Population size in India
Languages spoken
Number of tourists visiting India
India, 2017
Indian culture is a wealth of traditions, religions, art and cuisine that have been attracting travelers from all over the world for centuries. In the Indian triangle, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, you can experience the authentic life of the locals, their daily customs and religious celebrations. On the streets of the cities, you can meet sacred cows walking among the crowds of people, colorful markets with exotic products and colorful festivals, during which the streets turn into a place full of music, dance and joy. A photographic project about the streets of India will be a perfect photographic print of this unique atmosphere of this country.
Indian cuisine is a real feast for the senses, rich in intense flavors and aromas. In the Indian triangle, we can try traditional dishes such as curry, tandoori, biryani or samosas. Favorite ingredients here are chickpeas, lentils, rice, vegetables, roots and many spices such as turmeric, cardamom or coriander. Street stalls in India are a real festival of colors and flavors, where you can taste freshly prepared dishes straight from the pan. During a photography project, it is worth immortalizing this culinary diversity and the atmosphere of street markets, which reflect the unique character of this country.
Street food markets are an inseparable part of Indian culture, and visiting them gives us the opportunity to get to know the authentic flavors of this fascinating country.
Crossing through the streets of India, you will notice that people travel mainly by foot, bicycle, moped and rickshaw. In cities like Delhi and Jaipur, you can also use the metro, buses and taxis. Indians are very mobile and use a variety of means of transport, adapting them to their needs and budget. However, traffic in India is often chaotic and noisy, so you need to be careful when travelling on Indian roads.
Religion in India is a very important part of people's daily lives and the main religions are Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. Hindus celebrate many holidays such as Diwali and Holi, during which different traditions and ceremonies are celebrated. Orange scarves are often worn by women in India – they symbolize humility and modesty. On the other hand, traditional women's attire, such as the sari or salwar kameez, amaze with their colors and patterns. It is also impossible not to mention women carrying bowls with coconut on their heads – this is an image typical of many regions of India, where women perform these difficult tasks every day, demonstrating their strength and determination.
Hinduism is the largest religion in India, practiced by about 80% of the population. People believes in many gods and goddesses and Hindu temples can be found everywhere, full of colorful rituals and prayers. Buddhism, founded in India by Buddha, promotes the principles of enlightenment and inner peace. There are many Buddhist places of worship in the Indian Triangle, such as Sarnath and Bodh Gaya. Jainism, one of the oldest religions in India, emphasizes ahimsa (non-violence) and asceticism. Jain temples are beautifully decorated and often surrounded by greenery, ensuring peace and harmony. Sikhism, a religion founded in the 16th century by Guru Nanak, promotes equality and helping the needy. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a holy place for Sikhs from all over the world. Islam, the second largest religion in India, has its roots in the 7th century. Jama Masjid in Delhi or Taj Mahal in Agra. Judaism, Christianity and other religious minorities also have their place in India, making the country a fascinating kaleidoscope of religious traditions and practices.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots dating back thousands of years. It is a complex and multi-dimensional religion that encompasses many different beliefs, practices, and traditions.
There are many gods and goddesses in Hinduism, each with their own characteristics, attributes, and functions. The most important and most revered deities in Hinduism are Brahma (the god of creation), Vishnu (the god of sustenance), and Shiva (the god of destruction). There are also many other deities, such as Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity), Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge), and Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu).
Hindu beliefs include the belief that the world is illusory and is subject to a cyclical process of reincarnation, or the next incarnations of the soul. The goal of life according to Hinduism is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and union with the divine.
Hinduism is also based on the concept of karma, or the principle of action and consequence. According to this principle, all human actions have consequences that influence future lives and reincarnations.
Hindus practice various forms of worship, including prayers, offerings, rituals, and meditation. Many Hindus also go to temples to worship gods and perform religious ceremonies. The religion also has numerous holidays and festivals that are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Hinduism also includes the idea of ​​spiritual development and achieving perfection, which can be achieved through practices such as yoga and meditation. Hindu beliefs influence all areas of the lives of followers, from daily practices to family and social relationships.
India is a country of huge social contrasts, where alongside rapidly developing cities and modern technology, extreme poverty and misery can be found. Although some Indians are among the richest people in the world, hundreds of millions of people live in extreme poverty, without basic living conditions.
Caste, a social system based on dividing people according to their origin and social position, is also a major problem in India. This system contributes to discrimination and limits the opportunities for development for many people, especially those from lower castes.
Fighting poverty and caste remains one of the main challenges for India, which is trying to develop economically and socially while also fighting deep-rooted social problems.
India has one of the largest populations of poor people in the world, and poverty is concentrated in rural areas, where there is a lack of infrastructure, jobs, and access to education. Many people have no stable income or access to healthcare, which contributes to escalating social and health problems.
Casteism in India is a socio-religious system that divides Hindus into different social groups, called castes. Each caste is assigned a specific social and professional role, as well as specific duties and rights. Castes are inherited from generation to generation and often determine the lives and opportunities of individuals in Indian society.
