Simple Yet Sophisticated!

Reflecting unity in diversity, South Indian culture is truly the celebration of life. Each South Indian state has its own unique rituals and traditions. South India consists of states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh. The dramatic dances, colorful and entertaining fairs and festivals, architectural heritage, delicious cuisine, wonderful handicrafts and Ayurveda, all these are a testimony to the richness of South Indian culture. The people here are simple and firmly believe in their religion and traditions. Traditionally, women wear the sari and men wear a white pancha or a lungi.

Four main languages spoken in South India are Tamil, Telgu, Kannad and Malyalam. English is also spoken in urban areas. Tamil is one of the Classical Languages of India. Majority of the population of South India earn their living through agriculture. The harvest season in this region is the time for celebration. Festivals like Pongal and Onam are the main agriculture festivals, which are famous across the country for their charm. This region has the highest literacy rate in the country with Kerala at the first position(91% literacy rate).

Rice and fish are the main component of the South Indian cuisine. Other major ingredients used  are lentils, dried red chillies, fresh green chillies, coconut, native fruits and vegetables. The famous culinary delights are idly, dosa, sambhar, rasam, vada, bonda and uttapam. Traditionally, food is served on fresh banana leaves.

South India is a land where people follow different religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity and Islam and still live harmoniously.

The sheer creativity of the craftsmen of this land meticulously reflects in its architectural wonders, temples. Famous the world over for their architecture, some of the most famous temples here are the Meenakshi temple, Navagraha temple, Brihadeshwara temple etc.

South India has contributed a lot to the classical dance forms of India. Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Theyyam and Koodiyattam are the popular dance forms from South India. The South Indian music is called Carnatic, which is quite melodious.

The wonderful handicrafts such as snake boats, silver jewelery, spices, bamboo mats, paintings, wood carvings, sandalwood carvings, Kathakali dools, silk sari and much more are the most beautiful aspects of South Indian culture.