10 Differences between Village and City Life

The fast paced life of Mumbai and the malls of Bangalore, metros of Delhi and the traffic of Hyderabad may seem enthralling to us. Cities in India are hubs of everything from stylish cars to fast food chains. Epitomes of globalization and cultural integration, city life offers a wide arena of opportunities and facilities. Village is some place where we go during our summer holidays. Boundaries are marked by arrays of mango trees, puddles and ponds replace the swimming pools and any vacant patch of land can turn into playgrounds here. Dew on grass blades, petrichor, rituals and celebrations are nowadays becoming exclusive to the villages. This article tries to enlist the differences between village and city life. However, the article is based on a lot of stereotypes. The villages in India are constantly evolving and are on the path towards technological and economic progress.

10) Ambience

The soul of India lies in its villages. Located in the lap of nature, villages serve as a source of refreshment and inspiration. Their ambience provides a soothing effect. Away from the din and rush of cities, villages offer a picturesque view of nature and also calm and peace to the senses. The air is free from pollution and emissions. There is neither the frustration over the speed of the internet nor the hustle and bustle of the modern life. Cities are crowded, polluted and noisy. Cleanliness drives and awareness fail to do much to improve the ambience

9) Buildings

The striking factor that comes to our minds when we think about the differences between cities and villages is the buildings and infrastructure. Glass paned skyscrapers and well maintained buildings are the highlight of every city. Office space as well as living space gets smaller and smaller in the cities. In villages the homes are traditional. There are large areas of open spaces as well.

8) People

Native villagers are people who have always lived in their particular villages throughout their lives. They are accustomed to the traditional and simple ways of living. Since the villages in India are the agricultural centres, most of the villagers are farmers or undertake farm related works. People in villages are known for their harmonious and helpful nature. City dwellers are usually migrants from various areas and are employed in the organized sectors. Work, pay cheques and a modern lifestyle being their usual priorities, they hardly have time for any other activities. They tend to have various beliefs and superstitious owing to their poor educational background. Religion plays a major role in their lives and they follow it strictly.

7) Social Life

People have their networks and social circles. In cities this is usually restricted to social networking sites and the virtual world. People in cities hardly have time. Holidays and occasions are opportunities for social get togethers and reunions. Parties have become the social convention and night clubs, discotheques and pubs are becoming more popular in cities. Every day in a village brings one in contact with many people. There is constant interaction and communication with the neighbours which highlights the fact that no one is a stranger to anyone in a village.

6) Transportation

Means of transportation vary from bullock or horse carts, bicycles and walking in the villages. Long distance travels are usually undertaken by the public buses. Villages are interconnected by poor roads. Further the villagers often lack the resources and skills to own or use the modern vehicles. Further, their needs are minimal and basic. Therefore the resources that they need are often found in close vicinity which reduces their need for travel. One of the primary features of cities is the vehicles and traffic. Most of the city dwellers own private vehicles. Apart from this there are many options with regard to means of transportation in cities. Metro railways, public and private buses and cab services are some of them. Car pooling is gaining popularity in the city owing to the need for environmental and financial concerns.

5) Shopping

Shopping has emerged as a popular phenomenon particular to cities. With the emergence of a large numbers of malls and complexes, shopping has become a source of entertainment. People from the villages and small towns come to the metropolitan cities especially to satisfy their requirements at the malls. Festivals, weddings and any other occasion see a major boom in the number of shoppers. The cities offer a variety of items which are better in quality. The concept of malls has managed to satisfy the customers’ various needs under one roof. Malls and retail chain stores offer even the daily supplies. Shopping in villages is often a walk to the nearest grocery shop to buy the daily supplies. The stores are small in number and in sizes in the villages. The villagers are often unaware of the wide varieties and brands of products that are available in the cities.

4) Entertainment

The sources of entertainment vary in villages and cities. Village fairs draw a lot of attention. The villagers often have regular meetings and fun activities. They discuss issues and socialize during this time. Entertainment in villages is in close interaction with nature. Walking amidst green fields, showering in the rains and eating delicious fruits straight from the trees were entertainment in itself. The sources of entertainment in the cities vary. From shopping malls and multiplexes to amusement parks, exhibitions, restaurants, pubs and clubs, entertainment is the backbone of city life. However, the means of entertainment in the cities are much more expensive and sophisticated than the ones in villages.

3) Holidays

Holidays in cities are a quiet affair. These are the very few occasions that the city dwellers get to relax and take time out of their busy, demanding work life. Holidays generally call for waking up late and lazing throughout the day with an outing or dinner at the end of the day. However, the holidays in villages are filled with fun and frolic.

2) Food

Food is an essential aspect in any social system. The type of food, types of cooking and the ways of dining differ in different communities. City life being busy and haphazard, food has a very prominent place. However, it is in sync with the lifestyle of the city dwellers. Mostly it is a simple and quick affair. This could be the reason why there are many take away and food joints in the cities. Dining in cities on a working day is often restricted to the phrase ‘grabbing a bite’. Villages are the ultimate place for traditional homemade and tasty food. The raw materials used in cooking are usually homemade too. From fresh milk to the sweets coated in pure ghee, food in villages is a treat to the taste buds.

1) Language

Villagers speak in their local language. The schools in the village usually follow the vernacular medium of instruction. English is mostly unknown. Cities are hybrid zones. They are a mix of different cultures, languages and people. Therefore, in order to function, it is important to have and follow a common language of communication. In the Indian cities, Hindi and English are widely used. From shopkeepers and taxi drivers to the corporate managers, it is important that everybody knows and speaks the common language of communication. Villagers who migrate to the city for the first time or visit the city as tourists find themselves at a loss due to their poor skills in common language

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