Yes, minimalism has many shades. And India can have its own version of Minimalism. I believe traditional Indian culture was always inclined towards a minimalist lifestyle. I am not even talking about monks or nun. But, the lifestyles of common people in India has been minimalist or at least minimalist -(ish). Here is how:

Many use for one product: Indians are pro in multiple using of same product. Remember that toothbrush joke, where even a toothbrush has three uses in its lifecycle. It is true for everything! Our clothes start with outdoor clothes, then indoor clothes-or some goes to younger siblings, then house cleaning or organizing clothes, some are repurposed in kantha or things like that. We have mastered the art of reusing and recycling. Nothing is ever extra!

Less tools: Apart from decors, Indian household never used much tools starting from cooking to dining- our hands have been enough to do most of the chores, which are now a days done with the help of a lot of tools.

Quality over Quantity: Traditionally Indian household has always preferred quality over quantity. Indian household uses same bed for generations! Indian women rather preferred the same gold jewelers in her entire life than changing it in every occasion!

Money matters: Many Indian cannot afford to be anything other than minimalist. It is easier for them to stay minimalist at least in the physical form for many Indian.

It is only in the modern era that Indians are falling for consumerism. If we can educate the young India, the benefits of minimalism, sustainable living and intentional living, Indian can have a minimalist life. And it does not need to be a polished white minimalism. We can have our own version, where the basic idea remains the same. Our ancestors were pro in it.

As far as India comes, minimalism is a way of lifestyle just like any other, it’s just simple and clutter free, so it’s cheap and healthy to maintain this lifestyle, however one should be careful about choosing the things to declutter or one may regret in the past. You can live minimally anywhere as long as you know how and what to let go and be happy.

Versuasion India