HIGHLIGHTS

OF

INDIAN CULTURE

INDIA’S PEOPLE

People with different languages

People with different religions

People with different foods

People with different clothing

People with different celebrations

LANGUAGES

DIVERSE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Sikhism Christianity Islam (Muslims)India is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and

Sikhism.

EATING HABITS

Rice Vegetables Masala

(Spices) Tea-common drink Every zone has its

own special diet.> East Indian dishes> West Indian dishes> North Indian dishes> South Indian dishes

Vegetarian foods Non-Vegetarian foods

TRADITIONAL CLOTHING

Saree

Salwar

Kurta

Dhoti

Lungi

Sheerwani

TRADITIONAL MUSIC OF INDIA

Hindustani -means classical music of North India

Carnatic - means classical music of South India

ELEMENTS OF INDIAN MUSIC

Melody (raga)

Drone (harmony)

Rhythm (tala)

DANCE FORMS

Every dance represents a different culture and ethos of a region or group.

Often based on Hindu traditions at religious events

A lot of classical dances

WELL-KNOWN FOLK DANCES

Bhangra of Punjab

Bihu of Assam

Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh

Almost every state of India has their special dancing format.

FESTIVALS

India is called the land of festivals and fairs

There are many different festivals because of the varied religions

One festival that doesn't depend on the religion: Independence Day

GREETINGS

The traditional Indian greeting namaste is uttered while joining palms together (as if in prayer) under the chin, slightly nodding the head, and looking down.

FORMS OF ADDRESS The suffix ji (pronounced “jee”), is appropriate for both

genders, regardless of age. It can be attached to a given name as in “Michael-ji”, or “Jones-ji”. A more familiar (though more humble) suffix is sahab (pronounced “saab”). It can also be used with titles (e.g., “Doctor- sahab” or “Professor-sahab”).

__________________________________________________ People older than you are never addressed by first names.

Their names are often followed by aunty or uncle (e.g., “Sheila Aunty”), whether they are related to you or not. Teachers and professors are always Sir or Maʼam, with these forms of address often persisting well after graduation.

___________________________________________________ People use suffix bhaiya for male & didi for female after

addresse’s name; who are of same age group.

India, a land of UNITY in DIVERSITY