etc.

Indian Culture is now divided into two categories which are traditional and the modern one. In traditional culture, people give more importance to their society. Community comes first according to them, but this scenario is changing slowly with the impact of westernization.

About 3-4 decades ago, only arranged marriages are common, where the parents of the bride and groom choose the spouse for their child and then decides about the marriage but now love marriages are also equally respected.

There are so many festivals celebrated in the country like Holi, Diwali, Dusshera, Eid-UL-Fitr, Christmas, Baisakhi, Navratri, Muharram, etc. Here you can see the variety of clothing depending on the region. The Indian woman prefers Saree or Salwar Kameez with dupatta whereas Dhoti Kurta, and Kurta Payjama is the traditional outfit of men in India.

Here, transparent, revealing and tight fit dresses are not likened. Hindi is the most popular language of the country, but there are 122 major languages which are spoken in India. In India, there are is a wide variety of cuisines like northern, southern, eastern, western, etc. which differ in spices and ways of making them. Indian sculpture, architecture is also world famous.

About Western Culture

Western Culture is referred as the modern and advanced culture in the world. The main pillars of the western culture are capitalism, individualism, rights, ethical values, etc. You can see western culture in America, Germany, Spain, Europe, etc. Here most people belong to Christianity and Judaism.

People give more importance to their wants, needs, desires and happiness. Nobody here has time to think what other people thinks about them because they are busy in doing their own business.

If we talk about marriages, love marriages and consented marriages are very popular in western countries. People do not have a strong bond with their family; they leave home after reaching certain age to become self-dependent. Youngsters learn and earn at the same time.

Western architecture, paintings, and music are highly admired across the world. Ballet dance and ballroom dance are the popular dance forms here. In western countries, people are more concerned about their health, and that is why they prefer heavy lunch and a light dinner. Their food contains less oil and spices.

When its about clothing, people like to wear what the desire, there is no restriction on wearing anything. English, French, American, Spanish, etc. are the most common languages spoken in the Western countries.

Key Differences Between Indian Culture and Western Culture

The following are the major differences between Indian Culture and Western Culture

The culture which is prevalent in India is known as Indian Culture. The culture, widespread in the western countries is known as Western Culture.
Indian Culture has a variety of religions like Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, etc. while in Western Culture the people mostly belong to Christianity.
In Indian Culture, joint families are common, however nuclear families are also there. Conversely, In Western Culture, small families are there.
The traditional Indian outfit is worn in Indian Culture, although nowadays with the influence of western culture, western clothing is also preferred by the people. In contrast to Western culture, there is no such traditional outfit.
A variety of Folk, Classical, Bollywood songs is preferred in Indian Culture. On the other hand, Western Culture promotes Hip-Hop, Jazz, Blues, Rap, Heavy Metal and Rock music.
Hindi is mainly spoken in Indian Culture but in the case of Western Culture, English is spoken in a high ratio.
Indian Culture is not that more open as compared to Western Culture.

Both Indian Culture and Western Culture are right at their places. There is a lot to learn from both the cultures. For last few decades, Indian culture has been influenced by the western culture, and they are adopting the merits of the western culture like cleanliness, equal rights for both men and women, frankness, etc. which helped in removing the shortcomings of Indian culture. Similarly, western culture is also getting an Indian touch regarding Indian cuisine and yoga.

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Er. Md Nadeem Alam says

October 21, 2015 at 12:07 pm

Its really cool

October 9, 2021 at 9:43 am

Really you are awesome.

August 3, 2016 at 4:27 pm

Saved my life

November 15, 2016 at 11:08 pm

Naim choudhary says

July 18, 2017 at 3:04 pm

very big difference between India culture and western culture

Sour Knight says

November 22, 2016 at 7:17 am

Thank u. ☺☺☺

mrunal jadhav says

December 12, 2016 at 11:22 am

nice ! quite impressive i think both the culture have equal values in the today’s life

April 8, 2017 at 2:02 pm

Thanks to information

November 17, 2017 at 7:17 pm

wow that was good can i get the same like how are western festivals and indian festivals mix and give values to our lives.

Abhishek Mallav says

November 23, 2017 at 7:03 pm

Very Perfect Information

Uma Shankar says

November 27, 2017 at 5:34 pm

Really big difference between Indian and western culture. Thank you

Shrawani says

November 30, 2017 at 11:08 am

Wow. Very nice information. Loved it.💝💖

Siddhart Gopalam says

April 20, 2018 at 8:25 pm

I love it. I’m an American Born Desi and I am often torn because I have two integral cultures, which are those mentioned above. Most people would say I should choose one over the other, but this displays everything perfectly. Thank you!

June 26, 2018 at 12:41 pm

Indian culture is one of the richest and oldest cultures in the world. Thanks for sharing this comparison. Keep updating such more posts

Alice Carroll says

September 28, 2020 at 5:21 am

Thanks for pointing out that one key distinction of Indian food is the amount of spices in their food. I’ve always wanted to try out new chicken recipes because it’s fascinating to me how common it is as a source of protein and yet every culture tends to have a different take in cooking it. Maybe when I start needing to have a higher protein intake for my diet, I should consider eating from Indian restaurants.

January 10, 2021 at 5:20 pm

I like it. short and simple with cover all the information about both culture

ganesh nandgure says

August 21, 2021 at 7:14 pm

It is the most prominent Information share by the portal. It is more give the strength to both cultures. and both culture is widely important at their places.

Priyanka says

October 22, 2021 at 1:37 pm

That was very optimal whatever you told us about western culture and Indian culture

mumtaz molai says

June 25, 2022 at 8:25 am

Awesome article thanks for sharing!

