The term culture means our 'way of life', or the way we do things. Culture includes many things such as language, religion, music, dance, literature,
art, food, architecture.
Before we think about Indian culture, let's first think what we know about American culture. For example, many Americans enjoy sports such as football, baseball, and hockey. Many Americans observe holidays and festivals such as
Thanksgiving and Valentines's Day.
What about American games? American children games include tag, kickball, jump-rope, hop-scotch, hide and seek, and video games.
In America, tourists like to visit places such as the Grand Canyon, New York City, Disney World, etc.
Here are some photos to help you think about different aspects of Indian culture. You will quickly see that religion touches many aspects of Indian culture!
The Taj Mahal is an example of Islamic architecture. It's probably the most famous landmark in the world.
In Varanasi, I saw this stone carving at a Hindu temple. I believe it's Shiva's bull Nandi. Shiva's guardian bull is often seen at the entrance to any Shiva temple.
In Kolkata, I visited craftsmen who make Hindu statues. This Saraswati is being crated to be shipped to the U.S.
This craftsman is working on a statue of Ganesha,a very popular Hindu deity.
This is a powerful image of Kali, a Hindu goddess.
Kolam is traditional south Indian art, using chalk powder, in front of Hindu homes.
In Madras, we were treated to a
performance of traditional folk and modern dance.
Many people in India are vegetarian. This chef is showing us how to prepare a healthy and tasty lunch.
Here is some fun folk dancing in Madras.
Who wants some fresh juice???
Many people shop for fresh foods everyday. Indian food is flavorful and colorful.
In the big cities, many Indians enjoy McDonald's. Beef is not served.
Do you know why?
Want a late-night snack? Just step outside and grab a bite. We saw this street food-stand in Madurai.
Dancing Shiva is popular throughout the world.
Vedic chants are sung by boys from
Tiruparankundam Vedic School, Madurai.
Ancient Jain carvings in Madurai tell of ancient history.
We witnessed a beautiful simulated wedding ceremony in Hyderabad.
In India, women and girls love to wear jewelry, especially bangle bracelets.
In hot southern India, many men enjoy wearing comfortable lungi, a cotton cloth wrapped around the waist.
A classical Indian dancer demonstrates and explains some dance steps.
The Meenakshi Temples in Madurai is a popular religious landmark.
Indian food varies by region. Here is a chef preparing a meal in Kolkata.
Proper behavior in school is valued and expected!
The Swastika is an ancient Hindu symbol.
Indian food varies greatly by region. People enjoy vegetarian and meat dishes.
Arts and crafts in India include pottery, jewelry-making, and fabric dying.
In Amritsar, we were treated to a martial-arts exhibit.
A "kara" is a steel or iron bracelet, worn by both male and female initiated Sikhs.
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science.
In Varanasi, I visited the
Some schools offer multi-lingual education.
School children in India use back-packs, just like American students.
In most places, such as Kolkata, access to water is a serious problem. This is a pump-well.
Most people shop for fresh produce everyday. In Madurai I shopped at a popular farmers' market.
In this all-girls' school in Kolkata, we participated in morning salutations.
This is an all-girls' school in Kolkata.
Uniforms are mandatory. Female teachers wear beautiful saris.
Yoga is offered in many schools.
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