Four major racial groups have met and merged in this fertile land to give its populace this great diversity. Racial dovetailing has influenced lifestyle patterns as much as it did looks.
           Lifestyles, customs, traditions and religious beliefs vary. There is, in fact, no composite Indian character, but there is a rare catholicity and the people are united in their acceptance of individual styles and beliefs. The majority of Indians are Hindus, but Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Christians and Jews enjoy religious freedom and festivals of different faiths, like Holi (festival of colours), Diwali (festival of lights), Dussehra, Id, Christmas, Good Friday are celebrated with much fervour by all.
           Sartorial styles are equally diverse, though women through the length and breadth of the country wear sari. Equally diverse is the cuisine repertoire, which ranges from hot and spicy to subtle, bordering on the bland. Styles differ from one region to another as also from one state to the next. What may find mindboggling is the number of vegetarian dishes available necessitated no doubt by the large number of Indians who are vegetarians.
           Hindi is the national language. English has also been retained as a language for official communication. There are 15 major languages and 844 dialects that are spoken throughout the country.