Chayanika says

July 27, 2022 at 7:47 am

August 2, 2022 at 9:37 pm

It was really nice

I’ll like it

August 3, 2022 at 3:12 pm

It was really very nice

Thank you so much

Please keep sending articles like it

October 17, 2022 at 11:15 am

thanks a lot

Manisha says

November 15, 2022 at 10:31 pm

It helped a lot. Thank you

Maininder saini says

January 18, 2023 at 1:47 pm

This article helped me so much in my project file Awesome article……👌 Thanks for posting this 🙏

January 27, 2023 at 6:34 pm

Thank you for sharing a post, nice to read it, good work, keep going

Surendra Kumar says

February 10, 2024 at 3:38 pm

The difference between Indian culture and western. the way you explained. its really amazing, it’s very helpful for us to understand the key difference of our cultures , thanks for providing us such types of Information.

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Inherited Fashion: The Culture Clash Between My Mother’s Closet and My Own

What do I do with all the Indian clothes my mother gifted me?

Courtesy of Avni Shah/ InStyle

I can still remember all my favorite outfits from childhood: a cream-colored sweater with emerald-green glitter sprinkled diagonally across it; a white and red smocked sundress; a black dress from Delia’s (remember Delia’s?) with sheer puff sleeves and baby blue embroidery.

Another favorite: a red-and-silver skirt-and-blouse combo my parents purchased from India with a red, sheer piece of cloth my mom had pinned to perfection. I wore it when I was 4 years old—a truth captured only in pictures.

Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, my definition of beauty came from American magazines: Vogue and Ell e, InStyle and Bazaar , pages of which I thumbed through in waiting rooms or at the library. Glossy images of Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss dressed with enviable flair made me want to step up my own fashion game—though I had no budget or autonomy with which to try. They were the epitome of cool; self-actualized to the point of domination.

My mother was born and raised in Gujarat, India, and moved to the U.S. when she was in her 20s. For her, women to envy came from Bollywood: Madhuri Dixit, Shridevi. She dressed loudly, in bold colors and patterns that made even Versace seem ordinary. The bulk of her closet was filled with silk saris and warm, wool shawls to throw over them on a cool night. There was a small selection of floral midi skirts and blouses that she wore to the bank where she worked. It was the one place where she abided by an American dress code.

On our quadrennial trips to India—starting when I was just 4 years old—we would spend hours in boutiques. Shopkeepers would serve us chai and soft drinks while we had them unfold compressed squares of fabric. Piece after piece, we were surprised by what was inside the plastic wrap, looking for the garments that were special enough for which to negotiate a price. In those shops, I was like any child who is in the process of being spoiled: undiscerning, excited, desirous. If my parents were willing to pay, I’d say yes to dozens of outfits I didn’t need or know how to wear. All I wanted was to own them.

In the context of Indian society, everything seemed beautiful—no matter how unforgivingly the colors clashed (magenta on Minute Maid orange; chartreuse and royal purple) or how oddly the fabrics draped over my hunched frame. (I’ve always had terrible posture, but it was worse back then.) But back home in New Jersey, the same garments felt anachronistic. Even when my dad gushed about how beautiful I looked, clicking shots with his treasured Canon, I felt neighbors’ eyes boring into me. Over the years, I heard errant comments about how we looked: adult confusion at why saris were so “revealing” or kids taunting us with words like “red dot” to deride the bindi that is meant to be worn with great pride and pleasure. When people told me that their inquisition was out of deep curiosity and admiration, I knew this wasn’t the whole truth.

As I grew older, my mother and I increasingly clashed. She wished I had more Indian friends, and I wished she would spend more money on American clothes. I wanted Gap jeans and Nikes; I wanted to be cool. But she kept buying me easily wrinkled crepe fabrics in colors no one else wore, outfits that matched only with gold or silver sandals that looked like pageant-wear you might pick up at a kiosk on the Jersey shore.

The frustration was mutual, and I regarded my mother’s fashion choices with the same judgmental gaze she did mine. Insisting on wearing saris everywhere, she shocked me when she put one on—navy blue and magenta with peacocks embroidered into yards of fabric—for her Italian boss’ traditional Catholic wedding. I found it tacky, akin to showing up in white. I told her she should adhere to the understood dress code: a dress, maybe a fancy skirt and top. “The focus shouldn’t be on you or India,” I said. She didn’t relent.

As a college student at New York University, I started a work study job and a bank account. From my weekly paychecks, I began buying the clothes I’d always wished I could own. I bought sneakers from Puma and Diesel, and arm warmers from Urban Outfitters. I toyed with buying a dress from DKNY that I thought would change my life completely—army green lined with a brighter green tulle at the bottom of the skirt. It was $300 and, in the times before smartphones, I had a lot of trouble finding the store.

When I was 23 years old, I moved to Los Angeles. This time I had three suitcases and still, none of them carried my Indian clothes. I brought bangles and shawls, which I often wore to bars. My friends found it peculiar—perhaps an “east coast thing.” I went to Anthropologie and bought sundresses, and shopped surf brands like Roxy for new tank tops I could wear in 75-degrees-and-sunny. But it would be years before I visited Artesia, the area of Los Angeles County where many Indian shops and restaurants are located.

Every time my parents visited, my mom delivered several Indian fashion relics from the closet she’d preserved for me back home.

“There’s no point in my keeping these,” she’d say. “You should use them.”

I carried a dozen outfits from Pasadena to Venice to El Segundo, because I didn’t have the heart to tell my mother I had no use for them. I knew they were expensive, but I couldn’t discern their value. What was the secondary market for these items? Should I have them made into skirts and tops? Is there a place to donate old Indian luxury items? I certainly couldn’t ask my mother; it would offend her. So I held on to them, though they were becoming tighter and dustier and more dated.

After a few months of settling in, I spent my first Diwali and Indian New Year away from home. Without my mother there forcing me to dress up for a traditional, homemade dinner she’d host, the holidays seemed made-up and empty. I wondered where exactly all the Indian people were and where Indian traditions were collectively celebrated. Each passing year, I felt more distant from my childhood and more confused about what it meant to be an Indian-American. Without my mother’s guiding hand—what to wear, what to eat and when—I felt like an imposter.

