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When many outsiders think of India, they conjure up images of colorfully dressed women singing in Bollywood films, delicious spicy food and Mother Teresa. While Indian culture encompasses all of these wonderful elements, it offers so much more.
India’s distinctive music, dance, theater, festivals and cuisines are enjoyed by many tourists. And visitors will probably take note of the importance that religion plays in the lives of many Indians who engage in religious rituals daily.
The colorful clothing of the country’s people are eye-catching. Most Indian women wear blouses and traditional saris – a piece of cloth wrapped around the body. Depending on where they live, men typically don a lungi or a dhoti; wraps worn around the lower half of the body.
Sports are popular in India like they are in many countries around the world. Indians are especially devoted to cricket, and many also enjoy traditional games, such as kabaddi, a combination of wrestling and rugby, and kho-kho, a tag game.
Phrases
While Hindi is the national language in India, English is used in business and government. The Indian constitution recognizes 22 languages. Here are some common phrases you might enjoy using when writing your sponsored child:
“Shubho Janmo Din” – (Happy Birthday)
“Tomar chuti mojay katuk” – (Happy Holidays)
“Dhonyo Bad” – (Thank You)
“Tomar jiboney onek khushi kamona kori” – (I wish you much happiness)
Tomar jiboner shongey jukto hotey perey ami khushi” – (I’m glad to be a part of your life)
Did you know?
- The country’s diversity extends into its cuisine, and ingredients, spices and cooking methods vary from region to region. Rice and wheat are staples of the Indian diet, while spicy foods and sweets are popular.
- Popular forms of music include music from Bollywood films. The two main classical types of music are Carnatic from southern India and Hindustani from northern India.
- About eighty-one percent of India’s people are Hindu, and religion plays an important role in the Indian way of life. Many engage in religious rituals each day.
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