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Buddhism, a fascinating non-theistic religion, was founded by Sakyamuni Buddha around 400-500 BC. The story starts with Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who renounced his royal title and wealth in search of a way to free all beings from suffering. After years of experimentation, he made a groundbreaking discovery while meditating under the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. This led to his first teaching known as the Four Noble Truths. Buddhism flourished in India for centuries, supported by great kings like Asoka the Great. However, it faced challenges over the years, one of the most devastating being the burning of the great Buddhist center in Nalanda. Despite this, Buddhism thrived in the Himalayan regions. The philosophy and religion of Buddhism can be divided into two schools: Theravada and Mahayana, with the latter emphasizing the liberation of all beings. Throughout all Buddhist schools, wisdom and compassion are cultivated as the basis for interacting with the world. Karma, the law of cause and effect, is recognized as the creator of our illusory universe called samsara.

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Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has a rich set of beliefs and practices. Hindus believe in the concept of dharma, which embodies truth. According to Hindu philosophy, all living beings have a soul that is reborn multiple times. The actions of individuals in one life determine their fate in the next. While Hinduism may seem to have numerous gods, they are all believed to be different manifestations of the supreme spirit, Brahma. Vishnu and Shiva are two of the most important incarnations. Temples, beautifully adorned with carvings and sculptures, serve as places of worship for Hindus, who perform prayers and rituals led by priests. The Ganges river holds great significance for Hindus, who believe that bathing in its holy waters can cleanse them of earthly sins. Millions of pilgrims journey to Varanasi's ghats and Haridwar for this purpose. The majority of Hindus reside in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, with smaller communities in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Nepal stands as the only Hindu state in the world, while also being home to a significant Buddhist minority.

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Islam, a religion founded by the Prophet Mohammed in 570 AD, means submitting to the will of God. The story begins with the revelation received by the Prophet in a cave on Mount Hira, near Mecca. Guided by the angel Gabriel, Mohammed embarked on a mission to be the messenger of God's will and teachings. Despite initial challenges in gaining followers, Mohammed and his followers eventually fled to Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, the Prophet preached peaceful coexistence among tribes. The words of Allah, conveyed by Mohammed, were compiled in the holy book known as the Qur'an. Islam is more than just a religion; it is a way of life supported by five pillars. These pillars include a belief in the oneness of Allah and Mohammed as His messenger, prayer five times a day, giving alms to the poor, fasting during Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj. Muslims worship in mosques led by an Imam, and Friday is a holy day for them. India is home to a large Muslim population, with over 150 million followers. The country boasts several important Islamic sites, some of great sanctity. Sunni and Shia sects exist within Indian Muslims, with different schools of thought like Shafi'i and Hanafi.

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Sikhism, a religion that originated in Northern India in the 16th century, is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine other Gurus. The Sikh philosophy, known as Gurmat, emphasizes the importance of beliefs and actions over ceremonies and rituals. The teachings of the Gurus are compiled in the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs believe in one God who created the Universe. Gurudwaras, the Sikh places of worship, are like gateways to the Guru. In a Gurudwara, readers called Granthis conduct services and read out passages from the Guru Granth Sahib. One unique aspect of Sikhism is that there are no priests, allowing any member of the congregation to speak during a service. Sikhs are a worldwide community of more than 23 million people. Most Sikhs, around 90%, live in the Indian state of Punjab, where they make up close to 65% of the population. While Sikhs also reside in other parts of India, they only comprise about 2% of the Indian population. Significant Sikh communities can be found in countries like Canada (Brampton, Ontario; Surrey, British Columbia), the United Kingdom, the Middle East, East Africa, Southeast Asia, the United States, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)Butter chicken is a rich and creamy curry made with marinated chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The dish originated in the Indian subcontinent and gained popularity in Canada due to the large population of Indian immigrants. It's typically served with basmati rice and naan bread. Butter chicken contains meat – chicken.

Dish: BiryaniBiryani is a popular rice dish made by cooking Basmati rice with meat (usually chicken, goat, or fish), vegetables, yogurt, and a blend of spices. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and is often considered the national dish of Pakistan. It's known for its flavorful layers and distinct aroma. Biryani contains meat – primarily chicken, goat, or fish.

Dish: SamosasSamosas are deep-fried or baked pastry snacks filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and sometimes meat. They originate from South Asia and have become a popular street food across India. Often served as an appetizer or a quick snack, samosas can be found at roadside stalls, train stations, and even weddings. Samosas can contain meat – typically potatoes, onions, and peas, but some varieties may include meat such as chicken or lamb.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing