IN two days, India will celebrate the anniversary of when they became a republic country and in honour of such an occasion, we will look at India’s people and their culture.

1 India is home to the world’s largest pilgrimage destination called the Vishnu Temple. The temple is located in the city of Tirupati. About an average of 30,000 people visit this temple donating about six million US dollars, everyday.

2 Chess, the famous board game, was invented in India. The original word for “chess” is the Sanskritchaturanga, meaning “four members of an army” — which were most likely elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers.

3 The value of “pi” used in mathematics was first calculated by the Indian mathematician Budhayana in 6th century.

4 It is illegal to take Indian currency (rupees) out of India.

5 Cows can be found freely wandering the streets of India’s cities. They are considered sacred and will often wear a tilak, a Hindu symbol of good fortune. Cows are considered one of humankind’s seven mothers because she offers milk as does one’s natural mother.

6 Dancing is one of India’s most highly developed arts and was an integral part of worship in the inner shrines of every temple. It is notable for its expressive hand movements

7 A widow is considered bad luck — otherwise, her husband wouldn’t have died. Elderly women in the village might call a widow “the one who ate her husband.” In some orthodox families, widows are not allowed near newlyweds or welcomed at social gatherings.

8 The Indian flag has three horizontal bands of color: saffron for courage and sacrifice, white for truth and peace, and green for faith, fertility, and chivalry.

9 In India, the fold and colour of clothing are viewed as important markers of social classification. Additionally, women will be viewed in a certain light based upon the manner in which she parts her hair.

10 Most Indians rinse their hands, legs, and face before eating a meal. It is considered polite to eat with the right hand, and women eat after everyone is finished. Wasting food is considered a sin.

— Melaine Warren