One year, the guilt consumed me. That Diwali, I tried to put myself in my mother’s shoes. I stopped at Samosa House, a Los Angeles-based Indian grocery store. I grabbed frozen chapati and samosas and turmeric and Limca—a lemon-lime soda sold at food stands all over India. There was no rhyme or reason. Just nostalgia and perhaps, desperation. In the moment, I think I felt I’d failed my cultural upbringing. I could hear my mother’s voice on the other end of the phone asking for proof I planned to celebrate, that all those rituals she’d taught me would come to fruition.

In New Jersey, my parents had created a family of friends. Our gatherings were 20 to 30 people deep and full of homemade dishes. In Los Angeles, I served dinner to my then-boyfriend (now husband) alone. I wore one of my ill-fitting outfits: a pink and blue salwar kameez covered in white and silver accents. It was neither comfortable nor binding, but it felt completely unnatural, like a costume. It made me think of all those times my parents had urged me to be an Indian princess for Halloween. I wondered if they knew how it would make me feel inauthentic.

Every year after, I managed some variation of this “tradition.” Once I had children, I dressed them up, too—in outfits we had been gifted by my brother’s in-laws for a wedding. The antiquated designs and poor fit suited the kids much more; the sweetness of youth allows sartorial experiments to be much more forgiving.

But to this day, my closet calls to me in an accusatory tone. I don’t know what to do with the clothes trapped inside. I don’t know where they should go, if not on me. I’d rather wear one of the dresses I’ve shopped for online and felt excited to purchase for too much money. Dresses that made me feel cute and sexy and svelte and unique in a way my Indian clothes never did.

Last summer, my friend got married and another opportunity to wear my Indian clothes presented itself. Looking at my closet, I wondered if I should reuse one of the wasted pieces of clothing my mom had passed on to me. But looking at each of them, I knew I’d feel terrible in their itchy, stiff, old-fashioned fabrics. It was time to take the same approach to shopping for Indian clothes as I do with my Western clothes.

So I went online, trying to find the best purveyors of authentic, on-trend Indian outfits. I perused dozens of options across a handful of websites, finally landing on Kalki Fashion. Straight from Mumbai, I could get affordable, modern, in-season pieces that appealed not just to Indian cultural norms but to my own sartorial curiosity and excitement. I chose a chartreuse and hot pink tie-dye piece with a sleeveless, high-low top and elastic, straight leg bottoms. It was unlike any piece my mother had ever bought for me—modern, quirky, yet still traditional.

My mother was confused as to why I bought a new outfit when I had so many old ones.

“I just wanted to,” I replied, not sure how to explain it. Immediately, I felt guilty. Was I being wasteful? Why did I need to start from scratch?

A couple months later, my mom asked how my husband and I planned to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

“A museum,” I said. We were going to see the Keith Haring exhibit at The Broad in downtown Los Angeles. “Then dinner.”

“You should wear your new outfit,” she told me.

I considered it. It was fashion forward, nearly a fusion piece. But all I could think of was how odd it would seem in a sea of black dresses and skinny jeans. What kind of statement would it make?

For my mother, I realized, it was never about making one statement or another. It was about growing her personal style, finding her own way to fit in. To this day, she pairs jeans or leggings with India-sourced tunic tops that boast elaborate embroidery in bright, clashing colors and traditional Indian patterns, like bandhini and ikat. It’s a fusion that represents her, and that she easily owns. All those years, I thought she didn’t understand how to dress. That her choices were stubborn or haphazard. But I realize now she knew how to stay true to herself while experimenting and adapting. What she was able to do, only the most fashion-forward individuals can: Use clothes to represent who they are culturally and specifically. Her clothes were never of one world, but rather, influenced by her affection for parts of different ones. It’s this bridge between cultures I’m still trying to form, one outfit at a time.

Joseph Epstein, conservative provocateur, tells his life story in full

In two new books, the longtime essayist and culture warrior shows off his wry observations about himself and the world

Humorous, common-sensical, temperamentally conservative, Joseph Epstein may be the best familiar — that is casual, personal — essayist of the last half-century. Not, as he might point out, that there’s a lot of competition. Though occasionally a scourge of modern society’s errancies, Epstein sees himself as essentially a serious reader and “a hedonist of the intellect.” His writing is playful and bookish, the reflections of a wry observer alternately amused and appalled by the world’s never-ending carnival.

Now 87, Epstein has just published his autobiography, “ Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life: Especially if You’ve Had a Lucky Life ,” in tandem with “ Familiarity Breeds Content: New and Selected Essays .” This pair of books brings the Epstein oeuvre up to around 30 volumes of sophisticated literary entertainment. While there are some short-story collections (“The Goldin Boys,” “Fabulous Small Jews”), all the other books focus on writers, observations on American life, and topics as various as ambition, envy, snobbery, friendship, charm and gossip. For the record, let me add that I own 14 volumes of Epstein’s views and reviews and would like to own them all.

Little wonder, then, that Epstein’s idea of a good time is an afternoon spent hunched over Herodotus’s “Histories,” Marguerite Yourcenar’s “Memoirs of Hadrian” or almost anything by Henry James, with an occasional break to enjoy the latest issue of one of the magazines he subscribes to. In his younger days, there were as many as 25, and most of them probably featured Epstein’s literary journalism at one time or another. In the case of Commentary, he has been contributing pieces for more than 60 years.

As Epstein tells it, no one would have predicted this sort of intellectual life for a kid from Chicago whose main interests while growing up were sports, hanging out, smoking Lucky Strikes and sex. A lackadaisical C student, Myron Joseph Epstein placed 169th in a high school graduating class of 213. Still, he did go on to college — the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — because that’s what was expected of a son from an upper-middle-class Jewish family. But Urbana-Champaign wasn’t a good fit for a jokester and slacker: As he points out, the president of his college fraternity “had all the playfulness of a member of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers.” No matter. Caught peddling stolen copies of an upcoming accounting exam for $5 a pop, Epstein was summarily expelled.

