‘Indories’ i.e. the residents of Indore depict a salmagundi of various religious, social and cultural backgrounds as Indore happily entertains people migrated and settled here from all over the country for employment, education and many other purposes. The culture of Indore painted with the hodgepodge of different religions, casts and creeds presents a genuine kaleidoscopic canvas and embodies the true spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity’. Indore boasts of its unique cosmopolitan and multi ethnic culture where Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, Sindhis, Bohras and Bahais peacefully dwell together in a harmonious unison. The multilingual city of Indore echoes various tongues of India such as Hindi, Sindhi, Malwi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, English and many others. The Indories are sociable and friendly by nature and are noted for their warm and welcoming attitude towards their guests. Moreover, they are highly enlightened and dynamic and always strive for progress and new achievements.

The diversity of culture is also clearly reflected in the food habits of the Indories and you will get almost all kinds of cuisines including typical Malwa food and Gujarati, Marathi, South Indian, Bengali, Kashmiri, Rajasthani and UP culinary. Indore is particularly distinguished for its Indian Chat items and different kinds of mouth watering Namkeen such as Khaman, Kachori, Samosa, Baked Samosa, Petis, Mathri, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Shev, Dal Moth, Dhania Chivda, Papdi, Garadu, Gathiya, Aaloo Tikiya, Pakoda, Poha, Sabudana Khichadi, Dahi Wada, etc. Other food specialties exclusive to Indore are; Bhutte Ki Kees, Dal Bafla, Chakki Ki Shaak, Chhola Bhatura, Tapu, Rogan Josh, Korma, Seekh Kebab, Shami Kebab, Jalebi, Imarti, Mawa-Bati, Gajak, Gulab Jamun, Malpua, Mung Ka Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa, Khoprapak, Rabdi, Faluda Kulfi, Shreekhand, Bengali Sweets, Shikanji, Lassi, Jal Jira, Santrola, Hot Boiled Milk, etc. Indore boasts of its two Guinness Book of World Records; one for its largest tea party in the world and the other for making the largest burger of the world.

Indore; the commercial capital of the state and the center of a thriving textile industry is also applauded for its burgeoning art and craft business. Hand Block Printing, Tie & Dye, Batik, Jute, Zari Work and Stuffed Leather Toys are the foremost crafts those flourish in Indore. Natural colors and colors extracted from vegetables such as indigo, lacquer, iron, pomegranate skin, turmeric roots, etc. are used in Hand Block Printing. The art of tying and dyeing is known as Bandhani or Bandhej. Batik painting involves a unique process of applying molten wax on the fabrics and then dyeing them in cold colors. Colorful batik saris, dress materials, bed sheets, dupattas, kurtas and lungis of Indore are popular for their eye catching color contrast and splendid designs. Indore is also famous for the jute handicrafts like baskets, vases, hanging lamps, hammocks, swings, purses, footwear, tablemats, etc sold here. Indore is also well known for its intricate and delicate Zari work. Moreover, Indore has acquired name and fame in the international market for its stuffed leather toys and other leather products such as bags, purses, jutties, leather garments etc.

Indore celebrates all the traditional and modern Indian festivals including Makar Sankranti, Holi, Rangapanchami, Gangaur, Teej, Baisakhi, Mahashivratri, Gudi Padwa, Nagpanchmi, Raksha Bandhan, Mahavir Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Deepavali, Eid, Christmas, Bahai Navruz, Valentine’s Day, Friendship Day, New Year’s Eve, etc. Ahilya Utsav is the most worth mentioning festival of Indore that is annually celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar.