Military branches:
Army, Navy (includes naval air arm), Air Force, Coast Guard (2008)
Military service age and obligation:
16 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)
Manpower available for military service:
------>males age 16-49: 301,094,084
------>females age 16-49: 283,047,141 (2008 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
----->males age 16-49: 231,161,111
----->females age 16-49: 236,633,962 (2008 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
----->males age 16-49: 11,592,516
----->females age 16-49: 10,636,857 (2008 est.)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
2.5% (2006) .
Friday, September 5, 2008
Transportation-India
Airports:
346 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways:
Total: 250 over 3,047 m: 18 2,438 to 3,047 m: 52 1,524 to 2,437 m: 75 914 to 1,523 m: 84 under 914 m: 21 (2007)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Total: 96 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 40 under 914 m: 47 (2007)
Heliports:
30 (2007)
Pipelines:
Condensate/gas 9 km; gas 7,488 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,861 km; oil 7,883 km; refined products 6,422 km (2007)
Railways:
Total: 63,221 km broad gauge: 46,807 km 1.676-m gauge (17,343 km electrified) narrow gauge: 13,290 km 1.000-m gauge (165 km electrified); 3,124 km 0.762-m gauge and 0.610-m gauge (2006)
Roadways:
Total: 3,383,344 km paved: 1,603,705 km unpaved: 1,779,639 km (2002)
Waterways:
14,500 km note: 5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for mechanized vessels (2006) .
Merchant marine:
Total: 493 ships (1000 GRT or over) 8,272,533 GRT/14,117,658 DWT by type: bulk carrier 104, cargo 232, carrier 1, chemical tanker 19, container 12, liquefied gas 19, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 91, roll on/roll off 1 foreign-owned: 12 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, UAE 8, UK 2) registered in other countries: 59 (Barbados 1, Comoros 2, Cyprus 1, Dominica 2, Gibraltar 1, Liberia 2, Malta 3, Panama 29, Singapore 10, St Kitts and Nevis 1, St Vincent and the Grenadines 6, unknown 1) (2008)
Ports and terminals:
Chennai, Haldia, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mormugao, Mumbai (Bombay), New Mangalore, Vishakhapatnam .
346 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways:
Total: 250 over 3,047 m: 18 2,438 to 3,047 m: 52 1,524 to 2,437 m: 75 914 to 1,523 m: 84 under 914 m: 21 (2007)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Total: 96 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 40 under 914 m: 47 (2007)
Heliports:
30 (2007)
Pipelines:
Condensate/gas 9 km; gas 7,488 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,861 km; oil 7,883 km; refined products 6,422 km (2007)
Railways:
Total: 63,221 km broad gauge: 46,807 km 1.676-m gauge (17,343 km electrified) narrow gauge: 13,290 km 1.000-m gauge (165 km electrified); 3,124 km 0.762-m gauge and 0.610-m gauge (2006)
Roadways:
Total: 3,383,344 km paved: 1,603,705 km unpaved: 1,779,639 km (2002)
Waterways:
14,500 km note: 5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for mechanized vessels (2006) .
Merchant marine:
Total: 493 ships (1000 GRT or over) 8,272,533 GRT/14,117,658 DWT by type: bulk carrier 104, cargo 232, carrier 1, chemical tanker 19, container 12, liquefied gas 19, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 11, petroleum tanker 91, roll on/roll off 1 foreign-owned: 12 (China 1, Hong Kong 1, UAE 8, UK 2) registered in other countries: 59 (Barbados 1, Comoros 2, Cyprus 1, Dominica 2, Gibraltar 1, Liberia 2, Malta 3, Panama 29, Singapore 10, St Kitts and Nevis 1, St Vincent and the Grenadines 6, unknown 1) (2008)
Ports and terminals:
Chennai, Haldia, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mormugao, Mumbai (Bombay), New Mangalore, Vishakhapatnam .
Communications-India
Telephones - main lines in use:
49.75 million (2005)
Telephones - mobile cellular:
233.62 million (2007)
Telephone system:
General assessment:
Recent deregulation and liberalization of telecommunications laws and policies have prompted rapid growth; local and long distance service provided throughout all regions of the country, with services primarily concentrated in the urban areas; steady improvement is taking place with the recent admission of private and private-public investors, but combined fixed and mobile telephone density remains low at about 20 for each 100 persons nationwide and much lower for persons in rural areas; fastest growth is in cellular service with modest growth in fixed lines domestic:
Mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles each with about three private service providers and one state-owned service provider; in recent years significant trunk capacity added in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 very small aperture terminals (VSAT) international country code - 91;
A number of major international submarine cable systems, including Sea-Me-We-3 with landing sites at Cochin and Mumbai (Bombay), Sea-Me-We-4 with a landing site at Chennai, Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with a landing site at Mumbai (Bombay), South Africa - Far East (SAFE) with a landing site at Cochin, the i2i cable network linking to Singapore with landing sites at Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), and Tata Indicom linking Singapore and Chennai (Madras), provide a significant increase in the bandwidth available for both voice and data traffic; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region);
There are 9 gateway exchanges operating from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Ernakulam .