Fortunately, our lad had already applied for a transfer to the University of Chicago, to which he was admitted the next fall. Given his record, this shows a surprising laxity of standards by that distinguished institution, but for Epstein the move was life-changing. In short order, he underwent a spiritual conversion from good ol’ boy to European intellectual in the making. In the years to come, he would count the novelist Saul Bellow and the sociologist Edward Shils among his close friends, edit the American Scholar, and teach at Northwestern University. His students, he recalls, were “good at school, a skill without any necessary carry-over, like being good at pole-vaulting or playing the harmonica.”

Note the edge to that remark. While “Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life” is nostalgia-laden, there’s a hard nut at its center. Epstein feels utter contempt for our nation’s “radical change from a traditionally moral culture to a therapeutic one.” As he explains: “Our parents’ culture and that which came long before them was about the formation of character; the therapeutic culture was about achieving happiness. The former was about courage and honor, the latter about self-esteem and freedom from stress.” This view of America’s current ethos may come across as curmudgeonly and reductionist, but many readers — whatever their political and cultural leanings — would agree with it. Still, such comments have sometimes made their author the focus of nearly histrionic vilification.

Throughout his autobiography, this lifelong Chicagoan seems able to remember the full names of everyone he’s ever met, which suggests Epstein started keeping a journal at an early age. He forthrightly despises several older writers rather similar to himself, calling Clifton Fadiman, author of “The Lifetime Reading Plan,” pretentious, then quite cruelly comparing Mortimer J. Adler, general editor of the “Great Books of the Western World” series, with Sir William Haley, one of those deft, widely read English journalists who make all Americans feel provincial. To Epstein, “no two men were more unalike; Sir William, modest, suave, intellectually sophisticated; Mortimer vain, coarse, intellectually crude.” In effect, Fadiman and Adler are both presented as cultural snake-oil salesmen. Of course, both authors were popularizers and adept at marketing their work, but helping to enrich the intellectual lives of ordinary people doesn’t strike me as an ignoble purpose.

In his own work, Epstein regularly employs humor, bits of slang or wordplay, and brief anecdotes to keep his readers smiling. For instance, in a chapter about an editorial stint at the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Epstein relates this story about a colleague named Martin Self:

“During those days, when anti-Vietnam War protests were rife, a young woman in the office wearing a protester’s black armband, asked Martin if he were going to that afternoon’s protest march. ‘No, Naomi,’ he said, ‘afternoons such as this I generally spend at the graveside of George Santayana.’”

Learned wit, no doubt, but everything — syntax, diction, the choice of the philosopher Santayana for reverence — is just perfect.

But Epstein can be earthier, too. Another colleague “was a skirt-chaser extraordinaire," a man "you would not feel safe leaving alone with your great-grandmother.” And of himself, he declares: “I don’t for a moment wish to give the impression that I live unrelievedly on the highbrow level of culture. I live there with a great deal of relief.”

In his many essays, including the sampling in “Familiarity Breeds Content,” Epstein is also markedly “quotacious,” often citing passages from his wide reading to add authority to an argument or simply to share his pleasure in a well-turned observation. Oddly enough, such borrowed finery is largely absent from “Never Say You’ve Had a Happy Life.” One partial exception might be the unpronounceable adjective “immitigable,” which appears all too often. It means unable to be mitigated or softened, and Epstein almost certainly stole it from his friend Shils, who was fond of the word.

Despite his autobiography’s jaunty title, Epstein has seen his share of trouble. As a young man working for an anti-poverty program in Little Rock, he married a waitress after she became pregnant with his child. When they separated a decade later, he found himself with four sons to care for — two from her previous marriage, two from theirs. Burt, the youngest, lost an eye in an accident while a toddler, couldn’t keep a job, fathered a child out of wedlock and eventually died of an opioid overdose at 28. Initially hesitant, Epstein came to adore Burt’s daughter, Annabelle, as did his second wife, Barbara, whom he married when they were both just past 40.

Some pages of “Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life” will be familiar to inveterate readers of Epstein’s literary journalism, all of which carries a strong first-person vibe. Not surprisingly, however, the recycled anecdotage feels less sharp or witty the second time around. But overall, this look back over a long life is consistently entertaining, certainly more page-turner than page-stopper. To enjoy Epstein at his very best, though, you should seek out his earlier essay collections such as “The Middle of My Tether,” “Partial Payments” and “A Line Out for a Walk.” Whether he writes about napping or name-dropping or a neglected writer such as Somerset Maugham, his real subject is always, at heart, the wonder and strangeness of human nature.

Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life

Especially if You’ve Had a Lucky Life

By Joseph Epstein

Free Press. 304 pp. $29.99

Familiarity Breeds Content

New and Selected Essays

Simon & Schuster. 464 pp. $20.99

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I Guess I Can Do It With a Literal Broken Heart

As the Eras Tour resumes today, one ELLE editor shares how a song from Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department had an unexpected connection to his health.

The other week, I felt like Taylor Swift.

No, I haven’t been in the recording studio writing an album, touring the globe, or raking in dough. I wasn’t shimmering in a body suit or performing to millions of fans. I didn’t break Spotify records with The Tortured Poets Department. Instead, I filled the holes in my busy week by listening and dancing to “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” over and over again, claiming the track as my own.

Whenever I’m in a rotten head space, I lose myself to the music. Whether there are people around or not, I dream of flouncing around a dance floor on my wedding day or performing in front of a stadium to thousands of fans. It’s therapy, the light at the end of my day, and often, what I look forward to the most: a 10 P.M. dance break.

This past December, when I was in Los Angeles for our annual Women in Hollywood event, I ended one particularly stressful day with a tango. I strutted through my hotel room in my black, tiny underwear and took a few minutes to perform my greatest living room hits, culminating with “Breathless,” by the Corrs.

I started dancing, hitting each body roll and ass shake, giving the performance of a lifetime. Then, at the end of the song, I pumped my hand into the sky like I was holding a microphone. A sharp pain shot across my chest and body. Within a matter of seconds, my tour came to an end. I was on my bed, almost immobile and worried about what I had just done. The pain slowly subsided. I drifted off to sleep and hoped the next day would bring healing.

