India

India is a large country with the second biggest population in the world and many different languages, cultures, religions and climates.

India's people come from many backgrounds.  Some are very wealthy while others are very poor.  Most people live modestly in the large cities.  Religion is very important in the culture of India.   Most people are Hindu or Muslim, but Christianity, Sikkhism, and Buddhism, and other religions are also practiced.

Clothing in India varies by area.  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, but the clothing is always loose due to the heat.

Most children in India attend school.  Some schools are modern and have books and computers.  In poor areas of the cities or in remote areas, there can be 40-60 students in one classroom with little or no supplies.  Most schools teach in English because there are too many regional languages.

India's Homes
The homes in India are as varied as the people.  Most people live very modestly in small apartments or homes in large cities.  Many just outside of the large cities live in moderate homes with balconies and gardens.  There are also very wealthy people who live in large, modern homes with servants.

There are 18 official languages, but over 1,600 languages and dialects spoken in India.   English is commonly spoken in India.

Much of the food in India is flavored with spices such as cinnamon, garlic, and cumin.  Most meals include rice, vegetables, bread, and yogurt.

The holiday is also to worship the goddesses Kali and Lakshmi.  People thank them for their good fortune and strength.  Diwali is also the beginning of the new year.  It is a time for people to reflect on the importance of their lives.   They begin the new year with good habits.

India's Cities and Landmarks
Calcutta is one of the most populated cities in the world.  It is home to more than 10 million people.  Monsoons can bring so much rain to Calcutta that the city can be flooded for months.

India's cities are a unique mix of modern and traditional ways of living.  The busy streets of the city are crowded with buses, taxis, and cars as well as rickshaws (a type of cart drawn by person or bike) and sometimes camel, cows, or other livestock.  Only a small percentage of people in India own a car.   Buses, trains, and walking are the primary ways people travel in India.

The Taj Mahal is a popular tourist destination 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.