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 153, FM 91, shortwave 68 (1998)
Television broadcast stations:
562 (1997)
Internet country code:
.in
Internet hosts:
2.306 million (2007)
Internet users:
60 million (2005)
49.75 million (2005)
Telephones - mobile cellular:
233.62 million (2007)
Telephone system:
General assessment:
Recent deregulation and liberalization of telecommunications laws and policies have prompted rapid growth; local and long distance service provided throughout all regions of the country, with services primarily concentrated in the urban areas; steady improvement is taking place with the recent admission of private and private-public investors, but combined fixed and mobile telephone density remains low at about 20 for each 100 persons nationwide and much lower for persons in rural areas; fastest growth is in cellular service with modest growth in fixed lines domestic:
Mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles each with about three private service providers and one state-owned service provider; in recent years significant trunk capacity added in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 very small aperture terminals (VSAT) international country code - 91;
A number of major international submarine cable systems, including Sea-Me-We-3 with landing sites at Cochin and Mumbai (Bombay), Sea-Me-We-4 with a landing site at Chennai, Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with a landing site at Mumbai (Bombay), South Africa - Far East (SAFE) with a landing site at Cochin, the i2i cable network linking to Singapore with landing sites at Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), and Tata Indicom linking Singapore and Chennai (Madras), provide a significant increase in the bandwidth available for both voice and data traffic; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region);
There are 9 gateway exchanges operating from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Ernakulam .
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 153, FM 91, shortwave 68 (1998)
Television broadcast stations:
562 (1997)
Internet country code:
.in
Internet hosts:
2.306 million (2007)
Internet users:
60 million (2005)
Economy-India
Economy - overview:
India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for more than half of India's output with less than one third of its labor force. About three-fifths of the work force is in agriculture, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to articulate an economic reform program that includes developing basic infrastructure to improve the lives of the rural poor and boost economic performance.
The government has reduced controls on foreign trade and investment. Higher limits on foreign direct investment were permitted in a few key sectors, such as telecommunications. However, tariff spikes in sensitive categories, including agriculture, and incremental progress on economic reforms still hinder foreign access to India's vast and growing market. Privatization of government-owned industries remains stalled and continues to generate political debate; populist pressure from within the UPA government and from its Left Front allies continues to restrain needed initiatives.
The economy has posted an average growth rate of more than 7% in the decade since 1997, reducing poverty by about 10 percentage points. India achieved 8.5% GDP growth in 2006, and again in 2007, significantly expanding production of manufactures. India is capitalizing on its large numbers of well-educated people skilled in the English language to become a major exporter of software services and software workers.
Economic expansion has helped New Delhi continue to make progress in reducing its federal fiscal deficit. However, strong growth combined with easy consumer credit and a real estate boom fueled inflation concerns in 2006 and 2007, leading to a series of central bank interest rate hikes that have slowed credit growth and eased inflation concerns.
The huge and growing population is the fundamental social, economic, and environmental problem.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$2.989 trillion (2007 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$1.099 trillion (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
9.2% (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$2,700 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 29.4%
services: 52.9% (2007 est.)
Labour force:
516.4 million (2007 est.)
Labour force - by occupation:
agriculture: 60%
industry: 12%
services: 28% (2003)
Unemployment rate:
7.2% (2007 est.)
Population below poverty line:
25% (2007 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 3.6% highest 10%: 31.1% (2004)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
36.8 (2004)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6.4% (2007 est.)
Investment (gross fixed):
34.6% of GDP (2007 est.)
Budget:
Revenues: $141.8 billion expenditures: $178.3 billion (2007 est.)
Public debt:
58% of GDP (federal and state debt combined) (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry; fish
Industries:
Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software
Industrial production growth rate:
8.9% (2007 est.)