The following morning, I thought all was fixed. I went to a boxing class, hit a punch, and the pain came right back. I convinced myself I was having a heart attack. I looked up the symptoms on WebMD, talked with some coworkers, and then thought it was all over. I tracked down the nearest hospital, called my family, and tried to talk it through with a provider on the phone. After my anxiety came down, and I got some professional advice, I realized it was most likely a pull. I decided to power through. I could still move.

I went through the rest of that week in Los Angeles assisting with our event with a dull pain in my chest. When I got back to New York, my primary care provider confirmed my suspicions: I had pulled a muscle. It would take some time to heal. He still wanted to run an electrocardiogram (EKG) to be safe.

After being hooked up to the machine as if I were a science experiment, my doctor came back. He recommended I see a cardiologist as soon as possible. I had pulled my chest, but something else was, in fact, wrong.

Six doctor’s appointments, two weeks on a heart monitor, and an ultrasound later, I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). Essentially, I have an extra pathway in my heart where signals sometimes travel. My resting heart rate can skyrocket to 200 beats per minute. When not treated properly, WPW can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death in children and young adults.

.css-1aear8u:before{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:34px;height:25px;content:'';display:block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1aear8u:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/elle/static/images/quote.fddce92.svg);} .css-1bvxk2j{font-family:SaolDisplay,SaolDisplay-fallback,SaolDisplay-roboto,SaolDisplay-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-size:1.625rem;font-weight:normal;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-1bvxk2j b,.css-1bvxk2j strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1bvxk2j em,.css-1bvxk2j i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1bvxk2j i,.css-1bvxk2j em{font-style:italic;} I’d feel a heftier heart rate when I had anxiety or was listening to fast-paced music. ... I had convinced myself that was something everyone experienced. They told me it was not.”

Every doctor I saw asked if I felt this high heart rate. I commented that I did, but I thought it was normal. I’d feel a heftier heart rate when I had anxiety or was listening to fast-paced music. I’d quickly lose my breath while running or feel pressure in my chest at my weekly Barry’s classes. I had convinced myself that was something everyone experienced. They told me it was not. Some patients don’t catch this condition until they’re elderly; apparently I was lucky I caught it now. We could fix it with a simple surgery, an ablation, which had a 96 percent success rate. I said yes to the procedure, and we got a date on the calendar.

The night before the surgery, I couldn’t help but play a mental supercut of the moments in my life that had made me pause, moments that made me, in reference to the song that caused me to catch the problem, breathless. I thought about the gorgeous weddings I’d attended. I thought about hearing the overture of Merrily We Roll Along played by a full orchestra for the first time. I thought about kissing a beautiful boy with cherry lips under a disco ball. I thought about the devastating end of The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai and when Parvati, Cirie, Amanda, and Natalie convinced Erik to give up individual immunity on Survivor . I thought about a recent meet cute and my first bite of the crab rangoon pizza at Fong’s in Des Moines, Iowa. I thought about my night at MetLife Stadium at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. I thought about seeing my dad cry when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl. I thought about my mom caucusing in 2016 to support her politically active son and the year I won my family’s annual Christmas board game competition. I thought about the first time seeing my name on the masthead or in a byline in ELLE Magazine. I thought about my roommate Alex, who helped me through every doctor’s appointment and was slated to go with me to the surgery the following day. I thought about my other friends who offered to take care of me, too. I thought about every single person I loved.

And then, I had the surgery. It seemed to go well. I scheduled a follow-up.

Just a few days before The Tortured Poets Department dropped, I went into my doctor for the final A-OK. I had felt better, and I was convinced the surgery worked. He told me it did not. It would take a second surgery to fix. I was in the 4 percent.

I may not be performing in front of millions of fans, but Taylor’s ability to create music that’s relatable while speaking about her extraordinary situations is unmatched. To learn that even the world’s biggest pop star has powered through her own private battles made me feel more connected to her. Many of my colleagues and friends, each carrying on with their own silent struggles, have commented how this song has been their recent anthem, and it’s become a standout topic on social media.

To learn that even the world’s biggest pop star has powered through her own private battles made me feel more connected to her.”

We shuffle along to the beats of many drums. We are sometimes asked for more and we do it, all while haunted by paralyzing thoughts, yearning for a break and sleep. Internally we are miserable, but we peddle forward. It’s a side effect of the human condition. Of course, we need to take time for ourselves too, but I have gotten through my most challenging moments, terrifying times, and biggest heartbreaks by picking myself up and forcing myself to get back out there. And I’m sure I’m not alone.

I have to remind myself often that little Sam would be in awe of me right now. He would be astounded by all I’m accomplishing and the shows I’ve attended. Little Sam would love my unabashed queerness and my recent body confidence. But he wouldn’t be able to handle my very full plate: health complications, boy problems, and a sometimes challenging (but also rewarding) career. I’m sure little Taylor would feel the same way about big Taylor right now too.

So yes, I guess I can really do it with a literal broken heart. Taylor and I have that in common. I have my second surgery in late May. Hopefully, in June, Taylor’s song will remind me of a time when I was stronger than I had ever been before.

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The Protesters and the President

Over the past week, thousands of students protesting the war in gaza have been arrested..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

Free, free, Palestine!

Free, free Palestine!

Free, free, free Palestine!

Over the past week, what had begun as a smattering of pro-Palestinian protests on America’s college campuses exploded into a nationwide movement —

United, we’ll never be defeated!

— as students at dozens of universities held demonstrations, set up encampments, and at times seized academic buildings.

[PROTESTERS CLAMORING]:

response, administrators at many of those colleges decided to crack down —

Do not throw things at our officers. We will use chemical munitions that include gas.

— calling in local police to carry out mass detentions and arrests. From Arizona State —

In the name of the state of Arizona, I declare this gathering to be a violation of —

— to the University of Georgia —

— to City College of New York.

[PROTESTERS CHANTING, “BACK OFF”]:

As of Thursday, police had arrested 2,000 students on more than 40 campuses. A situation so startling that President Biden could no longer ignore it.

Look, it’s basically a matter of fairness. It’s a matter of what’s right. There’s the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos.

