Everyday life in India

What is the main difference between India and Western countries? The main difference between India and Western countries lies in the approach to daily life. India thrives on a communal and spiritual way of living, where tradition, family bonds and coexistence with nature are deeply embedded in society. In contrast, Western countries emphasize individualism, efficiency and a structured routine. While the West often prioritizes speed and convenience, India embraces a more organic, sometimes chaotic, yet deeply connected rhythm of life.

A traveler's perspective
India is a country of contrasts, where modernity and tradition coexist in a fascinating tapestry of daily life. For a traveler, everyday life in India presents an experience that is both overwhelming and captivating, where the vibrant streets, the rhythmic hustle of daily chores and the harmonious coexistence of people and animals all paint a picture of a nation deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.

The still and observant street life
One of the first things that strike a visitor in India is the sheer dynamism of its streets. The roads are filled with honking rickshaws, street vendors calling out their wares and pedestrians navigating their way through the organized chaos. However, amidst all this movement, there is a certain stillness – a pace of life that allows one to stop, observe and absorb the surroundings.

In cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, street life is more than just movement – it is an ecosystem. You can see elderly men sitting on plastic stools, sipping 'Chai' while discussing politics, and small children playing with makeshift toys in the dusty alleyways. Despite the apparent commotion, there is a rhythm to everything, a balance between noise and serenity that defines the essence of daily life in India. For the traveler, this can be a mesmerizing spectacle.




"Sitting at a street corner with a cup of 'Masala chai' and watching life unfold can be one of the most rewarding experiences. It is in these moments that one realizes that life in India is not about rushing – it is about embracing the present, finding joy in the mundane and understanding that every individual plays a role in the grand theater of everyday existence"




Humans and animals in harmony
One of the most intriguing aspects of everyday life in India is the coexistence of humans and animals. Unlike in many Western countries where animals are largely separated from urban life, in India, cows roam the streets freely, monkeys leap from building to building and street dogs nap in the shade of parked motorcycles.

Cows hold a special place in Indian society, often seen as sacred and revered. They wander through bustling markets, unbothered by the traffic and noise around them. It is common to see a cow blocking traffic, while drivers patiently wait or maneuver around it. This peaceful coexistence is a testament to the Indian way of life – an unspoken understanding that all beings share the same space.

Monkeys, particularly in temple towns like Varanasi and Jaipur, are part of the urban landscape. While they can sometimes be mischievous, stealing food from unsuspecting pedestrians, they are also respected and often fed by locals. Stray dogs, too, form a part of the community, often adopted by shopkeepers and families who provide them with scraps and shelter.

Household chores and daily routines
The simplicity of daily chores in India offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that values hard work and perseverance. From early morning, the streets come alive with people sweeping their doorsteps, women drawing intricate rangoli patterns with colored powders and the scent of fresh spices sizzling in roadside kitchens.

Water is often carried from communal taps, clothes are washed by hand on stone slabs, and tea is brewed on open flames. While modern appliances have made their way into urban homes, many traditional practices remain unchanged, preserving the charm of an old-world lifestyle. For a traveler, witnessing these routines provides an appreciation for the resourcefulness and resilience of everyday people in India.

In Rural areas of India, daily chores take on an even more communal approach. Women gather at wells to fetch water, men work in the fields and children assist in tending to livestock. The concept of self-sufficiency is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, where families rely on their own skills and knowledge to maintain their households.

The beauty of simple joys
In the Western world, happiness is often linked to material wealth, but in India, joy is found in simplicity. A child playing with a bicycle tire, a family sharing a meal on the floor or a street musician singing to a small crowd – these are the moments that define the soul of India's everyday life.




"There is a deep-rooted philosophy of contentment in Indian culture, where people find happiness in the small things. Whether it is a vendor proudly arranging his fruits in perfect symmetry or a group of friends gathered around a cricket match in a narrow alley, the essence of daily life in India is about finding meaning in the ordinary"




Sense of community
One of the most striking aspects of Indian life is its sense of community. Families are close-knit, neighbours share meals and people look out for one another. The concept of 'Atithi devo bhava', which means 'The guest is God' is deeply ingrained in Indian hospitality, making travelers feel welcomed and valued.

Religion and rituals in everyday life
Religion plays an integral role in the daily lives of Indians. Whether it is the sound of temple bells in the morning, the call to prayer from a mosque or the chanting of 'Mantras' in homes, spirituality is woven into the fabric of everyday existence. Hindu rituals such as morning prayers, offering flowers to deities and lighting oil lamps are common sights. In cities like Varanasi, one can witness the sacred 'Ganga Aarti', a mesmerizing fire ritual performed on the banks of The Ganges River. Travelers who participate in these ceremonies gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual foundation that shapes Indian society.




"Unlike the structured routines of many Western countries, daily life in India follows an organic flow, shaped by culture, religion and community ties. From the bustling city markets to the quiet countryside where time seems to slow down, every moment tells a story. Here, life is not measured by the ticking of a clock but by shared laughter, conversations over 'Chai', and the simple yet profound interactions that define human connection"





See this video about everyday life in India made by Explore India Life.




Joy is found in the ordinary
"- For a traveler, experiencing everyday life in India is an immersion into a world where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. The streets tell stories of resilience, the homes reveal the warmth of Indian hospitality and the people showcase a remarkable ability to find joy amidst simplicity. India is not just a place to visit – it is a world to be experienced, felt and cherished", the Photographer says.

"- Every corner of the country offers a new lesson, whether it's patience learned from waiting in line at a railway station, gratitude inspired by witnessing kindness in the streets or awe at the sheer diversity of human experience. To truly understand India, one must not just see it but live it, even if just for a short while", the Photographer says again.

"- For those willing to embrace its unique pace, India offers a glimpse into a way of life where joy is found in the ordinary and where even the smallest moments carry a sense of meaning. This archive story delves into the everyday rhythms of India, offering a traveler's perspective on the beauty, challenges and heartwarming simplicity that define life in this fascinating country", the Photographer says again.

Read also:  India street portraits

			Read also:  India street portraits

More archive stories

India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of everyday life in Delhi. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.