Student Foreign Exchange Program
Collin Cates
The Country of India
India is so called the 'birth place' of Hinduism and Buddhism. 84% of India is made up of Hindus. They are polytheistic (believe in one God). They also believe the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation.
Karma- What goes around, comes around
Dharma- teaching or religion of the Buddha
Samsara- Cycle of death and rebirth
Moksha- release from the cycle of death and rebirth
BASIC THINGS TO PREPARE FOR
Clothing/ Dress
In India, you will need to dress to respect. It would not be a good idea to wear the clothing that Americans do in the United States. You don't have to be modest, but the clothing should be casual and although kind of plain. Also, you should expect to see many people in India wearing religious clothing for ceremonies and daily prayers of the Hindu trinity. Women wear silk saris that are covered over the head. Men wear what is called a dhoti. A dhoti is 5 yards long and is tied around the waist and legs.
Common Foods To Eat and Foods to Avoid
In India, you should not eat cow or you would be frowned upon by the majority of people. Cows are a sacred animal to the Hindu trinity. You would mostly see people eating vegetables, bread, etc. Tbis is because the majority of people in India are vegetarians. For non-vegetarians, chicken and lamb are a common meat provided in their dishes.
Religious Ceremonies, Holy Days and Holidays
Independence Day-
-Celebrated on August 15
- Commemorates the nations independence from the British Empire
- During this holiday the people of India sing, host parades, hoist flags and much more
Republic Day-
- Celebrated on January 26
- Commemorates the date in which the Constitution of India was put into force
Ceremonies:
Ceremonies generally occur during/ after weddings in India and extend for several days
Religious Dress
The picture to the right is an example of a religious dress. This would be worn during religious cremonues and other festivals.