Electricity - production:
661.6 billion kWh (2005)
Electricity - consumption:
488.5 billion kWh (2005)
Electricity - exports:
67 million kWh (2005)
Electricity - imports:
1.764 billion kWh (2005)
Oil - production:
834,600 bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - consumption:
2.438 million bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - exports:
350,000 bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - imports:
2.098 million bbl/day (2004 est.)
Oil - proved reserves:
5.7 billion bbl (2007 est.)
Natural gas - production:
28.68 billion cu m (2005 est.)
Natural gas - consumption:
34.47 billion cu m (2005 est.)
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2005 est.)
Natural gas - imports:
5.793 billion cu m (2005)
Natural gas - proved reserves:
1.056 trillion cu m (1 January 2006 est.)
Current account balance:
-$19.35 billion (2007 est.)
Exports:
$150.8 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Exports - commodities:
petroleum products, textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals, leather manufactures
Exports - partners:
US 15.1%, UAE 8.8%, China 8.4%, UK 4.3% (2006)
Imports:
$230.2 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Imports - commodities:
crude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals
Imports - partners:
China 10.5%, US 7.8%, Germany 4.5%, Singapore 4.5% (2006)
Economic aid - recipient:
$1.724 billion (2005)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$275 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Debt - external:
$148.1 billion (31 December 2007)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$95.28 billion (2007 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$37.62 billion (2007 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$818.9 billion (2006)
Currency (code):
Indian rupee (INR)
Exchange rates:
Indian rupees per US dollar - 41.487 (2007), 45.3 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004), 46.583 (2003)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for more than half of India's output with less than one third of its labor force. About three-fifths of the work force is in agriculture, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to articulate an economic reform program that includes developing basic infrastructure to improve the lives of the rural poor and boost economic performance.
The government has reduced controls on foreign trade and investment. Higher limits on foreign direct investment were permitted in a few key sectors, such as telecommunications. However, tariff spikes in sensitive categories, including agriculture, and incremental progress on economic reforms still hinder foreign access to India's vast and growing market. Privatization of government-owned industries remains stalled and continues to generate political debate; populist pressure from within the UPA government and from its Left Front allies continues to restrain needed initiatives.
The economy has posted an average growth rate of more than 7% in the decade since 1997, reducing poverty by about 10 percentage points. India achieved 8.5% GDP growth in 2006, and again in 2007, significantly expanding production of manufactures. India is capitalizing on its large numbers of well-educated people skilled in the English language to become a major exporter of software services and software workers.
Economic expansion has helped New Delhi continue to make progress in reducing its federal fiscal deficit. However, strong growth combined with easy consumer credit and a real estate boom fueled inflation concerns in 2006 and 2007, leading to a series of central bank interest rate hikes that have slowed credit growth and eased inflation concerns.
The huge and growing population is the fundamental social, economic, and environmental problem.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$2.989 trillion (2007 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$1.099 trillion (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
9.2% (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$2,700 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 29.4%
services: 52.9% (2007 est.)
Labour force:
516.4 million (2007 est.)
Labour force - by occupation:
agriculture: 60%
industry: 12%
services: 28% (2003)
Unemployment rate:
7.2% (2007 est.)
Population below poverty line:
25% (2007 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 3.6% highest 10%: 31.1% (2004)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
36.8 (2004)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6.4% (2007 est.)
Investment (gross fixed):
34.6% of GDP (2007 est.)
Budget:
Revenues: $141.8 billion expenditures: $178.3 billion (2007 est.)
Public debt:
58% of GDP (federal and state debt combined) (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry; fish
Industries:
Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software
Industrial production growth rate:
8.9% (2007 est.)
Electricity - production:
661.6 billion kWh (2005)
Electricity - consumption:
488.5 billion kWh (2005)
Electricity - exports:
67 million kWh (2005)
Electricity - imports:
1.764 billion kWh (2005)
Oil - production:
834,600 bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - consumption:
2.438 million bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - exports:
350,000 bbl/day (2005 est.)
Oil - imports:
2.098 million bbl/day (2004 est.)
Oil - proved reserves:
5.7 billion bbl (2007 est.)
Natural gas - production:
28.68 billion cu m (2005 est.)
Natural gas - consumption:
34.47 billion cu m (2005 est.)
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2005 est.)
Natural gas - imports:
5.793 billion cu m (2005)
Natural gas - proved reserves:
1.056 trillion cu m (1 January 2006 est.)
Current account balance:
-$19.35 billion (2007 est.)
