Background

Today's India was, with Pakistan and Bangladesh, part of British India until it was granted independence on August 14th 1947. India is made up of 22 states and nine union territories, which are each separate administrative entities with their own defined powers and responsibilities. Each of these states demonstrates diversity in language, religion and culture.

Language

A few hundred different languages and dialects are spoken throughout India. The main languages spoken by people are Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam. The amount of English spoken by people in the Indian community will depend upon where they were born, their life experience and education. As English is taught in schools and colleges in India, many individuals who have subsequently settled here, can speak English.

Religion

Hinduism is the principle religion in India. Prayer is an important part of Hinduism and Hindus traditionally worship in a temple or family shrine. Hindus believe in reincarnation and the sacredness of life. Sikhism is a reformist movement of Hinduism founded in the Punjab in the 16th century. The majority of Indian people originating from the Punjab are Sikhs. Sikhs worship in a Sikh temple and their holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism combines the concept of Hinduism and Islam. A very small minority of Indian people are Muslims or Christians.

Lifestyle, Customs and Practices

Traditionally, Hindu boys will have their head shaven three times in the first five years of their life. The significance of this ritual known as the Mundane, is to recognise the boy's manhood. The first shave occurs at the age of one in the presence of priests, family and friends. The traditional dress for Indian and South Asian women is the sari, which is worn over a short blouse and an underskirt. The midriff is usually left bare. The 'shalwar kameez', which is a long tunic and loose trousers, though traditionally Sikh dress, is now being worn by other groups. Many Married Hindu women also wear a small circular spot, know as a 'bindi', on the forehead. This signifies female energy and is believed to protect women and their husbands.