Today, my colleagues Jonathan Wolfe and Peter Baker on a history-making week. It’s Friday, May 3.

Jonathan, as this tumultuous week on college campuses comes to an end, it feels like the most extraordinary scenes played out on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles, where you have been reporting. What is the story of how that protest started and ultimately became so explosive?

So late last week, pro-Palestinian protesters set up an encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles.

From the river to the sea!

Palestine will be free!

Palestine —

It was right in front of Royce Hall, which I don’t know if you are familiar with UCLA, but it’s a very famous, red brick building. It’s on all the brochures. And there was two things that stood out about this encampment. And the first thing was that they barricaded the encampment.

The encampment, complete with tents and barricades, has been set up in the middle of the Westwood campus. The protesters demand —

They have metal grates. They had wooden pallets. And they separated themselves from the campus.

This is kind of interesting. There are controlling access, as we’ve been talking about. They are trying to control who is allowed in, who is allowed out.

They sort of policed the area. So they only would let people that were part of their community, they said, inside.

I’m a UCLA student. I deserve to go here. We paid tuition. This is our school. And they’re not letting me walk in. Why can’t I go? Will you let me go in?

We’re not engaging with that.

Then you can move. Will you move?

And the second thing that stood out about this camp was that it immediately attracted pro-Israel counterprotesters.

And what did the leadership of UCLA say about all of this, the encampment and these counterprotesters?

So the University of California’s approach was pretty unique. They had a really hands-off approach. And they allowed the pro-Palestinian protesters to set up an encampment. They allowed the counterprotesters to happen. I mean, this is a public university, so anyone who wants to can just enter the campus.

So when do things start to escalate?

So there were definitely fights and scuffles through the weekend. But a turning point was really Sunday —

[SINGING IN HEBREW]:

— when this group called the Israeli American Council, they’re a nonprofit organization, organized a rally on campus. The Israeli American Council has really been against these pro-Palestinian protests. They say that they’re antisemitic. So this nonprofit group sets up a stage with a screen really just a few yards from the pro-Palestinian encampment.

We are grateful that this past Friday, the University of California, stated that they will continue to oppose any calls for boycott and divestment from Israel!

[PROTESTERS CHEERING]

And they host speakers and they held prayers.

Jewish students, you’re not alone! Oh, you’re not alone! We are right here with you! And we’re right here with you in until —

[WORDLESS SINGING]:

And then lots of other people start showing up. And the proximity between protesters and counterprotesters and even some agitators, makes it really clear that something was about to happen.

And what was that? What ended up happening?

On Monday night, a group of about 60 counterprotesters tried to breach the encampment there. And the campus police had to break it up. And things escalated again on Tuesday.

They stormed the barricades and it’s a complete riot.

[PROTESTER SHOUTING]:

Put it down! Put it down! Put it down!

I went to report on what happened just a few hours after it ended.

And I spoke to a lot of protesters. And I met one demonstrator, Marie.

Yeah, my first name is Marie. M-A-R-I-E. Last name, Salem.

And Marie described what happened.

So can you just tell me a little bit about what happened last night?

Last night, we were approached by over a hundred counterprotesters who were very mobilized and ready to break into camp. They proceeded to try to breach our barricades extremely violently.

Marie said it started getting out of hand when counterprotesters started setting off fireworks towards the camp.

They had bear spray. They had Mace. They were throwing wood and spears. Throwing water bottles, continuing fireworks.

So she said that they were terrified. It was just all hands on deck. Everyone was guarding the barricades.

Every time someone experienced the bear spray or Mace or was hit and bleeding, we had some medics in the front line. And then we had people —

And they said that they were just trying to take care of people who were injured.

I mean, at any given moment, there was 5 to 10 people being treated.

So what she described to me sounded more like a battlefield than a college campus.

And it was just a complete terror and complete abandonment of the university, as we also watched private security watch this the entire time on the stairs. And some LAPD were stationed about a football field length back from these counterprotesters, and did not make a single arrest, did not attempt to stop any violence, did not attempt to get in between the two groups. No attempt.

I should say, I spoke to a state authorities and eyewitnesses and they confirmed Marie’s account about what happened that night, both in terms of the violence that took place at the encampment and how law enforcement responded. So in the end, people ended up fighting for hours before the police intervened.

[SOMBER MUSIC]

So in her mind, UCLA’s hands-off approach, which seemed to have prevailed throughout this entire period, ends up being way too hands off in a moment when students were in jeopardy.

That’s right. And so at this point, the protesters in the encampment started preparing for two possibilities. One was that this group of counterprotesters would return and attack them. And the second one was that the police would come and try to break up this encampment.

So they started building up the barricades. They start reinforcing them with wood. And during the day, hundreds of people came and brought them supplies. They brought food.

They brought helmets, goggles, earplugs, saline solution, all sorts of things these people could use to defend themselves. And so they’re really getting ready to burrow in. And in the end, it was the police who came.

[PROTESTERS SHOUTING]:

So Wednesday at 7:00 PM, they made an announcement on top of Royce Hall, which overlooks the encampment —

— administrative criminal actions up to and including arrest. Please leave the area immediately.

And they told people in the encampment that they needed to leave or face arrest.

[DRUM BEATING]: [PROTESTERS CHANTING]

And so as night falls, they put on all this gear that they’ve been collecting, the goggles, the masks and the earplugs, and they wait for the police.

[DRUM BEATING]:

And so the police arrive and station themselves right in front of the encampment. And then at a certain point, they storm the back stairs of the encampment.

[PROTESTERS CHANTING]:

And this is the stairs that the protesters have been using to enter and exit the camp. And they set up a line. And the protesters do this really surprising thing.

The people united!

They open up umbrellas. They have these strobe lights. And they’re flashing them at the police, who just slowly back out of the camp.

[PROTESTERS CHEERING]:

And so at this point, they’re feeling really great. They’re like, we did it. We pushed them out of their camp. And when the cops try to push again on those same set of stairs —

[PROTESTER SHOUTS]:

Hold your ground!

