Cradle of the oldest civilizations, India stretches from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the warm seas of the Indian Ocean. In the North, it is the contrast between the Thar desert in the Rajasthan region and the rich valleys of the Indus and the Ganges.
These are home to Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh holy sites. To the south, on the Dekkan plateau, extend the tea, coffee and spice plantations.
The country of Gandhi offers us an absolutely unique change of scenery, to discover an ethnic, linguistic and religious mosaic. A Sacred Land oscillating perpetually between tradition and modernity. we are going to here things to explore in India while you want to visit or want to know about popular india places to visit.
Hinduism
India’s most practiced religion, Hinduism has neither a founder nor a reference book. It is characterized by the multiplicity of its writings (Vedas, Upanishad) and a tradition combining tolerance and conservatism (caste system).
Its complex pantheon is made up of an infinity of gods and goddesses
A man’s destiny is conditioned by his past lives, his karma . The purpose of existence is liberation from the cycle of reincarnations
SPICY CUISINE
Spices are the basis of traditional Indian cuisine. Essential components of curries, its flavors are used in all dishes based on rice, lentils, vegetables, but also to season meats (chicken, mutton), fish and seafood.
Each region has its own specialties, from the creamy Mughlai cuisine in the north to the coconut fish of the southern coast.Tea – the famous chai – is widely consumed.
BUDDHISM
Born in India, Buddhism is however little practiced there today – less than 1% of the population. It is around the 5th century BC. J. – C. in Bodhgaya that Siddharta Gautama would have reached the Awakening.
This event, a founding act, will make Buddhism shine in Asia, spreading its wisdom rejection of materialism and meditation. A large part of the country will then convert to Buddhism, like Emperor Ashoka.
India is still dotted with vestiges of this past, from the great stupa of Sanchi to the sumptuous frescoes of Ajanta.
THE LARGEST DEMOCRACY IN THE WORLD
A giant exceeding one billion souls, the Indian Union prides itself on being the most populous democratic country in the world.
A British heritage, the parliamentary tradition has been anchored since 1947, the date of independence. India has also been a federal republic since 1950.
You will be surprised by the freedom of speech of the newspapers, of which it would be very difficult to estimate the number.
Consult an English-language periodical such as the Hindustan Times , the Times of India or the very serious The Hindu for political news or the results of the latest cricket match!
Cinema World in India
Impossible to understand India without mentioning the cinema, a real cultural phenomenon. Bollywood stars arouse an almost religious fervor, and the soundtracks of successful films are continuously played in the streets, taxis or at weddings.
Two themes stand out: mushy films and action films. Stereotypical characters and dances are omnipresent in these blockbusters, which are more numerous than in Hollywood.
Attending a session is well worth the detour, in particular thanks to the supercharged atmosphere that reigns in the room. It is not uncommon for the public to start singing or dancing!
Wildlife of India
An emblematic figure of India, the tiger has strongly influenced myths and literature. He serves as a mount for the warrior goddess Durga, while Rudyard Kipling makes him one of the central figures of The Jungle Book , in the guise of Shere Khan.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Maharajas and British settlers organized big hunts. Thanks to protection programs, the tiger population is now increasing significantly: the number of felines in the subcontinent is estimated at 2,000 individuals.
COLORFUL PARTIES
The Indian calendar is punctuated by festivals. There are dozens of public holidays! In addition to national holidays – Independence Day, Republic Day – are the celebrations of the main religions of the country: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam and Christianity…
Diwali (the Festival of Lights) and Holi (the Festival of Colors) are the most important, bringing families together to celebrate the gods or the New Year. The Kumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees on the occasion of this mythical pilgrimage. Considering the thousands of festivals and fairs, maybe you will attend one of these colorful events.
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