Cultural heritage and traditions of India
Culture & Heritage
Cultural heritage and traditions of India
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has been a center of Hindu spirituality for over 3,000 years.
India recognizes 22 official languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, with each state having its own official language(s).
India celebrates over 50 major festivals across different religions and regions, reflecting its cultural diversity and unity.
The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, built in the 13th century, is designed as a giant chariot with 24 wheels and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai has 14 gopurams (towers), with the tallest reaching 52 meters, and features over 33,000 sculptures.
India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including 34 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed site, showcasing its rich heritage.
Yoga, originating in India over 5,000 years ago, is now practiced worldwide with June 21 celebrated as International Yoga Day.
Temples in India serve not just as places of worship but as centers of art, music, dance, and cultural preservation for centuries.
Indian cuisine varies dramatically across regions, with each state having distinct culinary traditions influenced by geography, climate, and culture.
India has over 2 million Hindu temples, showcasing diverse architectural styles from Dravidian, Nagara, Vesara, and regional traditions.
Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, known as "Asia's Cleanest Village," has become a model for rural sanitation and eco-tourism in India.
Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya are recognized as India's cultural treasures.