— the protesters organized themselves with all these shields that they had built earlier. And they go and confront them. And so there’s this moment where the police are trying to push up the stairs. And the protesters are literally pushing them back.

Push them back! Push them back!

Push them back!

And at a certain point, dozens of the police officers who were there, basically just turn around and leave.

So how does this eventually come to an end?

So at a certain point, the police push in again. Most of the conflict is centered at the front of these barricades. And the police just start tearing them apart.

[METAL CLANGING]

[CLAMORING]

They removed the front barricade. And in its place is this group of protesters who have linked arms and they’re hanging on to each other. And the police are trying to pull protesters one by one away from this group.

He’s just a student! Back off!

But they’re having a really hard time because there’s so many protesters. And they’re all just hanging on to each other.

We’re moving back now.

So at a certain point, one of the police officers started firing something into the crowd. We don’t exactly know what it was. But it really spooked the protesters.

Stop shooting at kids! Fuck you! Fuck them!

They started falling back. Everyone was really scared. The protesters were yelling, don’t shoot us. And at that point, the police just stormed the camp.

Get back. Get back.

Back up now!

And so after about four hours of this, the police pushed the protesters out of the encampment. They had arrested about 200 protesters. And this was finally over.

And I’m just curious, Jonathan, because you’re standing right there, you are bearing witness to this all, what you were thinking, what your impressions of this were.

I mean, I was stunned. These are mostly teenagers. This is a college campus, an institution of higher learning. And what I saw in front of me looked like a war zone.

[TENSE MUSIC]

The massive barricade, the police coming in with riot gear, and all this violence was happening in front of these red brick buildings that are famous for symbolizing a really open college campus. And everything about it was just totally surreal.

Well, Jonathan, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Thanks, Michael.

We’ll be right back.

Peter, around 10:00 AM on Thursday morning as the smoke is literally still clearing at the University of California Los Angeles, you get word that President Biden is going to speak.

Right, exactly. It wasn’t on his public schedule. He was about to head to Andrews Air Force base in order to take a trip. And then suddenly, we got the notice that he was going to be addressing the cameras in the Roosevelt Room.

They didn’t tell us what he was going to talk about. But it was pretty clear, I think. Everybody understood that it was going to be about these campus protests, about the growing violence and the clashes with police, and the arrests that the entire country had been watching on TV every night for the past week, and I think that we were watching just that morning with UCLA. And it reached the point where he just had to say something.

And why, in his estimation and those of his advisors, was this the moment that Biden had to say something?

Well, it kind of reached a boiling point. It kind of reached the impression of a national crisis. And you expect to hear your president address it in this kind of a moment, particularly because it’s about his own policy. His policy toward Israel is at the heart of these protests. And he was getting a lot of grief. He was getting a lot of grief from Republicans who were chiding him for not speaking out personally. He hadn’t said anything in about 10 days.

He’s getting a lot of pressure from Democrats, too, who wanted him to come out and be more forceful. It wasn’t enough, in their view, to leave it to his spokespeople to say something. Moderate Democrats felt he needed to come out and take some leadership on this.

And so at the appointed moment, Peter, what does Biden actually say in the Roosevelt Room of the White House?

Good morning.

Before I head to North Carolina, I wanted to speak for a few moments about what’s going on, on our college campuses here.

Well, it comes in the Roosevelt Room and he talks to the camera. And he talks about the two clashing imperatives of American principle.

The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld.

One is freedom of speech. The other is the rule of law.

In fact, peaceful protest is in the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues. But, but, neither are we a lawless country.

In other words, what he’s saying is, yes, I support the right of these protesters to come out and object to even my own policy, in effect, is what he’s saying. But it shouldn’t trail into violence.

Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. It’s against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses —

It shouldn’t trail into taking over buildings and obstructing students from going to class or canceling their graduations.

Threatening people, intimidating people, instilling fear in people is not peaceful protest. It’s against the law.

And he leans very heavily into this idea that what he’s seeing these days goes beyond the line.

I understand people have strong feelings and deep convictions. In America, we respect the right and protect the right for them to express that. But it doesn’t mean anything goes.

It has crossed into harassment and expressions of hate in a way that goes against the national character.

As president, I will always defend free speech. And I will always be just as strong and standing up for the rule of law. That’s my responsibility to you, the American people, and my obligation to the Constitution. Thank you very much.

Right, as I watched the speech, I heard his overriding message to basically be, I, the president of the United States, am drawing a line. These protests and counterprotests, the seizing and defacing of campus buildings, class disruption, all of it, name calling, it’s getting out of hand. That there’s a right way to do this. And what I’m seeing is the wrong way to do it and it has to stop.

That’s exactly right. And as he’s wrapping up, reporters, of course, ask questions. And the first question is —

Mr. President, have the protests forced you to reconsider any of the policies with regard to the region?

— will this change your policy toward the war in Gaza? Which, of course, is exactly what the protesters want. That’s the point.

And he basically says —

— no. Just one word, no.

Right. And that felt kind of important, as brief and fleeting as it was, because at the end of the day, what he’s saying to these protesters is, I’m not going to do what you want. And basically, your protests are never going to work. I’m not going to change the US’s involvement in this war.

Yeah, that’s exactly right. He is saying, I’m not going to be swayed by angry people in the streets. I’m going to do what I think is right when it comes to foreign policy. Now, what he thinks is that they’re not giving him enough credit for trying to achieve what they want, which is an end of the war.

He has been pressuring Israel and Hamas to come to a deal for a ceasefire that will, hopefully, in his view, would then lead to a more enduring end of hostilities. But, of course, this deal hasn’t gone anywhere. Hamas, in particular, seems to be resisting it. And so the president is left with a policy of arming Israel without having found a way yet to stop the war.

Right. I wonder, though, Peter, if we’re being honest, don’t these protests, despite what Biden is saying there, inevitably exert a kind of power over him? Becoming one of many pressures, but a pressure nonetheless that does influence how he thinks about these moments. I mean, here he is at the White House devoting an entire conversation to the nation to these campus protests.

