India / People

Our major racial groups have met and merged in this fertile land to give its populace this great diversity. Racial dovetailing has influenced lifestyle patterns as much as it did looks.

Lifestyles, customs, traditions and religious beliefs vary. There is, in fact, no composite Indian character, but there is a rare catholicity and the people are united in their acceptance of individual styles and beliefs. The majority of Indians are Hindu, but Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Jews enjoy religious freedom and festivals of different faiths, like Holi (festival of colors), Diwali (festival of lights) Dussehra, Id, Christmas, Good Friday are celebrated with much fervour by all.

Sartorial styles are equally diverse, though women through the length and breadth of the country wear the sari. Equally diverse is the cuisine repertoire, which ranges from hot and spicy to subtle, bordering on the bland. Styles differ from one region to another as also from one state to the next. What many find mind boggling is the number of vegetarian dishes available necessitated no doubt by the large number of Indians who are vegetarians.

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