Exports:
$150.8 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Exports - commodities:
petroleum products, textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals, leather manufactures
Exports - partners:
US 15.1%, UAE 8.8%, China 8.4%, UK 4.3% (2006)
Imports:
$230.2 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
Imports - commodities:
crude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals
Imports - partners:
China 10.5%, US 7.8%, Germany 4.5%, Singapore 4.5% (2006)
Economic aid - recipient:
$1.724 billion (2005)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$275 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Debt - external:
$148.1 billion (31 December 2007)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$95.28 billion (2007 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$37.62 billion (2007 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$818.9 billion (2006)
Currency (code):
Indian rupee (INR)
Exchange rates:
Indian rupees per US dollar - 41.487 (2007), 45.3 (2006), 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004), 46.583 (2003)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
Government-India
Country name:
Conventional Long form:
Republic of India conventional short form: India local long form: Republic of India/Bharatiya Ganarajya local short form: India/Bharat
Government type:
Federal republic
Capital:
Name:
New Delhi geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal
Independence:
15 August 1947 (from UK)
National holiday:
Republic Day, 26 January (1950)
Constitution:
26 January 1950; amended many times
Legal system:
Based on English common law;
Judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; separate personal law codes apply to Muslims, Christians, and Hindus
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Chief of state: President Smt Pratibha Patil (since 25 July 2007); Vice President Hamid Ansari (since 11 August 2007) head of government:
Prime Minister Manmohan singh(since 22 May 2004) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 21 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 12 August 2002 (next to be held August 2007); prime minister chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative elections; election last held April - May 2004 (next to be held May 2009) election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote - 65.8%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%
Legislative branch:
Bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250 members up to 12 of whom are appointed by the president, the remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 elected by popular vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) elections: People's Assembly - last held 20 April through 10 May 2004 (next must be held by May 2009) election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - INC 147, BJP 129, CPI (M) 43, SP 38, RJD 23, DMK 16, BSP 15, SS 12, BJD 11, CPI 10, NCP 10, JD (U) 8, SAD 8, PMK 6, JMM 5, LJSP 4, MDMK 4, TDP 4, TRS 4, independent 6, other 29, vacant 13; note - seats by party as of December 2006
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (one chief justice and 25 associate justices are appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the age of 65 or are removed for "proved misbehavior")
Political parties and leaders:
Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP [Rajnath SINGH]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen PATNAIK]; Communist Party of India or CPI [Ardhendu Bhushan BARDHAN]; Communist Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M [Prakash KARAT]; Dravida Munnetra Kazagham or DMK [M. KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National Congress or INC [Sonia GANDHI]; Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) [Sharad YADAV]; Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM [Shibu SOREN]; Left Front (an alliance of Indian leftist parties); Lok Jan Shakti Party or LJSP [Ram Vilas PASWAN]; Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or MDMK [V. Gopalswamy VAIKO]; Nationalist Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Pattali Makkal Katchi or PMK [S. RAMADOSS]; Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD [Laloo Prasad YADAV]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali Dal or SAD [Parkash Singh BADAL]; Shiv Sena or SS [Bal THACKERAY]; Telangana Rashtriya Samithi or TRS [K. Chandrashekhar RAO]; Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; United Progressive Alliance or UPA [Sonia GANDHI] (India's ruling party coalition of 12 political parties); note - India has dozens of national and regional political parties; only parties or coalitions with four or more seats in the People's Assembly are listed
Political pressure groups and leaders:
All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Kashmir Valley (separatist group); Bajrang Dal (religious organization); National Socialist Council of Nagaland in the northeast (separatist group); Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (religious organization); Vishwa Hindu Parishad (religious organization other: numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations; various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional autonomy
International organization participation:
ADB, AfDB (nonregional members), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIMSTEC, BIS, C, CERN (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Ranendra SEN chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note - Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000 FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Chief of mission: Ambassador David C. MULFORD embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [91] (011) 2419-8000 FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017 consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)
Flag description:
Three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band
Conventional Long form:
Republic of India conventional short form: India local long form: Republic of India/Bharatiya Ganarajya local short form: India/Bharat
Government type:
Federal republic
Capital:
Name:
New Delhi geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal
Independence:
15 August 1947 (from UK)
National holiday:
Republic Day, 26 January (1950)
Constitution:
26 January 1950; amended many times
Legal system:
Based on English common law;
Judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; separate personal law codes apply to Muslims, Christians, and Hindus
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Chief of state: President Smt Pratibha Patil (since 25 July 2007); Vice President Hamid Ansari (since 11 August 2007) head of government:
Prime Minister Manmohan singh(since 22 May 2004) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 21 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012); vice president elected by both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 12 August 2002 (next to be held August 2007); prime minister chosen by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative elections; election last held April - May 2004 (next to be held May 2009) election results: Pratibha PATIL elected president; percent of vote - 65.8%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT - 34.2%
