Have you ever wondered what makes a culture intact? Is it the people, languages, festival or food? Or, is it history? 

Action-packed movies, ravishing dosas, peaceful festivities, and shimmering rivers, white lungis, humble citizens, is that your first thought when you reflect on South India? 

South India has always been at heads with the buoyant North Indian culture. From stand-up comedians to the music industry to the food, it feels as if India has two zones. The beauty of democracy lies in uniting these zones while accentuating the other cultures. And we as Indians should be swelled with pride that we live in a widely-diverse culture with hundreds of traditions and millions of rituals.

So, let's break down the culture of the humble yet resilient South India!

Interesting facts about South Indian Cultural History

Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, culture takes years of grinding and filtering and furnishing by various dynasties, rulers, monarchs, and the people who are based or migrate to the region. 

Here are some informative facts about who made what in the culture of south India- 

• One of the chief dynasties to rule South India, Cholas made a significant contribution to the architecture by constructing magnificent temples, such as- 
• The UN listed Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur.
• The Western Ganga dynasty which ruled southern Karnataka in ancient times blessed the region with excellent Kannada literature and architectural bliss. The glorious Jain monuments at Sharavanabelagola got erected during their reign!
• The Ashoka of South India, Amoghavarsha I of the Rashtrakuta Empire, were the light-bearers of flourishing Kannada literature. The perennial Kannada classic, Kavirajamarga was penned down during these times.
• Thirumalai Nayak of the Nayak dynasty was the patronage of arts and modern architecture. It was during his reign the extant Meenakshi Temple came into being!
• We have heard about the plentiful variety of tea and coffee in south India. But did you know that plantation of these cash crops begun in the times of British colonial rule?

Vibrant Festivals of South India

The festivals of South India transpires with a vigorous spirit. They are diverse and bloomy and bring out the essence of south Indian culture. Every festival has a riveting past preserved by the people to this day!

Here some wondrous festivities celebrated in different regions of south India-

Mysore Dushera



We all know about the pompous 10-day long festival of Dushera and have witnessed the grandeur of it. But, the people of Karnataka have their astounding version of it, called Mysore Dushera!

The festival devoted to the Goddess Chamundeshwari proceeds for 10-days in October and, the vibrant spirit is infectious. On the last day of this festival, Vijayadashami, the streets of Mysore come alive with the ritual worship and processions displayed by state swords, weapons and elephants adorned with jewels. The Hindu deities in their warrior form sway through the streets of Mysore and even the Mysore Palace is lit up for thousands to honor.

Karaga 

Karaga is a unique festival observed in Bangalore, Karnataka. A day in honor of Draupadi from the evergreen Mahabharata celebrated annually by the male fraternity. It occurs on the first full moon according to the Kannada calendar. Karaga is a pot on which a floral cone levitates. Then, carried through the streets for people to pay homage to it.

The festival identifies Draupadi as the ultimate woman Shakti (power) and, the procession effectuates in the Dharamarya Swamy Temple throughout the night. Thousands of people congregate and chant hymns while worshipping Draupadi as the ideal woman. 

An inimitable celebration, one would feel tranced by the sight of it!

Yugadi/Ugadi

In simpler terms, Yugadi is South India’s New Year Celebration in March/April according to the Hindu calendar in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. The celebratory fervor is jolly, the people dress up in beautiful clothing and cook delicious meals all through this day. 

Ugadi Pachadi, a dish specially reserved for this day made with neem, raw mangoes, tamarind and jaggery. People gather at night to give ear to the holy panchagam or the New Year’s Almanac. 

This day is truly a sight to behold!

Thrissur Pooram

The quintessential program, Thrissur Pooram is celebrated with utter grandiosity by the people of Kerala. The festival birthed by the Maharaja of Cochin (1790-1805) was an invitation to nine other temples of diverse deities to pay homage to Lord Shiva in the Vadakunnathan Temple of Thrissur. 

This temple festival manifests into radiant streets and, processions by sequenced caparisoned elephants marching down the bustling roads. Musical performance by eminent artists on traditional instruments of Kerala is a magnificent spectacle. The night is sparkling with colorful fireworks to bring an end to this high-spirited festival. 

