Culture Is for Everyone, Religion Is for Some—Why Religion Shouldn’t Be the Divide

"We are born without labels, yet we spend our lives defending them. If culture is a river that flows freely, why let religion build dams?"

Step into any Indian street, and you’ll find a paradox—voices singing different prayers but laughing in the same language, homes marked by different faiths but sharing the same festivals. A Muslim baker crafts Christmas cakes, a Hindu woman threads jasmine garlands for a dargah, and a Christian artist paints Radha and Krishna. These moments prove a simple truth: culture is inherited by all, but religion claims ownership over belief.

Culture is fluid, growing with time, shaped by people, not scriptures. Religion, however, often tries to freeze belief in stone, drawing lines where none exist. The danger isn’t in faith itself but in mistaking faith for identity. As Amartya Sen said, “The identity of a person is not in the singular; it is forged by many affiliations.” The question is—do we embrace the shared identity that culture offers, or do we let religion divide what was never meant to be separated?


India’s essence is found in its shared traditions, not in religious distinctions. Classical dance, street food, regional festivals, and folk music unite people beyond their faiths. A person can celebrate Diwali’s lights while enjoying Eid’s feasts and Christmas cheer. The beats of a dhol, the rhythm of a qawwali, and the serenity of a classical raga transcend religious boundaries. Culture is a bridge that connects, not a wall that divides. As Swami Vivekananda stated, “We must keep our individuality, yet dive deep in the common cause.” Our culture is that common cause.

Many religious customs today were once cultural practices. Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Navratri, and Pongal began as seasonal celebrations before gaining religious significance. Traditional rituals associated with these festivals were about nature, harvest cycles, and community gatherings. Over time, religion absorbed these practices and assigned spiritual meanings. However, the core essence remains the same—human connection, joy, and gratitude. As historian Will Durant observed, “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.” The moment we let religious divisions erode cultural unity, we weaken our collective identity.

Religious doctrines create exclusivity, but cultural experiences transcend such barriers. The aroma of street food in old city markets appeals to all, irrespective of beliefs. Classical performances and folk traditions, whether Qawwali, Bharatnatyam, or Kathak, captivate audiences beyond religious lines. If we can enjoy these without questioning faith, why should religion dictate our relationships? Culture does not ask for allegiance—it only asks for appreciation. As Kahlil Gibran wrote, “I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, and pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.” That spirit is culture itself.

Spirituality teaches universal values like compassion, kindness, and self-awareness—lessons that extend beyond religious texts. Religious labels came later; the essence of wisdom is found in shared human experiences. Philosophical teachings from different traditions emphasize inner growth over rituals. Spirituality fosters connections, whereas religious dogma often creates exclusivity. As Jiddu Krishnamurti put it, “The constant assertion of belief is an indication of fear.” True spirituality lies not in rigid belief systems, but in an open mind and an embracing heart.

To bridge divides, we must actively choose cultural unity over religious segregation. Celebrate traditions, not faiths—participate in festivals for their cultural essence rather than religious affiliation. Appreciate art and heritage—explore historical sites, literature, and performances without limiting them to religious contexts. Foster shared experiences—enjoy diverse cuisines, music, and films that reflect India’s composite culture. Question biases—engage with different perspectives to break stereotypes and foster inclusivity. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.” Inclusivity is the only way forward.

Religious beliefs are personal, but culture is collective. The choice is ours: do we want to hold onto rigid religious labels that separate us, or embrace the vibrant cultural landscape that unites us?

“No one is born hating another person because of his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” – Nelson Mandela

Perhaps the world would be a better place if we chose culture over creed, humanity over hierarchy, and unity over division. Because in the end, when the colors of Holi mix, when the beats of Dhol unite us, and when we share a plate of biryani, nobody asks which god you pray to.

Let’s keep it that way.