India

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Capital: New Delhi

Famous Cities Mumbai Delhi Hyderabad Kolkata Punjab

People India is a large country with the second biggest population in the world. When Indian people greet each other they place their hands together and say "Namaste".  This means, "I bow my head to you.“ Older people are treated with great respect in India. When greeting an elder, some Indians may touch their feet as a sign of respect.   

India's people come from many backgrounds India's people come from many backgrounds.  Some are very wealthy while others are very poor. Most children in India attend school.  Some schools are modern and have books and computers.  In poor areas there can be 40-60 students in one classroom with little or no supplies.  Most schools teach in English.

India's Animals India is home of many animals like: lions, tigers, antelope and Indian elephants.  Wildlife lives mostly in northern India, but the natural habitat is shrinking because of India's growing population.  Elephants are sometimes used to help farmers or to move and carry heavy items. There are also many reptiles including the king cobra, pythons, crocodiles, and monitor lizards.

Clothes Most women wear a sari made of colorful silk or cotton.  The sari is one long piece of material that is draped around the body like a dress.  Many men wear a dhoti.   A dhoti is a white piece of cloth that is wrapped around the hips and pulled through the legs.    Not all people dress traditionally in India.

The people of India have many languages The people of India have many languages. There are over than 1,600 languages, but 18 official languages. English is commonly spoken in India. India is well known by its music, dance, festivals, and clothes.  The unique sound of India's music is often created with an Indian instrument called a sitar.  This instrument looks similar to a guitar, except that it has a very long neck.

The Taj Mahal is a popular tourist Landmark in India The Taj Mahal is a popular tourist Landmark in India.  It is also one of the most famous buildings in the world.    The white marble monument was built by a 17th century ruler as a gift to his wife.  Watching movies is a popular pastime in India.  Bombay is the center of India's film industry.

India's Foods  Many of India's people are vegetarians, meaning they don't eat meat. Much of the food in India is flavored with spices such as cinnamon, garlic, and cumin.  Most meals include rice, vegetables, bread, and yogurt. Biryani ( veg & non Veg) – Biryani is rice (usually basmati) made with spices, meat, fish, eggs or vegetables. Is a very popular dish all over the World.

Butter Chicken– Chicken marinated overnight in yoghurt and spices mixture and cooked with a special sauce made of Butter, tomato puree and various spices that gives the dish its unique flavor. It is one of the most popular dishes among non vegetarians throughout the World. It is the pride of Punjabi cuisine.

Tandoori Chicken– Chicken dish marinated in yoghurt and seasoned with tandoori masala. Tandoori chicken is a highly popular Indian dish, traditionally cooked in Tandoor (clay oven).

India's Holidays and Celebrations   Diwali is a celebration that takes place on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar.  This is usually at the end of October.  Diwali is also the beginning of the new year. People light oil lamps and set off fireworks. The People thank God for their good fortune and strength. They begin the new year with good habits.