Many people refer to the unique culture of Surat as the “Surti Culture”.Surti culture though distinct in its flavour still retains the main essence of the Indian culture.
Most residents here are Hindus , though other minority communities like Muslims and Christians are also its residents.

Most of the major Hindu festivals are celebrated here but especially the festivals of Navratra and diwali alongwith Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great gusto. The festival of  "Chandi Padvo" is celebrated in Surat alone, and no where else in the country. This is the biggest full moon day of the Hindu calendar year and o this day the Surtis enjoy tasty snacks under the full moon in the open after offering it to the Gods.

Some special and unique dishes of Surti cuisine are Locho, Rasawala Khaman, Cold coco ,Surati Chinese and Surti Ghari. Many of the Surti dishes are not sweet like their Gujarati counterpart , but a lot spicier.

The people of Surat are full of warmth, hospitality and love for those who visit theis town and have a very acceptin and tolerant nature to wards non-Surtis in general.