North Indian Culture

The term North Indian Culture officially describes the cultural heritage of the seven North Indian states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh (Union Territory), Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh which itself means Northern State . Other states which are not formally part of North India, but which are traditionally - culturally and linguistically - seen to be so are Rajasthan,and Bihar. North Indian Culture is mainly rooted in Indo-Aryan traditions and customs, with assimilation of - and impact from - other cultures over long periods of history. North Indian culture reflects the diversity of traditions and customs of the vast region it encompasses.

Women traditionally wear shalwar kameez, gagra choli, sari and phiran. Dupatta is worn to complete the outfit. Men traditionally wear kurta, achkan, kameez and sherwani for upper garment, lower garment includes dhoti, churidar, shalwar and lungi. Pagri is usually worn around head to complete the outfit, especially in rural areas. In the states of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana and Gujarat, traditional dress is Kameez Shalwar. In the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and southern Haryana and Gujarat, it is ghagra choli. Pagri is worn in various region styles and is symbol which shows one's status and the respect in which one is held. In urban centres and as well as rural areas western influence can easily be seen nowadays.

Wheat forms the staple diet of North India and is usually served in the form of roti or chapatis along with subzi (vegetarian curry dishes). A vegetarian diet is the norm almost everywhere except in Kashmir, however non-vegetarian food is also popular. Mughlai cuisine, especially that of Lucknow and Delhi, is known for non-vegetarian dishes with distinctive aroma, taste and with a different style of cooking. Punjabi food is known for being spicy and tasty.

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