Extreme poverty, on the other hand, refers to a situation where a person or community lives in extremely poor material conditions, often without access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and health care. Extreme poverty is a serious problem in India, where a large part of the population lives below the poverty line and faces no prospects for improving their living conditions.
The combination of casteism in India and extreme poverty leads to even greater marginalization and discrimination against people from lower castes, who are often deprived of opportunities for upward social mobility and earning sufficient resources to live. As a result, many lower-caste Hindus remain trapped in poverty and marginalization, which poses a significant challenge to the social and economic development of India.
Nowadays more and more people in India are opposing the caste system and are trying to break down these traditional social barriers. The younger generation often does not attach as much importance to caste affiliation and is trying to create a more open and egalitarian society. In conclusion, caste behavior in India can be very complex and complicated, but more and more people are now striving to break this tradition and build a society based on equality and respect for all people.
India is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage that dates back hundreds of years. The country has a long history of art, music, dance, literature and religion, which is reflected in its architecture.
Some of the most famous examples of architecture in India are Hindu temples such as the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur and the Kailash Temple in Ellora, which are considered masterpieces of Indian art. Other famous structures include the Red Fort in Delhi, the palace complex in Mumbai and the Palace of Winds in Jaipur.
Many of these structures are decorated with colourful mosaics, sculptures and paintings that depict mythological, religious and historical scenes. Indian architecture is also diverse in style, with Muslim, British and Portuguese influences evident in structures such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Goa.
India’s cultural heritage is also present in its traditions, festivals and folk art that have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. India is home to a wide variety of ethnic and religious groups, which makes its culture incredibly rich and diverse. In short, India has a unique cultural and architectural heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world and forms an important part of the country’s national identity.
One of the most famous examples of cultural heritage in India is the Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. Known for its intricately carved facades depicting erotic and mythological scenes, these temples are considered to be one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chandela era (10th-12th centuries).
Another important monument is the temple complex in Hampi, Karnataka, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom in the 16th century and today you can visit the ruins of palaces, temples, towers and other structures from that period.
In Delhi, the capital of India, you can find the Red Fort, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan. This impressive palace complex has distinctive red walls and huge gates, which are a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Mughal Empire at that time.
Indian art and architecture is also well represented in many other parts of the country, such as Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai. In these cities you can see beautiful palaces, temples, mausoleums and fortifications that testify to the rich history and traditions of India.
1. Taj Mahal - Agra
2. Fort i pałac Amber - Jaipur
3. Hampi - Hampi
4. Caves of Ajanta and Ellora - Aurangabad
5. Red Fort - Delhi
6. Mahabalipuram - Tamil Nadu
7. Qutb Minar and its Monuments - Delhi
8. Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
9. Elephanta Caves - Mumbai
10. Mountain Railways of India - Darjeeling, Shimla, Ooty
Color in India plays an important role not only in aesthetics but also in everyday life and traditions. For example, the sari, the traditional Indian garment for women, is often made of bright materials and decorated with colorful patterns, which emphasizes the beauty and elegance of the person wearing it.
India is a country full of cultural and artistic richness, which is also reflected in its wide range of colors. From bright saris to colorful rituals and festivals, India is literally a world of colors. These intense and diverse colors reflect the complexity and beauty of this country, where tradition meets modernity, and history blends with the future. Therefore, when we think of India, we often conjure up images and emotions associated with the rich, vibrant colors that are an inseparable part of this fascinating culture.
Galta Ji Temple, also known as the Sun Temple, is one of the most important Hindu temples located in the Golden Triangle of India. It is located in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and is an important pilgrimage site for many Hindus.
The Galta Ji Temple is dedicated to the Sun God and its main purpose is to pray and worship the god. It is situated on a hillside surrounded by picturesque landscapes and beautiful gardens.
The temple also houses numerous monkeys, which are considered sacred animals by Hindus. Monkeys are part of the local tradition and are often seen running around the temple grounds. The Galta Ji Temple is a place of great spiritual and cultural significance to Hindus and is also a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world who want to experience the mysticism and beauty of the place.
Garam masala is a popular spice blend used in Indian cuisine. The composition of garam masala can vary depending on the region, but most often it contains cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, cumin and cardamom. Indian dishes that often use garam masala include:
1. Curry - a popular dish with vegetables, meat or fish in an aromatic sauce based on tomatoes, onions and spices, including garam masala. 2. Kofta curry - meat balls fried or cooked in curry sauce 3. Rogan josh - a spicy lamb dish in tomato sauce with garam masala and other spices 4. Palak paneer - a dish of paneer cheese and spinach in a sauce of cream, tomatoes and garam masala 5. Aloo gobi - a potato and cauliflower dish stewed in aromatic spices, including garam masala.Garam masala adds a deep, aromatic flavour and a hint of warmth to dishes that are characteristic of Indian cuisine.
