Andhra Pradesh:
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Food:
- Telugu cuisine known for spicy and tangy curries, pickles, and rice-based dishes.
- Liberal use of chilies and spices, with lentils being common in the cuisine.
Traditional Dress:
- Sarees are popular among women.
- Men prefer wearing Dhoti and Kurtas.
Dance:
- Kuchipudi is a famous traditional dance form.
- Named after a village where Brahmins practiced the art.
- Dancers sway to music accompanied by singers and musicians.
Language:
- Telugu is the official language of Andhra Pradesh.
- Various local dialects also spoken, reflecting regional diversity.
- Strong influence of Sanskrit on Telugu language.
Arunachal Pradesh:
Food:
- Momos are a common food item.
- Rice with fish or meat and green vegetables is the staple diet.
- Thukpa is popular among the Monpa tribe.
- Rice beer is a common alcoholic beverage.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear 'Monapas' attire.
- Women wear 'Chemise' with an embroidered jacket and petticoat/skirt.
Dance:
- Bardo Chamm is a popular traditional dance.
- Depicts the fight between good and evil.
- Dancers wear masks and animal costumes, accompanied by drums and cymbals.
Language:
- Linguistically rich state with at least 30 distinct languages and numerous dialects.
- Common languages include Tani, Bodic, Idu, Miju, among others.
- Hindi and English are the official languages.
Assam:
Food:
- Assamese cuisine blends techniques from hills and plains.
- Fermenting is common in hill regions, while fresh fish and vegetables are used in the plains.
- Traditional meal starts with a khar and ends with a tangy tenga dish.
- Popular dishes include pura maas mankho, dhekiyasak, pitika, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear 'Dhoti and Kurta' with Gamcha.
- Women wear 'Muga' or 'Mekhela Chadar.'
Dance:
- Bihu dance during the harvest festival.
- Jhumur Nach performed by tea garden workers to the beat of 'Madal.'
- Bagurumba dance by the Bodo tribal community, performed by girls alone.
Language:
- Assamese is the official language and widely spoken in Assam.
- An Eastern Indo-Aryan language.
Bihar:
Food:
- Bihari cuisine is predominantly vegetarian due to Buddhist and Hindu influences.
- Some sections of the population also consume freshwater fish.
- Popular dishes include Chokha, Sattu Paratha, and Bihari Fish Curry.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear Dhoti, Kurta, and Gamchha.
- Women wear Saree and Choli tops.
Dance:
- Jhijian Dance: Women sing and dance to appease Lord Indra.
- Jat Jatin Dance: Depicts the hardships of an emigrant couple.
- Kajari Dance: Performed during the rainy season, resembling a peacock's dance.
Language:
- Bihari is a collective name for the different languages spoken in the region.
- Common dialects include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika, etc.
- Hindi is the official language and widely used in education.
Chhattisgarh:
Food:
- Cuisine based on maize, wheat, and jowar.
- Fond of tangy and sweet dishes like jalebis, petha, and rakhia badi.
- Categorized into tribal and non-tribal food.
Traditional Dress:
- Saree is popular among Chhattisgarh women.
- Men wear Dhoti, dhotis, and cotton turbans.
Dance:
- Panthi: Religious dance performed on Guru Ghasi Das's birth anniversary.
- Raut Nacha: Resembles Lord Krishna's raas leela, performed by Yadavs.
Language:
- Chhattisgarhi is the official language.
- Written in Devanagari script, with influences from Munda and Dravidian languages.
Goa:
Food:
- Tangy and unique Goan cuisine with coconut milk, rice, and seafood.
- Influenced by Hindu and Portuguese flavors.
- Kokum widely used; Goan fish curry is a popular dish.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Saree, also called Nav Vari.
- Men wear Dhoti and Shirt.
Dance:
- Dekni: Traditional dance performed by women, combining East and West influences.
- Kunbi: Social dance depicting pre-Portuguese conquest era.
