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People
Our major racial
groups have met and merged in this fertile land to give its populace
this great diversity. Racial dovetailing has influenced lifestyle
patterns as much as it did looks.
Lifestyles,
customs, traditions and religious beliefs vary. There is, in fact,
no composite Indian character, but there is a rare catholicity
and the people are united in their acceptance of individual styles
and beliefs. The majority of Indians are Hindu, but Muslims, Sikhs,
Christians and Jews enjoy religious freedom and festivals of different
faiths, like Holi (festival of colors), Diwali (festival of lights)
Dussehra, Id, Christmas, Good Friday are celebrated with much
fervour by all.
Sartorial
styles are equally diverse, though women through the length and
breadth of the country wear the sari. Equally diverse is the cuisine
repertoire, which ranges from hot and spicy to subtle, bordering
on the blend. Styles differ from one region to another as also
from one state to the next. What many find mind boggling is the
number of vegetarian dishes available necessitated no doubt by
the large number of Indians who are vegetarians.
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