The vast Arabian Sea separates the two nations of Saudi and India, and yet these two countries warmly reach out to hold hands while sharing so many things in common. Picture walking through a bustling souq in Saudi, and compare it with a busy bazaar in an Indian city. Or how both nations share a love for good food and are known for their warm hospitality. The ties run deep over and continue to do so.
Sugar and Spice
India and Saudi enjoy cuisine enhanced with aromatic spices. So, if you enjoy the biryani, you’d be surprised to know that Saudi kabsa is similar and equally delicious. Both include layers of fragrant rice, meat, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, served on celebratory occasions, festivals, and family dinners. Samosa, a street-side favourite in India, is similar to samboosa from Saudi. It is a Ramadan favourite that is usually stuffed with either meat, cheese, or spinach. How can we forget the love for chai or karak as Saudis call it? The way this favourite brew is prepared in both cultures-strong and spiced-is a conversation starter, from Riyadh to Delhi.
Threads and Treasures
Saudi and Indian traditional garments find strong influences in each other. The flowing thobe and abaya of Saudi might appear different from Indian attire, but the hand embroidery and embellishments find similarities in Indian craftsmanship. Even the henna or mehndi applied during weddings and festivals is a great case in point of shared traditions.
Language and Words
Would you believe it if we told you that Arabic and several Indian languages, especially Hindi and Urdu, have much in common? Owing to historical trade and the travellers moving back and forth between the two nations, several Arabic-derived words made their way into Indian speech. Words like kitab (book), dukan (shop), maafi (sorry), and so many more are used in the same capacity in both cultures.
Hospitality and Values
One of the most prominent similarities between Saudi and Indian civilizations is the value placed on warm hospitality. Visitors are treated with the highest respect in both cultures, and sharing meals is regarded as a generous and thoughtful gesture. Whether it is a Saudi majlis or an Indian dawat, the idea of getting together for a feast is a long-standing tradition that is still prevalent in both countries.
The mixing of cultures continues to thrive in real time today. Many Indians now live and work in Saudi, building on a connection that dates back to many years. So, if you are planning to experience Saudi food, culture, and hospitality, now is the right time with easy visa options for those holding a tourist or business visa from the UK, US, or Schengen countries.
For more information, log on to www.VisitSaudi.com
