Being a rich cultural heritage, people in India enjoy various activities that represent the diversity of their traditions and interests. Indians have different pastimes such as festivals, sports, entertainment and other culinary activities.
Despite so many options, choosing to spend our free time is a matter of personal choice. However, some people don’t know what to do in their spare time. Wondering which activities to engage in to make the most of your free time? Here are the best Indian hobbies to choose from.
1.Watching Movies
Televisions and Cinemas have always been a great part of Indian culture and entertainment. With thousands of movies released yearly, the film industry never fails to entertain people, be it of any age.
From music to dance, films are an escape from reality. The drama and glamour of the big screen is the answer you get mostly when asked about their favourite Indian hobbies. Besides, here is how you can make watching movies more fun:
- Keep a stock of your favourite drinks and snacks
- Send a unique invitation to your friends or siblings
- Plan a homemade meal or themed meal based on the movie
2.Playing Games
Another option in the list of popular Indian hobbies and pastimes is playing games. It is quite popular among Indian people and they love spending their spare time playing both indoor as well as outdoor games. Involving every member of the game is the best way to spend time with your families and loved ones.
The best part about playing games in your spare time is that if you don’t have anyone around, you can count on several online games. Some of the best online and offline games are:
- Indoor games- ludo, bowling, carrom, musical chairs, board games, card games, UNO
- Outdoor games- cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, football, basketball
3.Reading
Another popular pastime option in India is reading. Being rich in literature and storytelling tradition, Indian people enjoy reading. This includes anything from magazines, books, newspapers, and more. No doubt, it is one of the most popular Indian hobbies. And why not?
It is an escape into another world that allows you to explore your imagination along with expanding your knowledge. The best part about reading books is that there is something for everyone, whether you like mystery, romance, comedy, etc. Some of the best books to read in free time are:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone- J.K. Rowling
- Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen
- Gone with the Wind- Margaret Mitchell
4.Take out Time for your Hobby
Talking about Indian hobbies, every individual has some or the other. Also when looking for leisure activities to do in free time, it is the first thing one thinks of. Be it any hobby, take out time and spend time engaging in it.
Besides, hobbies can be anything from painting, singing, dancing, reading books, arts and crafts, writing journals, and more. Unsure about your hobby? Here are some ways to find a hobby you love:
- Turn what you enjoy into a hobby
- Think about your childhood interests
- Start trying different things and find out what sticks
5.Cooking and Eating Foods
Talking about Indian cuisine is popular all across the world. For decades, Indians have loved the idea of cooking and eating food. Be it street food, fine dining or homemade food, they enjoy eating foods of different types and flavours.
If you like exploring different foods and their tastes, then this is yet another hobby you can adopt during your free time. So cook something delicious, call over your friends and share a little of everything. Besides, here is how can make cooking more interesting at home:
- Listen to your favourite songs to make cooking more joyful
- For a good mood, change your clothes into sweats or chef’s hats
- Watch out for different recipes and try something different every time
- Forget about perfection and go international
6.Travelling
Not everyone has a busy schedule in their life. Some spend weeks doing nothing and wondering what can be done. For such, another popular pastime activity is traveling. Yes, being a vast country with various cultures and traditions, India has a wide range of options. Now you know why Indians are crazy about exploring their country.
From snow-covered mountains to beaches, there is something for everyone in India. So next time, instead of spending time doing nothing at home for weeks, plan your trip solo or with friends. Furthermore, there are ways you can make your travelling hobby more exciting:
- Photograph your entire travelling journey
- Discipline yourself by writing a journal while travelling
- Don’t hesitate to try something new such as kayaking, hiking, diving or simply stargazing
7.Learn a Language
Learning different languages is another hobby that most Indians love to do. Not only does it help when travelling, but also makes communication more effective. And what’s more interesting and exciting than knowing that you’ve just upgraded your skills?
It is surely one of the best cultural Indian hobbies one can adopt. Not only does it bring unforgettable opportunities but also allows us to make the best travel memories. Besides, here are some ways to make language learning more interesting:
- Watch movies with subtitles
- Listen to different cultural music and read the lyrics
- Read a book of choice with side-by-side translations