The success of Indian democracy with more than 1 billion population, 29 states, 7 union territories and 1600 languages/dialects presents a true image of unity in diversity. With a civilization more than 5000 years old, India reflects rich culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations. Invasions and migrations have contributed to the diversity of Indian culture with convergence of different habits, faiths and practices.

India is a land of festivals. Indian festivals differ in associated religious, social and seasonal elements. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. List of Indian festivals is as long as diversity in their origin. Many festivals are common throughout the country while others are specific to geographic regions and religious beliefs.

Indian cuisine is world renowned for its rich assortment of spices and tastes. Influence of geography, religion, race and foreign culture is truly reflected by Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine can be broadly classified into North and South Indian cuisine. Wheat is staple part of North Indian cuisine whereas rice is a must in South Indian meal. The Mughlai food is very common in Delhi, Hyderabad and Lucknow. Wazwan, a 24-course banquet, is popular in Kashmir. Seafood and coconut based food are very prevalent in Goa, Kerala and West Bengal. Rice, sambhar and dosa are specialties of Southern part of India.

India has one the oldest film industries in the world. The first Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra directed by Dadasaheb Phalke (3700 feet long), was released in 1913. Indian film industry is the biggest film industries in the world producing around 800 movies annually. A reasonably budgeted Indian movie could cost US$ 1 million. Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, Bengali and Malayalam are the languages producing large number of movies reflecting the cultural diversity of the Indian film industry. Most of the Indian movies are based on family, romance, comedy, action, patriotism and religion.

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John Thomas
http://www.indianmantra.com

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