India+Culture

India's Culture

toc = India's Culture and How it Came to Be =
 * General Information || Geography || History || Culture || Political System || Economics || Activities || Teacher's Page ||

"Indian culture is rich and diverse and as a result unique in its very own way. Our manners, way of communicating with one another, etc are one of the important components of our culture. Even though we have accepted modern means of living, improved our lifestyle, our values and beliefs still remain unchanged. A person can change his way of clothing, way of eating and living but the rich values in a person always remains unchanged because they are deeply rooted within our hearts, mind, body and soul which we receive from our culture ([|Indian Child])".

Indian culture believes in respecting elders, heros, and cherishing their heritage. Many factors go into how India's culture was formed. India is a huge country, having different geographical features and climatic conditions. India is home to some of the most ancient civilizations, including four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

= = = = = Religions of India = India has many different religions. In this country the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jews and many other religious sects live together. Religion is central to Indian culture, and its practice can be seen in virtually every aspect of life in the country. Hinduism is the dominant faith of India, serving about 80 percent of the population. Ten percent worship Islam, and 5 present are Sikhs and Christians; the rest (a good 45 million) are Buddhists, Jains, Bahai, and more. For more information on these different religions, visit [|here].

= = = = = Holidays of India = Many of the holidays have to do with the different religions of this country. For a full list of festivals visit, [|here].

** Two main festivals: ** __November 1, 2005 - Diwali__ This is probably the most well-known Indian festival because it is celebrated throughout India. It is known as the "festival of lights". People light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. People exchange sweets and watch fireworks! In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life. It is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season. __January 11, 2006 - Makra Sankrant or Makar Sankrant__ This is a festival in India that celebrates the coming of longer days. Special sweets and cakes are made and they all contain sesame seeds and brown sugar, making this festival particular popular with children! Small silk bags containing sesame seeds mixed with brown sugar are offered to friends with this greeting: "Eat this sweet sesame and speak sweetly to me". People want no fighting in the upcoming year! In Gujarat kites are flown by everyone. In Punjab, this festival is called asLohri. Families gather around a bonfire and feast and dance. Sugarcane, rice, and sweets are tossed into the fire for the Sun God. In southern India the festival is know asPongaland last for three days. Day one boiled rice is offered to the Rain God, day two the same is offered to the Sun God and on day three the family cattle are bathed and dressed with flowers and bells.

= India's Languages =
 * English is the major language of trade, but there are 14 other official languages present in the country. Central government decided that Hindi was to be the official language of India and therefore it also has the status of official language in the states. For a map of where languages are spoken, go [|here]. **

__Want to learn some popular Hindi phrases?__ Hello/Goodbye: namaste Yes: haan No: nahin Thank you: shukriya

= = = = = India's Educational System =
 * After India gained their independence, making education available for everyone became a priority. The system has primary, secondary, senior secondary, and higher education. The primary education is your first 8 years of education. Secondary and senior secondary education both are 2 years each. This is very much like high school in America. To go onto higher education, you have to pass a test. Depending on what you decide to do, it could take anywhere between 3 to 5 years. Access and equity of education continues to be a problem in India but there is a strong emphasis on education in both primary and higher education ([|Kwintessential]). **

= = = = = Societal Expectations = There is a strong influence of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system in India. This has created an emphasis on hierarchical relationships. Social order is very important with family, friends, or even strangers. All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be observed for the social order to be maintained ([|Kwintessential]).

Fun Fact Indians do not like to say "no". They would rather give a response that you would like to hear. They might say something isn't available instead.

= = = = = Indian Music = Indian music is one of the oldest and finest forms of human passions like agony, ecstasy, sorrow, hope, desire etc. Indian music has strong connections with religious traditions and faiths. There are two major types of music,margi (classical) and the desi (folk) ([|Kwintessential]).

Classical Music: Folk Music: Today's Music:
 * Hindustani music: This type was developed with Persian influences.
 * Carnatic music: Carnatic music is completely melodic, with improvised variations. Most compositions are written to be sung and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style.
 * Bauls
 * Bhangra
 * Dandiya
 * Ganasangeet
 * Uttarakhandi Music
 * Haryanavi Music
 * Lavani
 * Qawwali
 * Rabindra Sangeet
 * Rajasthan
 * Indi-pop music
 * Indian rock and metal
 * Dance music

= = = = = Indian Dance = Watch!

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= Indian Food Mmmm! = Indians use a lot of spices, herbs, and vegatables when they cook. The Hindu beliefs definitely play a role in most Indian people's cooking. The Mongols and British have also impacted their cuisine. Popular Ingredients/ Staples: Different areas around India have different cuisines!
 * rice[[image:chicken_tikka_masala2[1].jpg width="320" height="243" align="right" caption="Chicken Tikka Masala"]]
 * whole wheat flour
 * variety of pulses
 * red lentil
 * black and green gram
 * vegetable oil-most curries cooked in here
 * peanut oil-nothern and western India
 * mustard oil-eastern India
 * cocunut oil-western coast and southern Indian
 * chilli pepper
 * black mustard
 * cumin
 * turmeric
 * fenugreek


 * Want to cook some Indian food? Go [|here] or [|here].**

= =

= = = Indian Sports = Be updated on Indian Sports! [|India's Sports]

Popular sports are: hockey, football (Americans call this soccer), cricket, basketball, volleyball and badminton

Fun Fact: Badmitton originated in India!

What is cricket? Watch this video! media type="youtube" key="jS3t6HGa0w4?fs=1" height="346" width="432" align="center"

[|Information on India's Sports]

= Indian Art = From traditional art to religious art, take a look at some Indian art:

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For a look at some of India's famous artists, go [|here].

India related Links and Resources
 * **Currency** - the currency of Inida is the Rupee. Use the free [|__currency converter__] to compare to dollars, GBP, etc.
 * **Weather** - visit Yahoo!'s up to date [|__Weather for India__].
 * **Translation Services** - do you need a [|__Hindi translation service__]?
 * **News** - check out all the latest [|__Google news on India__].
 * **Intercultural Know-how** - use the [|__Intercultural Business Communication__] tool for tips on doing business in India.
 * **Dialling Code** - the international dialling code for India is +91.
 * **Time** - India is +5.5 hours GMT.
 * **Management** - for information about being a manager in India visit the free [|Management in India] guide.
 * **History** - read about the long and rich [|__history of India.__]
 * **Hotels** - for accomodation see [|Hotels Reservations in India].