Some common things that only Indians do
Given that we have an enormous diversity of culture, tradition, languages, and customs, we Indians are accustomed to do specific things in our conscious or subconscious mind that assesses our Indian-ness and makes us unique. From saving polythene bags to recycling an old t-shirt into a pocchhaa (mop) and from comparing our children to other kids to worrying about those “4 logs“. Some of the things are ridiculously unreasonable and don’t make sense but we still them because that’s how Indian we are!
Here’s the list of few examples that we have acquired over the centuries:
● Play gully Cricket: Cricket is one of the most played games in India. Here, you’ll find kids playing cricket on the streets with plastic balls, using bricks as stumps! Gully Cricket is played in every Street of India, whether it’s an urban or rural area.
● Staring at everyone: We Indians intentionally or unintentionally stare at everyone, be it kids, uncles, aunties, fellow Indians from other states or foreigners. There is no motive behind those long stares, we just love doing it!
● Candy instead of change: In India, you will get all sorts of candies and toffees instead of change from the shopkeepers.
● Extracting toothpaste: Every Indian extract the last ounce of toothpaste from the tube. We believe that it’s a trick to save a lot of money!
● Bargaining as a birthright: Indians are pro at bargaining. Be it with fruit sellers or auto-rickshaw drivers, we can bargain for anything, anywhere, anytime!
● Know numerous languages: Most Indians know many languages as they face different languages at home, at school, and the language of the state they live in. In schools, they are taught English. Plus, they also adapt to different languages from their friends.
● Spicy food: Indian food is known for being too spicy. Most of us find food from other regions too bland for our taste. Most of the international brands such as McDonald’s and KFC have had to Indianize their menus to cater to Indian taste buds.
● Arranged marriage: The concept of arranged marriage is very common in India and even today Indians trust their parents to pick a perfect partner for them.
From jugaad at all levels to asking neighbors for every little need, from asking for extra shopping bags to keeping plastic covers intact on newly purchased things for as long as possible, the list can go on! But the fact is all these elements make us truly Indian!