@sujayp, Thank you. Canon models are comparatively quite expensive than the Nikon models. There is a competition between each brand and so they have released models that compete too.
For instance, Nikon D3000 costs 24.5k and Canon 1000D costs 23.5k. Both these models are good for beginners (like me) but Canon's 1000D comes extra features like Live View and Movie mode which Nikon's D3000 lacks.
In the same way, Nikon D5000 and Canon 500D competes.. there are many differences. In few cases D5k tops 500D.. and in few other cases 500D tops D5k.. And the price difference between these two is just 3k
As CoolG5 said no one is forcing u to go for Canon or Nikon. It's up to you buddy.