India conjures up flamboyant
pictures of rich culture, classical dance forms, colorful festivals,
awe-inspiring art and exquisite delicacies. India is one of the most ancient
civilizations in the world. It has derives its name from Indus River Valley
which was home of early Aryan settlers. India wrestled its independence in 1947
after a long struggle and has come a long way to being the world’s largest
democracy and the 7th largest country in the world.
It is the largest English-speaking
nation in the world. It has the 3rd largest standing army force.
India is recognized as it has the 2nd largest pool of scientists and
engineers in the world. The country has gained recognition in IT, biotechnology
and space. Land of monuments and forts, India is visited by numerous tourists
all over the world. USA, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Russian
Federation are the top five countries for foreign tourist arrivals in India.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are the top five
states of India that has been preferred by the foreign tourists.
Culture and religion
India is a land of diversities.
India’s customs, languages, religion, dance, music, food and architecture
differs from place to place. The major religion of India is Hinduism, Islam,
Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Bahai
Faith. In India, people of different religion and cultures live in harmony.
India being a multi-religious society celebrates many festivals. The republic
day, the Independence Day and the Gandhi Jayanti are the three national holiday
in India. Navratri, diwali, maha shivratri, ganesh chaturthi, durga puja, holi,
rath-yatra, rakshabandhan, dussehra are some of the major festivals of India,
which is celebrated with joy.
Languages and literature
India has 23 constitutionally
recognized languages. Hindi and English are major languages spoken in India.
1.3 billion Population speaks 325 languages and there are 1652 dialects used in
India. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two main epics of India. Ramayana is
the first Indian epic that consists of 24,000 verses divided into 7 books. It
was composed about 6500 years ago. Mahabharata is the longest epic in the world
literature with 100,000 two-line stanzas. It was composed about 5000 years ago.
Performing arts
There are 7 classical dance
forms- Bharata Natyam, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak,
Kuchipudi. Music is an integral part of Indian culture. India’s classical music
is renowned all over the world. Currently multiple varieties of religious,
classical, folk, popular, and pop music are appreaciated. Raja ravi varma is
one of the classic painters and have been known for his impeccable paintings.
He was the first person who has visualized gods and has painted them
beautifully on his canvas. Cave paintings from Ajanta, Bagh, Ellora are a sign
of medieval art forms performed in India. rangoli is still made outside the
doorstep of many Indian homes on auspicious days.
Food and spices
Food is an integral part of
every Indian home. According to the customs and traditions, food is prepared.
With the cultural diversity, a vast difference has been noticed in the cuisines
made in different parts of India. Different kinds of spices and herbs are used
to ensure that the food tastes different and unique. Turmeric, red chili
powder, cumin, coriander seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, asafetida, pepper, cloves,
are some of the common spices which are used in every house. Vegetarian
cuisines have their different role in every house. Indians have plethora of
vegetarian cuisines that tastes better than meat and chicken. Traditional
cooking methods that have been transferred from generation to generation are
used to enhance the taste. Indian desserts also play a major role in every
house. Desserts are served after every cuisine.
