India's cultural landscape demonstrates that regions form more coherent cultural units than states, as evidenced by shared traditions, languages, and practices that transcend political boundaries.

Evidence Supporting Regional Cultural Units Over States

Linguistic Continuity:

• Telugu-speaking regions span across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka, sharing similar cultural practices
• Punjabi culture extends beyond Punjab into Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan
• Bengali cultural zone encompasses West Bengal, Tripura, and parts of Assam
• Marathi-speaking areas connect Maharashtra with parts of Karnataka, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh
• Tamil cultural region includes Tamil Nadu, parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka

Shared Cultural Practices:

• Bhangra and Giddha folk dances unite Punjab-Haryana-Himachal cultural region
• Garba-Dandiya traditions span Gujarat-Rajasthan border areas
• Kalaripayattu martial arts practiced across Kerala-Tamil Nadu coastal regions
• Tribal festivals like Sarhul celebrated across Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh-Odisha tribal belt
• Madhubani paintings transcend Bihar-Nepal border regions

Geographic and Historical Factors

Natural Boundaries Shaping Culture:

• Western Ghats creating shared traditions between Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu coastal areas
• Gangetic plains fostering similar agricultural practices across UP, Bihar, and West Bengal
• Desert culture uniting Rajasthan-Gujarat-parts of Haryana
• Himalayan culture connecting Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of J&K
• Deccan plateau influences shared across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh

Historical Connections:

• Mughal influence creating shared Indo-Islamic culture across North India
• Maratha empire legacy binding Maharashtra-Karnataka-Madhya Pradesh regions
• Chola maritime trade connecting Tamil Nadu-Kerala-Odisha coastal cultures

Contemporary Recognition

Government Initiatives:

• Seven Zonal Cultural Centres (2024) organize activities based on cultural regions, not states
• North-East Council recognizes shared Mongoloid cultural heritage
• Buddhist Circuit tourism (2023-24) spans multiple states based on cultural affinity

Modern Examples:

• Chhath Puja celebrations unite Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern UP, and parts of Nepal
• Onam festival celebrated across Kerala and Tamil communities in Karnataka
• Durga Puja cultural practices extend from West Bengal to Assam and Bangladesh

The 22nd Schedule of Constitution recognizing languages that cross state boundaries and initiatives like the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program (2023-24) acknowledge that India's cultural diversity is best understood through regional rather than state-based frameworks, promoting unity while preserving distinct cultural identities.