The culture of Hyderabad is a diverse one. Not only does it have an amalgamation of different cultures, Hyderabad boasts of a rich cultural heritage too. Today Hyderabad flourishes in its rich cultural history. The contemporary world sees this city as a blend of unique cultures with a touch of modern lifestyle. In general, Hyderabadi people are regarded as very friendly and hospitable. As a matter of fact, generosity is the other name of the Hyderabadis. They take immense pleasure and pride in conversing in their local, characteristic and vibrant Hyderabadi language, which is a mix of Urdu, Hindi, and Telugu.
The mixing of religions has also resulted in many festivals being celebrated in Hyderabad such as Ganesh Chaturthi ( Khairtabad Ganesh is one of the tallest Lord Ganesh Idol installed at Khairtabad, Hyderabad, India ), Diwali and Bonalu of Hindu tradition and Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha by Muslims. The region is well known for its Golconda and Hyderabad painting styles which are branches of Deccani painting. Developed during the 16th century, the Golconda style is a native style blending foreign techniques and bears some similarity to the Vijayanagara paintings of neighbouring Mysore. Significant use of luminous gold and white colours is generally found in the Golconda style. The Hyderabad style originated in the 17th century under the Nizams. Highly influenced by Mughal painting, this style makes use of bright colours and mostly depicts regional landscape, culture, costumes and jewellery.
Cuisine
The city, which was once the capital for Marathis, Kannadigas, Muslims and Telugus as well, represents a unique blend of cuisines, beverages and eating habits. Dum Ka Biryani, Qubani Ka Meetha, Hyderabadi special biryani, Irani Chai, Sakinaalu, Sarva Pindi are among those specialities that others savor in Hyderabad. The hinterlands of Telangana offer a much more cuisine experience with the local flavors and spices going into the making of these dishes.
The cuisine of Hyderabad is famous right from a small tea stall to grand banquets in five-star hotels. Hyderabadi Haleem is not just savored in the region but is also exported by some of the leading brands in the city. Made exclusively during the Ramzan season to break the fast held for more than 12 hours, people from all religions vie for this lip smacking non-vegetarian delight. These days, even vegetarian haleem is available widely. Haleem has also earned a GI (Geographical Indicator) tag. The people of Telangana are known for mixing a variety of spices for making dishes out of jiggery, rice flour, wheat flour, maida, chillies, dal and other condiments. Brand Hyderabad towers proudly when it comes to the one-of-its-kind food items. Mughlai cuisine easily blends with Nawabi cuisine and in turn with the delicious Telangana pappu and other delicacies brought by the migrants. Truly, the capital city represents a coming together of various food habits.
Culture
Ganga Jamuna Tehzeeb, this is how one can describe a melting pot of cultures called Hyderabad. The predominantly Muslim dominated old city, the new city inhabited by Hindus, the Secunderabad and its cantonment populated by Christians, the Parsis of Boggulkunta, Telanganas, the Sikhs, Sindhis, Marwaris, Marathis, Andhras, Tamilians, Kannadigas - everyone makes Hyderabad, as it looks today. Teeming with cultural and religious diversity, the city was considered a cosmopolitan hub even during the time of Nizam’s. It is one place where one community blends into another with mutual respect and honor.
Bonalu, Bathukamma, Vinayaka Chavithi and other festivals are celebrated with fervor side-by-side where the common man enjoys the festivities without any religious discrimination. The entire city lights up not just during Diwali but also Christmas. In short, Hyderabad, located almost towards the Central part of India, on the Deccan plateau represents the culmination of Urdu dialect with Telugu. The language spoken in Hyderabad is different from rest of Telangana, which is infact again categorized into various dialects for every 100-150 km. Unity in diversity, Hyderabad is a testimony to this philosophy of brotherhood and peace between various religious and cultural groups.
In short, Hyderabad is a beacon of multi-religious, multi ethnic, multi cultural and multi linguistic society at peace with itself. The food, dressing habits, life style and every other aspect varies in the city which has now acquired the tag of a global city in an increasingly globalized world, where it has seamlessly blended with new ideas and people with various nationalities!
Charminar
An iconic symbol of Hyderabad, Charminar is a historic monument built in 1591. The structure consists of four grand arches and a mosque, reflecting a blend of Persian and Indo-Islamic architectural styles.
Golconda Fort
A magnificent fortress dating back to the Kakatiya dynasty, Golconda Fort offers panoramic views of the city. Known for its acoustics, the fort's Fateh Rahben gun is famous for being one of the world's largest cannons.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
Located near Golconda, the Qutb Shahi Tombs house the mausoleums of the rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The architectural style reflects a combination of Persian and Indian influences.
Mecca Masjid
One of the largest mosques in India, Mecca Masjid is located near Charminar. Its construction started during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah and was later completed by Aurangzeb. The mosque can accommodate thousands of worshippers.