Culture is something related to the origin of a country and the people living in it. India is a land that has been explored and exploited by many races. It is also an economic and business hub in medieval times. Many travelers and businessmen opened up international trade with this subcontinent. As a result, there is an inflow in the people of those cultures and many of them settled here being mesmerized with the beauty of this land and its resources. All such aspects left an indelible impression on Indian culture.
To compare Indian culture and western culture, we can consider many aspects:
Religious beliefs: India is a land of multiple religious beliefs. People here are known for their religious tolerance. India being a Hindu nation contains more mosques than any other Islamic nation. The festivals of varied religions are celebrated with equal joy and happiness. Western culture is predominantly Christian and still, there is a lot of gap between Indian culture and western culture in this area.
Clothing: Indian culture stresses covering one’s whole body. According to Hindu scriptures, one should never be naked even while bathing or sleeping. The clothing should attract respect and impart power to oneself. Western culture on the other hand doesn’t believe in covering the full body. People there give more importance to style and trend rather than modesty.
Food: Indian food is freshly cooked, with spices that do wonders for health. It is oil-based, and the main ingredients are rice, wheat, and millets. Junk and high fat have no place in Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine is predominantly vegetarian as well as meat-based. On the other hand, western food habits are mostly meat-based, rich in junk and processed foods.
Family: Family finds utmost importance in Indian’s life. Children who stay with parents and joint families are respected well in Indian society. Women often take prominence in shaping children and their growth. Western families are mostly small, individual and parents take appointments to meet their children and grandchildren.
Arts and culture: India is a land of diversified art forms. Right from stone sculptures, classical music and dance, drawings, handicrafts, and art forms, India is a place that stuns one with its intense diversity in art. Millions of tourists visit Indian monuments and temples to marvel at their architecture and finesse of art. Western culture has many churches mainly with glass paintings in the tall churches that draw the attention of worldwide tourists.
Movies: Indian film industry is one of the main industries in India. Movies are intertwined with people’s culture here. They also create an impact on their thinking and lifestyle. Every year India releases thousands of movies in various languages. Western culture has mainly English movies that are rich in content and making.
Languages: India is one of the countries where people speak varied languages. The Indian constitution recognizes 22 official languages. There are also thousands of mother tongues in India that do not have scripts or any number of speakers. The linguistic diversity of India amazes anyone new to this subcontinent. Western culture mainly emphasizes English, along with other languages.
Practices: Indian practices are mainly in tune with nature and its timings. The worship of trees, rivers, animals, fasting, praying, meditation, yoga, etc. are all designed to well-balance the ecosystems as well as the elements in the human body. Western practices are in tune with the English calendar and celebrate the changes in the weather and human bonds.
Right from namastey to the art of wearing saree, no wonder, anyone can’t resist falling in love with Indian culture and practices thanks to its hidden science and unmatchable beauty.