- Gofftoo: Peasant dance performed after the harvest season.
Language:
- Konkani is the official language in Goa and the Konkan region.
- Portuguese still spoken by some elderly population.
- Marathi is also spoken in some areas.
Gujarat:
Food:
- Predominantly vegetarian cuisine influenced by Jainism and Hindu values.
- Four main regions with distinctive cooking styles.
- Typical Gujarati thali includes roti, dal, rice, and vegetables.
- Dishes blend sweetness, saltiness, and hotness.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Chaniya choli, salwar kameez, and sarees.
- Men wear dhotis, kurtas, bandis, and Kedia with a turban.
Dance:
- Garba: Popular dance performed during Navratri with concentric circles around a central idol or lamp of Goddess Shakti.
- Dandiya Raas: Originally a men's dance, now both men and women perform it during Navratri.
Language:
- Gujarati is the official language.
- An Indo-Aryan language with origins in Old Gujarati, giving rise to modern Gujarati and Rajasthani languages.
Haryana:
Food:
- Rotis and dairy products are staples of the Haryanvi diet.
- Homemade butter and ghee are commonly used.
- Lassi is a popular beverage.
- Haryanvi cuisine includes dishes like Pethe ki subji, teet ka achar, churma, kheer, malpuas, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear Dhoti-Kurta with Juttis and Paghari (turban).
- Women wear Ghagra-Choli along with Odni (headcover).
Dance:
- Saang Dance: Performed in groups, with men dressing up as women to play female characters. Based on folk tales or religious stories.
- Chhathi Dance: Performed by women to celebrate the birth of a male child, depicting romantic stories.
Language:
- Haryanvi is the commonly spoken language, an Indo-Aryan language similar to Braj Bhasha and considered a dialect of Hindi.
Himachal Pradesh:
Food:
- Cuisine similar to North India but with a preference for non-vegetarian dishes.
- Red meat and wheat bread are common.
- Popular dishes include Madira, Pateer, and Til Chutney.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear dhoti-kurta or pajama-kurta with Pagri (turban).
- Women wear Ghagra, Lehenga-choli, and Kurtis.
Dance:
- Kinnauri Nati: Depicts sowing of crops and festivities.
- Namagen: Welcomes the autumn season, with colorful costumes and beautiful silver jewelry.
Language:
- Hindi is the official language.
- Pahari language, with various dialects, is spoken in some regions.
- Punjabi is also widely spoken.
Jammu and Kashmir:
Food:
- Kashmiri cuisine emphasizes meats, especially mutton.
- Mutton is prepared in around 30 different ways.
Traditional Dress:
- Traditional dress for men is Kashmiri or Pathani Suit.
- Women wear Pheran with churidar salwar.
Dance:
- Kud: Ritual dance performed to appease the gods, accompanied by Chhaina, flute, and drums.
- Dumhal Dance: Popular folk dance performed by men of the Wattal community, known for colorful costumes.
Language:
- Kashmiri is the most widely spoken language.
- Hindi, Urdu, and English are also used for communication in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jharkhand:
Food:
- Authentic cuisine not commonly available in restaurants.
- Includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Prepared with minimal use of spices and vegetables.
Traditional Dress:
- 'Bhagwan' is a one-piece traditional clothing.
- Men also wear Dhoti-Kurta with a turban.
- Women prefer to wear Saree.
Dance:
- Chhou: Tribal dance with paper mache masks, based on mythology stories. Colorful costumes and jewelry are special attractions.
Language:
- Hindi is the official language.
- Various languages and dialects used in different parts of the state, including Santhali, Mundari, Kharia, Ho, Bhumiji, etc.
Karnataka:
Food:
- Wholesome mix of nutrients with rice, lentils, and vegetables.
- Meal starts with Payasam dessert.
- Popular dishes include Bisibele bhath, Holige, Vangi Bath, Uppittu, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Ilakal, silk sarees, and dhavani.
