From the snow-capped North to the sub-tropical South, India displays a tantalising diversity in its cuisine, languages, religions, cultures and traditions. The cuisine as seen today has evolved over the centuries and has its roots in humble households in the different parts of India. The various regions in the vast country have influenced the style of food. The taste, colour and appearance of a certain delicacy changed from one state to another. Like any other cuisine, many factors including climate, availability of ingredients, natural resources and religion have had their influences on the regional styles of food. In general, the Northern States have richer sauces and more aromatic spices and wheat as the main diet, whereas in the Southern States, the sauces are lighter and more pungent and rice is main diet.