Cultural practices

An ancient Indian discipline uniting body, breath and mind. The world marks International Day of Yoga on 21 June.

Palms joined at the heart and a slight bow: a greeting of respect that needs no touch.

The festival of lights, celebrated on the new-moon night of Kartik. Inscribed by UNESCO in December 2025.

The world's largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims, held in turn at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.

Four days of fasting and prayer to the Sun, offered at sunset and sunrise while standing in water.

Kolkata's great festival of the Goddess, with artistic pandals and community celebration. UNESCO heritage since 2021.

The circular devotional dance of Gujarat around a lamp, danced through the nine nights of Navratri.

One day in mid-January, many names: Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu, Lohri, Uttarayan, Khichdi Parv.

Kerala's harvest festival welcoming the beloved King Mahabali, with flower carpets, feasts and boat races.

Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, a bond of love and protection.

Free meals served to everyone who comes, regardless of faith, caste or status, at every gurdwara.

The Vedas have been passed down orally for thousands of years with almost no change, thanks to ingenious memory techniques.

Patterns drawn at the doorstep with rice flour or colours to welcome guests and the divine.

Eight dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, rooted in the Natya Shastra.

Sacred ceremonies that mark the stages of life, from naming a child to marriage and the last rites.