- Men wear a shirt and Panche (a dhoti).
Dance:
- Kunitha: Ritualistic dance performed by the shepherd community.
- Komb-aat: Ritualistic dance within temple premises, depicting stories from mythology.
Language:
- Kannada is the official language.
- Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, and Urdu are also spoken in the state.
Kerala:
Food:
- Distinctive cuisine with unique taste, aroma, and flavor.
- Seafood is highly popular in coastal regions.
- Coconut and coconut oil are important ingredients.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Set saree with a golden border.
- Men adorn lungi or mundu with a shirt.
Dance:
- Kathakali: Dramatized dance drama depicting stories from mythology. Known for elaborate make-up and costumes.
Language:
- Malayalam is the official language.
- Hindi, English, and Tamil are also spoken in the region.
Madhya Pradesh:
Food:
- Cuisine includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Northern and Western MP focus on wheat and meat, while Southern and Eastern MP focus on rice and fish.
- Popular dishes include rogan josh, biryani, pilaf, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear Dhoti-Kurta with a turban.
- Women prefer to wear saree or lehenga-choli.
Dance:
- Tertali: Women of the Kamar tribe perform this dance with cymbals tied to their body, accompanied by a Manjira.
- Charkula: Women dance with lit lamps on their head to appease Lord Krishna, performed on the third day after Holi.
Language:
- Hindi is the official language.
- Marathi, Malvi, Nimadi, Bundeli, and other languages are spoken in different parts of the state.
Maharashtra:
Food:
- Marathi cuisine offers a mix of mild to spicy dishes.
- Vegetables, rice, wheat, and jowar are common components.
- Popular dishes include bata vada, puran poli, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear choli with Lugda and Nauwari saree.
- Men wear traditional Dhotar and Pheta (turban) as their dress.
Dance:
- Lavani: Popular folk dance performed by women wearing sarees, known for its powerful rhythm and quick beats.
Language:
- Marathi is the official language.
- Hindi and English are also widely used due to immigration.
Manipur:
Food:
- Manipuri cuisine focuses on rice, vegetables, and fish.
- Seasonal and dependent on available vegetables.
- Unique use of endemic herbs, roots, and vegetables.
- Some items, like fermented bamboo shoots, require an acquired taste.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear jackets with dhoti and white turban.
- Women adorn Innaphi and Phanek, similar to a sarong.
Dance:
- Dhol Cholom: Drum dance performed during Holi, with drums being integral to Manipuri dances.
Language:
- Manipur or Meitei language is the state language.
- Various dialects spoken in different parts of the state.
- English is widely used in Manipur.
Meghalaya:
Food:
- Distinct cuisine centered around rice and spicy non-vegetarian dishes.
- Domestication of animals for food and commercial purposes.
- Popular food items include Ki Kpu, minil songa, sakin gata, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Meghalaya traditional cloth is called Jaisen, made from mulberry silk.
- Women style it as a saree, while men wear it as a dhoti, with jackets and a turban.
Dance:
- Laho Dance: Popular traditional dance where a young girl dances with two young men, with beautiful couplets on love being recited.
Language:
- Garo and Khasi are the main languages.
- English is the official language.
- Nepali is also widely used in Meghalaya.
Mizoram:
Food:
- Distinct cuisine with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Non-vegetarian ingredients used even in vegetarian dishes.
- Rice and fish are popular, and minimal oil is used in cooking.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear a single piece cloth similar to a saree, along with a thick coat for winter.
- Women wear Puan, with Puanchei being worn during festivals in black and white stripes.
Dance:
- Cheraw Dance: Popular form of dance where men move bamboo poles to the rhythm of drums, and women jump through the gaps between the poles.
Language:
- Mizo (Lushai) is the most widely spoken language.
- Other languages include Pawi, Paite, and Hmar.
Nagaland:
Food:
- Unique cooking methods with dried, smoked, or fermented food.