Well, look, he knows this feeds into the political environment in which he’s running for re-election, in which he basically has people who otherwise might be his supporters on the left disenchanted with him. And he knows that there’s a cost to be paid. And that certainly, obviously, is in his head as he’s thinking about what to do.

But I think his view of the war is changing by the day for all sorts of reasons. And most of them having to do with realities on the ground. He has decided that Israel has gone far enough, if not too far, in the way it has conducted this operation in Gaza.

He is upset about the humanitarian crisis there. And he’s looking for a way to wrap all this up into a move that would move to peacemaking, beginning to get the region to a different stage, maybe have a deal with the Saudis to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for some sort of a two-state solution that would eventually resolve the Palestinian issue at its core.

So I think it’s probably fair to say that the protests won’t move him in an immediate kind of sense. But they obviously play into the larger zeitgeist of the moment. And I also think it’s important to know who Joe Biden is at heart.

Explain that.

He’s not drawn to activism. He was around in 1968, the last time we saw this major conflagration at Columbia University, for instance. At the time, Joe Biden was a law student in Syracuse, about 250 miles away. And he was an institutionalist even then.

He was just focused on his studies. He was about to graduate. He was thinking about the law career. And he didn’t really have much of an affinity, I think, for his fellow students of that era, for their activist way of looking at things.

He tells a story in his memoir about walking down a street in Syracuse one day to go to the pizza shop with some friends. And they walk by the administration building. And they see people hanging out of the windows. They’re hanging SDS banners. That’s the Students for a Democratic Society, which was one of the big activist groups of the era.

And he says, they were taking over the building. And we looked up and said, look at those assholes. That’s how far apart from the antiwar movement I was. That’s him writing in his memoir.

So to a young Joe Biden, those who devote their time and their energy to protesting the war are, I don’t need to repeat the word twice, but they’re losers. They’re not worth his time.

Well, I think it’s the tactics they’re using more than the goals that he disagreed with. He would tell you he disagreed with the Vietnam War. He was for civil rights. But he thought that taking over a building was performative, was all about getting attention, and that there was a better way, in his view, to do it.

He was somebody who wanted to work inside the system. He said in an interview quite a few years back, he says, look, I was wearing sports coats in that era. He saw himself becoming part of the system, not somebody trying to tear it down.

And so how should we think about that Joe Biden, when we think about this Joe Biden? I mean, the Joe Biden who, as a young man, looked upon antiwar protesters with disdain and the one who is now president and his very own policies have inspired such ferocious campus protests?

Yeah, that Joe Biden, the 1968 Joe Biden, he could just throw on a sports coat, go to the pizza shop with his friends, make fun of the activists and call them names, and then that’s it. They didn’t have to affect his life. But that’s not what 2024 Joe Biden can do.

Now, wherever he goes, he’s dogged by this. He goes to speeches and people are shouting at him, Genocide Joe! Genocide Joe! He is the target of the same kind of a movement that he disdained in 1968. And so as much as he would like to ignore it or move on or focus on other things, I think this has become a defining image of his year and one of the defining images, perhaps, of his presidency. And 2024 Joe Biden can’t simply ignore it.

Well, Peter, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

Here’s what else you need to know today. During testimony on Thursday in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, jurors heard a recording secretly made by Trump’s former fixer, Michael Cohen, in which Trump discusses a deal to buy a woman’s silence. In the recording, Trump asks Cohen about how one payment made by Trump to a woman named Karen McDougal would be financed. The recording could complicate efforts by Trump’s lawyers to distance him from the hush money deals at the center of the trial.

A final thing to know, tomorrow morning, we’ll be sending you the latest episode from our colleagues over at “The Interview.” This week, David Marchese talks with comedy star Marlon Wayans about his new stand-up special.

It’s a high that you get when you don’t know if this joke that I’m about to say is going to offend everybody. Are they going to walk out? Are they going to boo me? Are they going to hate this. And then you tell it, and everybody cracks up and you’re like, woo.

Today’s episode was produced by Diana Nguyen, Luke Vander Ploeg, Alexandra Leigh Young, Nina Feldman, and Carlos Prieto. It was edited by Lisa Chow and Michael Benoist. It contains original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you on Monday.

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May 3, 2024 • 25:33 The Protesters and the President
May 2, 2024 • 29:13 Biden Loosens Up on Weed
May 1, 2024 • 35:16 The New Abortion Fight Before the Supreme Court
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April 29, 2024 • 47:53 Trump 2.0: What a Second Trump Presidency Would Bring

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jonathan Wolfe and Peter Baker

Produced by Diana Nguyen , Luke Vander Ploeg , Alexandra Leigh Young , Nina Feldman and Carlos Prieto

Edited by Lisa Chow and Michael Benoist

Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Chris Wood

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Warning: this episode contains strong language.

Over the past week, students at dozens of universities held demonstrations, set up encampments and, at times, seized academic buildings. In response, administrators at many of those colleges decided to crack down and called in the local police to detain and arrest demonstrators.

As of Thursday, the police had arrested 2,000 people across more than 40 campuses, a situation so startling that President Biden could no longer ignore it.

Jonathan Wolfe, who has been covering the student protests for The Times, and Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent, discuss the history-making week.

On today’s episode

Jonathan Wolfe , a senior staff editor on the newsletters team at The New York Times.

Peter Baker , the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times covering President Biden and his administration.

A large crowd of people in a chaotic scene. Some are wearing police uniforms, other are wearing yellow vests and hard hats.

Background reading

As crews cleared the remnants of an encampment at U.C.L.A., students and faculty members wondered how the university could have handled protests over the war in Gaza so badly .

Biden denounced violence on campus , breaking his silence after a rash of arrests.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jonathan Wolfe is a senior staff editor on the newsletters team at The Times. More about Jonathan Wolfe

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

Luke Vander Ploeg is a senior producer on “The Daily” and a reporter for the National Desk covering the Midwest. More about Luke Vander Ploeg

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