Float Festival

A glittering festival celebrated in Madurai, Chennai, Float festival is nothing less than the Diwali of North India. Initiated by King Thirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, the festival draws on his legacy. The ceremony is celebrated on the waters of Mariamann Tepakkulam with the jeweled Meenakshi Amman Temple in the shadow. 

The impearled idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar depart for a boat ride during this spectacular festival. Thousands gather around to pay their tribute while the energetic spirit sways on by processional music among the people. A scenic beauty unparallel to none is the Float Festival of Madurai!

The emerging Cinema of South India

From Bahubali to Arjun Reddy to Chandramukhi a bundle of south Indian masterstrokes is refashioned by the prominent Bollywood industry! 

South Indian cinema has a tremendous historical backing in today’s movie business imminent in the region. Formally housing the Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayam industry under its wing, South Indian cinema has given off vibes of a truly artistic experience. 

From the plot to music, everyone involved in the making has contributed immensely in crowning South Indian Cinema as a pre-eminent industry, even leaving behind Bollywood.

Dozens of films made in the south reflect society and its current obstacles. This framework found its roots in the colonial period when the culture of cinema first ushered into India. Mythology has also left a significant imprint in the cinema of South India. The first South Indian film ‘Keechakavatham’ originated in Madras was based on a well-known segment in Mahabharata. Likewise, the cinema we consume today is a reflection of an artist’s vision of society and, the South Indian Film Industry has done a commendable job in modeling it for their viewers!

Here are some of the all-time favorites to binge-

1. K.G.F
2. Care of Kancharapalem
3. Ustad Hotel
4. Sudani from Nigeria
5. Kakka Muttai
6. Mannagaram 
7. Super Deluxe

The delectable Cuisine of South India

South Indian cuisine is a culmination of diverse states and union territories. The prominence of fruits and vegetables in the dishes is predictable with the abundance of rainfall and humid climates owing to its coastal location. The staple food is rice-based in some form or the other, such as idlis, uttapam, dosas, or boiled rice. Also, Hyderabad offers the regal Nizam cuisine with a dash of lavish spices like saffron and is known for its ever-famous Hyderabadi Biriyani.

The South Indian cuisine without flavoury spices, lentils, native fruits and vegetables, dried red chilies, and fresh green chilies can not be complete. Coconut is the paramount drink devoured by tourists and the indigenous population alike!

Here are some of the sumptuous cuisines and snacks of South India worth a try-

1. Banana Chips
2. Idli-Sambhar (Steamed rice cake)
3. Hyderabadi Biryani
4. Variety of Dosas (Paper-thin crepes)
5. Andhra Chicken Curry
6. Paal Payasam
7. Coorgi Gawti Chicken

Every region of South India has its matchless cuisine, once you start exploring you will be astounded by the variety of delicious delicacies. After all, variety is the spice of life!

The Mystifying Tribal Culture of South India

The suburban part of many South Indian states is home to a myriad of tribes underscoring the vibrant culture of South India. These tribes live in far-off forests or land and choose to be isolated from the modernizing world. Their culture and heritage is of utmost importance to the Government of India and are protected ferociously. 

Some of the tribes full of vim and vigor are- 

The Cholanaikkan Tribe of Kerala



A tribe giving food for thought to the digitalized era, Cholanaikkans, worship trees and, live off nature and its ways. The forests of Karulai and Chungathara provide shelter to the arresting tribe. They lived in secluded surroundings and, their lifestyle resembled the Stone Age. Recent contact with modern civilization has depleted the members leading to many shifting towards urban culture. 

The Koya Tribe of Andhra Pradesh

One of the most ancient tribes, the Koya tribe, inhabit territories around Indravati, Godavari, Sabari, and Sileru rivers. Nature is the essence of their creation; they have diversified cultural and religious customs based on it. They are multi-racial and multi-lingual and ensure communal ownership of natural resources. 

The Kurumba Tribe of the Nilgris, Tamil Nadu

The Kurumba Tribes believed to be the descendant of the 7th century of the Pallava dynasty, live an entrancing existence with the men being the hunter-gathers and women being body tattooists. They are settled around the Nilgris plateau and are fond of artistic, musical, and religious processions. Their tribe commands respect and exudes fear among the neighboring tribes.

With this, we hope you got a glimpse of the serene culture of South India!