- Meal consists of rice, boiled vegetables, and a meat dish.
- Smoked meat is a preferred food.
- Liberal use of different kinds of chilies to make the food spicy.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Angami, consisting of Vatchi (sleeveless top) paired with Neikhro (slip) and Pfemhou (white skirt).
- Men wear shawl, Ratapfe, and lungi.
Dance:
- Chang Lo: Victory dance performed on special occasions and important festivals like Poanglem (harvest festival).
Language:
- Different languages and dialects exist among the tribes.
- About 20 different dialects, but no scripts of their own.
Odisha:
Food:
- Cuisine similar to West Bengal, with spicy dishes and use of ginger-garlic paste.
- Mustard oil commonly used for cooking.
- Sweets made of chenna (cheese) are famous.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Sambalpuri and Kataki sarees.
- Men wear gamcha, dhoti, and kurta.
Dance:
- Gotipua: Dance performed by young boys below the age of 14 to appease Lord Jagannath in temples.
- Odissi: Graceful dance form practiced by devadasis in temples, known for beautiful costumes, movements, and jewelry.
Language:
- Odia is the state language.
- Hindi, English, Bengali, and Telugu are also widely used in the state.
Punjab:
Food:
- Punjabi cuisine known for strong flavors and aroma.
- Includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with meat dishes being popular.
- Dairy products widely used in the cuisine.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear kurta with Tehmat/pajama or dhoti, styled with different types of pagri (turban).
- Women wear salwar kameez or Patiala suit with Paranda (hair ornament).
Dance:
- Bhangra: Popular traditional dance performed during the harvest season, known for colorful costumes and peppy music.
Language:
- Punjabi is the state language and the 10th most widely spoken native language in the world.
- Hindi is also widely spoken in Punjab.
Rajasthan:
Food:
- Rajasthani cuisine reflects the arid atmosphere and war-like lifestyles of the region.
- Famous dishes include Dal Bati Churma, Gatte ki Sabji, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear kurtas with dhoti/pajama or Angarkha, along with paggar or safa (headgear).
- Women wear traditional ghagra with Kanchli (choli or blouse).
Dance:
- Ghoomar: Traditionally performed by Bhil tribe women, characterized by large swirling robes and swaying movements to singing by men and women. Colorful clothes and jewelry are special features.
Language:
- Rajasthani is the state language, descended from Old Gujarati.
Sikkim:
Food:
- Sikkimese cuisine is popular across the country, known for momos and noodles.
- Popular dishes include Gya thuk, Phagshapa, Thukpa, etc.
Traditional Dress:
- Traditional dress for both men and women is called Bakhu.
- Men wear it with a belt and trousers, while women style it with a full-sleeve silk blouse called Honju.
Dance:
- Singhi Chham: Traditional dance where dancers wear masks resembling snow lions, the cultural symbol of the region. Cymbals provide the music.
Language:
- Sikkimese language, also known as Tibetan, Bhutia, or Dranjongke, spoken by the Bhutia community of Sikkim.
Tamil Nadu:
Food:
- Popular Tamil cuisine includes dishes like idlis, dosas, and vadas.
- Rice and wheat-based dishes are common, known for their spicy and tangy flavors.
Traditional Dress:
- Women wear Pattu Pavada, a silk skirt and blouse or half saree.
- Men wear Mundu and shirts as their traditional dress.
Dance:
- Bharat Natyam: Classical Indian dance form originating from the traditional dance of devadasis in Tamil Nadu, named after Bharat Muni.
Language:
- Tamil is a Dravidian language and has been declared a classical language by the Indian government.
- Spoken in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Tripura:
Food:
- Tripuri cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, with vegetables added to make dishes more wholesome and nutritious.
- Peculiar ingredients like dried and fermented fish (Berma) are used.
- Due to the significant Bengali settlement in Tripura, the cuisine has Bengali influences.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear traditional attire consisting of Rikutu gamcha (gamcha with a distinct design) and a shirt called kubai.
