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Buddhism, an ancient non-theistic religion, was founded around 400-500 BC by Sakyamuni Buddha. The story begins in Lumbini, Nepal, where Prince Siddhartha Gautama (later known as the Buddha) was born. Despite living a life of luxury, he realized that true inner peace could not be found in material possessions. Renouncing his title and wealth, he embarked on a journey to seek a path that could lead all beings to freedom from suffering. After years of experimentation, he attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. His teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths, were delivered at the Deer Park in Sarnath. The profound impact of Buddhism in India fluctuated over the centuries, facing various challenges. However, it continued to flourish in the Himalayan regions. Buddhism can be broadly classified into two schools: Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada focuses on personal liberation from suffering, while Mahayana emphasizes the liberation of all beings. The Vajrayana school, commonly known as Tibetan Buddhism, is a methodological variation of Mahayana. Throughout all Buddhist schools, wisdom, compassion, and the rejection of religious conversion are core values, while karma (the law of cause and effect) is recognized as the creator of our illusory universe, known as samsara.

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Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, holds a prominent place in the subcontinent. At its core lies the concept of dharma, or truth. Hindus believe in the existence of an atma (soul) that undergoes multiple cycles of rebirth, as both humans and animals. The fate of each individual in the next life is determined by their actions in the previous one, known as karma. While it may seem that Hinduism has numerous gods, they are ultimately considered different manifestations of the supreme spirit, Brahma the Creator. Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer are two of the most important incarnations. Hindu temples, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, serve as places of worship, where priests perform prayers and rituals known as puja. The Ganges river holds tremendous significance for Hindus, who believe that bathing in its holy waters cleanses them of their sins. Millions of pilgrims visit the Varanasi ghats to take a dip in the Ganges and collect holy water, also known as Ganga Jal, as a divine blessing. Haridwar is another auspicious location for this sacred ritual. The majority of Hindus reside in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, with smaller Hindu communities in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Nepal is the only country in the world that officially recognizes Hinduism as its state religion, although there is also a significant population of Buddhists there.

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Islam, founded by the Prophet Mohammed in 570 AD, is a religion that emphasizes submitting to the will of God. The story of its origins begins with the Prophet meditating in a cave on Mount Hira when the archangel Gabriel appeared and revealed to him the message of Allah. The rulers of Mecca initially opposed the Prophet's teachings, but he and his followers eventually fled to the town of Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, the Prophet preached peaceful coexistence and his teachings were compiled in the holy book called the Qur'an. To Muslims, Islam is a way of life supported by five pillars: belief in one God, daily prayers, giving to the poor, fasting during Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims worship in mosques and gather on Fridays for prayers and community bonding. India has a significant Muslim population, with sacred sites scattered throughout the country.

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Sikhism originated in Northern India in the 16th century with the teachings of Guru Nanak and his successors. The philosophy of the Gurus, known as Gurmat, emphasizes the importance of beliefs and actions over rituals and ceremonies. The teachings of the Gurus are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism. Sikhs believe in one God who created the Universe and reject the idea of priests, as any member of the congregation can speak during a service. Sikhs primarily reside in the Indian state of Punjab, where they form a majority of the population. However, significant Sikh communities can be found in other parts of India and around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

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