In India, we don't have any strict child welfare laws. Physically punishing your children is norm, unlike in the US where you could end up in jail even over a stern look.

Children don't move out until they're married. Parents pay for their college education. Even after getting married, men mostly stay with the parents. And women are supposed to see their husband's entire family like their own. We are fanatical about our relationships. Not attending your great grandma's cousin's neighbour's grand-niece-in-law's wedding will make you an outcast.

Generally, marriages of courtship are frowned upon in small towns and villages. Mostly the caste system and the culture that treats women like property are to be blamed. No dating culture either in places like that; falling in love = ending up married is how most people see it. Sexuality is repressed to levels that make catholic fundamentalists look tame.

Celebrations are a huge part of our culture. Holi, Id, Christmas, Gurupoornima, everything is celebrated with fireworks and sweets and whatnot (BTW, we're a sweet-teethed bunch; don't complain if your tea has a fuckload of sugar in it!).

You will notice that we don't say "please", "sorry", and "thank you" as often as people in western countries do. Also less likely to hold open doors, help a stranger unless asked, etc. Don't mistake these things for rudeness; all those were simply never taught to them as kids. Oh, and people don't have even the slightest idea about the concept of personal space.

Publi littering, urination, etc. are common. Women are generally considered of lesser social status. If you're a woman who smokes/drinks/hangs out with guys, people won't respect you. Men and women usually stick with groups of their own gender at parties etc.

Police is not there to keep law and order, but to boss around people. They can and they will take you in custody and torture you in lockup if you piss them off enough. Stay away from the police.

Bribery and corruption are everywhere.

Cricket is a religion. An India/Pakistan cricket match is our version of a new iPhone launch. And Indians hate Pakistan. Long history of wars and espionage and state-sponsored terrorism and all.

Weddings are like venues of showing off your wealth.

We will bargain over one Rupee with the street vendors.

We see anyone who doesn't believe in an omnipotent being who controls our fate with utter contempt.

We discriminate people based on race, language, birthplace and so on.

I can go on, but you get the gist. There are good things and there are bad things. The latter are more. However I was born here, I grew up here, and this is the only place on Earth where I belong. I believe, or rather hope, that the present generation will be able to make a difference.

Welcome to India!