- Women wear Rinnai, a cloth draped to their knee, along with a small cloth called Risa.
Dance:
- Hojagiri: The traditional dance of the Reang tribal community of Tripura, where young girls dance on an earthen pitcher and balance an object on their head to the music of cymbals.
Language:
- The main languages of Tripura are Bengali and Kokborok.
- Bengali is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, due to the significant Bengali population.
- The native tribals of the state speak Kokborok.
Uttar Pradesh:
Food:
- The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh includes Awadhi and Mughlai dishes, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Famous for kebabs, biryani, mutton recipes, chaat, samosa, and pakoras.
Traditional Dress:
- Men wear traditional attire like dhoti-kurta or kurta-pajama.
- Women commonly wear sarees and salwar-kameez.
Dance:
- Charkula Dance: A traditional folk dance performed by women. They carry a multi-tier arrangement of lamps on their head (about 108 lit lamps) and dance to the rasiya songs of Lord Krishna.
Language:
- Hindi is the official language of Uttar Pradesh.
- Many other languages and their dialects are spoken in different parts of the state, reflecting its diverse linguistic landscape.
West Bengal:
Food:
- West Bengal offers a rich variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- The state is renowned for its fish-based dishes, with Hilsa and Chingri (prawns) being popular choices.
- Sweets, such as Rasgulla, are also an integral part of Bengali cuisine.
Traditional Dress:
- Saree is the most traditional dress for Bengali women, draped in the Bengali style.
- Men commonly wear Dhoti-Kurta, a traditional attire.
Dance:
- Bengali dance reflects a blend of folk traditions and Indian classical influences.
- Chau dance, a rare form of mask dance, and Gaudiya Nritya, a form of Bengali classical dance, are famous in the region.
- West Bengal has also contributed to the origin of various other forms of Indian classical dances.
Language:
- Bengali, also known as Bangla, is the most widely spoken language in West Bengal.
- Hindi, Santali, Nepali, Urdu, and Oriya are among the other languages spoken in the state.
Uttarakhand:
Food:
- Uttarakhand's cuisine consists of diverse ingredients, flavours, and colours.
- Pulses and rice are commonly eaten, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are popular.
- Traditional dishes include Chainsoo, Kafuli, Jholi, Phaanu, and Roat, while Kesar Halwa, Gulgula, Arsa, and Jhangora Ki Kheer are famous desserts.
Traditional Dress:
- Ghagra-choli is a popular traditional dress for women in Uttarakhand.
- Men commonly wear Dhoti-Kurta or Dhoti with a shirt.
Dance:
- Uttarakhand is known for its unique and diverse forms of traditional dances.
- The dance forms are simpler compared to classical dances in other states but are beautiful to watch.
- Some popular dance forms in Uttarakhand include Chancheri, Chhapeli, Bhotiya, Barada Narti, Jhora, Choliya, Langvir, Pandav, Jhainta, and more.
Language:
- Garhwali and Kumaoni are the most commonly spoken languages in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.
- In the plains, Hindi is widely spoken.
- Notably, Uttarakhand is the only state in India with Sanskrit as one of its official languages.
Telangana:
Food:
- Telangana cuisine is known for its unique flavors and essence, popular worldwide.
- Telangana Biryani is a beloved dish and highly demanded in various places.
- Other must-have dishes include Pathar-ka-Ghosht, Nahari, Haleem, Telanganai Kheer, and Seviyon-ka-Meetha.
Traditional Dress:
- Women in Telangana prefer to wear Saree as their traditional dress.
- Men commonly wear dhoti-kurtas.
Dance:
- Perini is the most popular dance form in Telangana.
- The Marfa dance, introduced in Telangana, is also widely popular in Arab countries.
Language:
- Telugu is the official and most commonly spoken language in Telangana.
- Urdu is the second most commonly spoken language, and English is also used in different parts of the state.
