India is a country of diverse cultures, languages, religions, customs and traditions. With over 1.4 billion people, comprising hundreds of ethnic groups, speaking dozens of languages, India’s cultural landscape is rich and vibrant. For expatriates Moving to India, this cultural diversity can make the transition both exciting and challenging.
Choosing a Relocation Destination when moving to India
The first step for expatriates moving to India is determining where to settle down. With over 718 districts spread across 29 states and seven union territories, there is no shortage of options. Major metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata attract the most expatriates due to job opportunities. Secondary cities like Pune, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon are also popular.
Criteria like climate, pace of life, infrastructure, and proximity to schools/amenities play a role in location selection. In India’s diverse cultural mosaic, lifestyle preferences also matter. Expats should research regional languages, local customs, and cuisine when shortlisting destinations.
Working with relocation companies in India that offer destination services can simplify this process. From area tours and home finding to school selections and rent negotiations, they ease the entire shift. Custom advice as per expat family needs is invaluable during relocations.
What are the diverse cultures in India?
India’s states have distinct cultural identities – in language, food, arts, and customs – molded by history and influences like invasions, migrations, and trade.
North India
North Indian culture is hugely defined by Mughlai influences. The cuisine features rich curries, aromatic biryanis, kebabs, and breads like naan and kulcha. Dance forms like Kathak originated here. Customs in the Hindi heartland remain conservative and family-centric. Punjab brings its vibrant Bhangra dance and tongue-tickling delicacies like makki di roti-sarson da saag. Buddhist influences impart serenity to Himalayan areas like Ladakh.
South India
South Indian states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have retained local cultural flavors. Here, filter coffee, coconut chutneys, dosas, and uttapams tempt taste buds. Classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Carnatic music thrive. Despite regional differences, customs remain more progressive with matrilineal societies in Kerala.
West India
The Arabian Sea shapes the food and lifestyle in west India’s Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. Maharashtrian cuisine generously uses peanuts, cashews, kokum, and coconut in spicy curries and vada. Gujarati food is sweet or subtly spiced, including snacks like dhokla, khakra, and thepla. Goa bears Portuguese influences – in architecture, a love of siestas, pork vindaloo, and the tropical fun vibe.
East India
Oriya temples, Bengali mishti, Assamese silks, and Bihu dance, the diverse east zone features Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and northeast hill states. Each region boasts unique fabric textures, flavors, and visual arts. Dishes here are mildly spiced, featuring river fish and greens. Durga Puja is celebrated with aplomb, especially in Kolkata.
Settling Down in India’s Diversity
Once the moving date nears, relocation services for expats help handle all aspects – home setup, visa/immigration coordination, customs clearance, and even family assimilation. Most providers offer value-adds like temporary accommodation, school registrations, and assignment completion support. Services are customized, keeping the expatriate’s specific needs in mind.
Understanding the Regional Language when moving to India
Apart from English, picking up basic words in the local tongue helps daily communication and fraternizing despite India’s language diversity. Each state has its regional language – like Marathi in Maharashtra, Gujarati in Gujarat, and Bengali in West Bengal and Assam. Neighboring states may overlap some words. But knowing greetings, numbers, and polite request words is useful when interacting with household help, cab drivers, or the local grocer.
Adjusting to Local Customs
India’s cultural diversity extends to traditions and societal outlooks. Certain etiquette differences contrast North and South India the most. For instance, conservative traditions mean public affection displays may be frowned upon in northern India, unlike liberal southern cities. Knowing regional customs helps avoid misunderstandings or inadvertent offenses.
Southern Indian homes emphasize hygiene by removing footwear at the entrance. Elders are addressed with honorific suffixes like ‘ji’ in the north and ‘Ayyo’ in Tamil Nadu. Certain head gestures have variant meanings, too – south Indians shake heads gently sideways to mean yes! Understanding these norms is key to assimilating better.
Trying Iconic Foods
The adage says the route to a location’s heart goes through its stomach. Meals in India are elaborate affairs – and the perfect gateways to connect with different regional cultures. Trying Gujarati farsan snacks, Punjabi lassi, or Chennai’s filter coffee lets you soak in local flavors quite literally. Select restaurants to arrange food walks for this very experience.
Though Indian cuisine uses spices ubiquitously, dishes differ regionally based on distinct produce availability. Through travel or social interactions, tasting some iconic eats also provides great conversation fodder while making new connections in your adopted Indian hometown.
Final Thoughts
India’s cultural rainbow means easy acceptance of expats looking to assimilate and plant local roots. Language barriers melt away quickly in the warmth of everyday interactions. As understanding grows, so do chances of forging life-long bonds in this vibrant nation.
With streamlined, customized services, Pack Move Relocate ensures expats reach India ready to soak in its rich heritage and delectable flavors. Get in touch with us for seamless relocations – anywhere in incredible India!
