India is a nation of diversity. After all, it is home to more than 1.3 billion people! For reference, that is more than 150 New York Cities combined! Culture can vary widely, from the southern urban hubs like Mumbai to the northeastern states bordering Bengal to the Rajput communities of Rajasthan. You can see these differences reflected in histories, architecture, art, clothing, religion and food.
One of the biggest things that permeates and effects everyday life in India is religion. India is home to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Christians and Buddhists. Each religion has its own principles and often impacts the way people eat, dress and live their lives.
For example, if you are Jain, you may not eat carrots, potatoes, onions, or garlic. What do all these vegeables have in common? They all grow underground as root vegetables. Harvesting these plants involves uprooting and killing the entire plant and goes against the Jain belief of non-violence.
On the other hand, if you are a Muslim, eating meat might be commonplace. You may also wear a topi, or prayer cap, as a male, or wear a headscarf known as a hijab as a woman. Even if you are not a practicing Muslim, it is respectful to follow these practices when entering an Islamic mosque, their place of worship.
