India, a land of myriad traditions, culture and ethnicity, a wonderland indeed- A place which surprises you with an incredibly diverse culture, embroiled in countless colourful traditions, a peaceful abode of all the world’s major religions and a fascinating landscape with a spellbinding effect that remains etched in cherished memories.
Right from the expanse of the world’s highest mountain ranges to the tropical beaches, from the beautiful sandy deserts to the wet marshlands and dense forest cover, India has it all. The four distinct geographical divisions namely the north, south, east and the west each stand out characteristically with their own distinct cultures and their own enriching niche so unmistakably different from the others that one would assume he were in a different country altogether when he travelled from the east to the west or from the north to the south.
Then what is it that pulls the people together and keeps them that way?
It is the respect and abounding tolerance for each other’s culture and tradition and religion that binds this culturally different nation in a common thread.
The Indian culture has been influenced greatly by religion or ‘dharma’ and with the colorful festivals that keep the people busy throughout the year. Predominantly it has a Hindu following but other religions such as Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism have developed and flourished and now have been completely absorbed into India’s proverbial sponge. With this evolution and absorption, India’s art, architecture, philosophy and culture, science and technology have undergone impressive changes and that’s the reason the Indian intricate mosaic displays such varied ethnicity.
Places worth visiting are endless. Man-made architectural treasures are a witness to great many religious beliefs and civilizations. The ghats of Varanasi (Banaras), the cave monasteries of Ajanta and Ellora, the temples of Khajuraho, the Hindu Gopura (temple towers) of the south, the beautiful havelis, forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the splendid marble mausoleums, palaces and fortresses of emperors in Agra are all a splendid treat to the eyes.
India fact file
⦁ Population: 1.27 billion
⦁ Area: 3,287,263 sq km (1,269,219 sq miles)
⦁ Capital city: New Delhi
⦁ Official language: Hindi
⦁ State religion: Secular
⦁ President: Pranab Mukherjee
⦁ Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
⦁ Time zone: GMT + 5hrs 30min
⦁ Currency: Rupee (Rs)
⦁ Country code: +91
⦁ Emergency numbers: 108 (Police, Fire and Ambulance)