Legislative branch:
Bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250 members up to 12 of whom are appointed by the president, the remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 elected by popular vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) elections: People's Assembly - last held 20 April through 10 May 2004 (next must be held by May 2009) election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - INC 147, BJP 129, CPI (M) 43, SP 38, RJD 23, DMK 16, BSP 15, SS 12, BJD 11, CPI 10, NCP 10, JD (U) 8, SAD 8, PMK 6, JMM 5, LJSP 4, MDMK 4, TDP 4, TRS 4, independent 6, other 29, vacant 13; note - seats by party as of December 2006
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (one chief justice and 25 associate justices are appointed by the president and remain in office until they reach the age of 65 or are removed for "proved misbehavior")
Political parties and leaders:
Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP [Rajnath SINGH]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen PATNAIK]; Communist Party of India or CPI [Ardhendu Bhushan BARDHAN]; Communist Party of India-Marxist or CPI-M [Prakash KARAT]; Dravida Munnetra Kazagham or DMK [M. KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National Congress or INC [Sonia GANDHI]; Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) [Sharad YADAV]; Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or JMM [Shibu SOREN]; Left Front (an alliance of Indian leftist parties); Lok Jan Shakti Party or LJSP [Ram Vilas PASWAN]; Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or MDMK [V. Gopalswamy VAIKO]; Nationalist Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Pattali Makkal Katchi or PMK [S. RAMADOSS]; Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD [Laloo Prasad YADAV]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali Dal or SAD [Parkash Singh BADAL]; Shiv Sena or SS [Bal THACKERAY]; Telangana Rashtriya Samithi or TRS [K. Chandrashekhar RAO]; Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; United Progressive Alliance or UPA [Sonia GANDHI] (India's ruling party coalition of 12 political parties); note - India has dozens of national and regional political parties; only parties or coalitions with four or more seats in the People's Assembly are listed
Political pressure groups and leaders:
All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Kashmir Valley (separatist group); Bajrang Dal (religious organization); National Socialist Council of Nagaland in the northeast (separatist group); Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (religious organization); Vishwa Hindu Parishad (religious organization other: numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations; various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional autonomy
International organization participation:
ADB, AfDB (nonregional members), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIMSTEC, BIS, C, CERN (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS (observer), MIGA, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Ranendra SEN chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note - Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000 FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Chief of mission: Ambassador David C. MULFORD embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [91] (011) 2419-8000 FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017 consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)
Flag description:
Three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band
People-India
Population:
1,147,995,898 (July 2008 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 31.5% (male 189,238,487/female 172,168,306) 15-64 years: 63.3% (male 374,157,581/female 352,868,003) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 28,285,796/female 31,277,725) (2008 est.)
Median age:
Total: 25.1 years male: 24.7 years female: 25.5 years (2008 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.578% (2008 est.)
Birth rate:
22.22 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:
6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Net migration rate:
-0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Sex ratio:
At birth: 1.12 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Total: 32.31 deaths/1,000 live births male: 36.94 deaths/1,000 live births female: 27.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Total population: 69.25 years male: 66.87 years female: 71.9 years (2008 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.76 children born/woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.9% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
5.1 million (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
310,000 (2001 est.)
Major infectious diseases:
Degree of risk:
High food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria animal contact disease: rabies note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008)
Nationality:
noun: Indian(s) adjective: Indian
Ethnic groups:
Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)
Religions:
Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)
Languages:
Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%, Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9% note: English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2001 census)
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 61% male: 73.4% female: 47.8% (2001 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Total: 10 years male: 11 years female: 9 years (2005)
Education expenditures - percent of GDP:
3.2% (2005)
Nationality:
noun: Indian(s) adjective: Indian
Ethnic groups:
Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)
Religions:
Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)
Languages:
Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%, Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9% note: English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2001 census)
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 61% male: 73.4% female: 47.8% (2001 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Total: 10 years male: 11 years female: 9 years (2005)
Education expenditures - percent of GDP:
3.2% (2005)
Geography of India
Location:
Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan
Geographic coordinates:
20 00 N, 77 00 E
Map references:
Asia
Area:
Total: 3,287,590 sq km land: 2,973,190 sq km water: 314,400 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly more than one-third the size of the US
Land boundaries:
Total: 14,103 km border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km
Coastline:
7,000 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:
varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north
Terrain:
upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m
Natural resources:
coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land
Land use:
arable land: 48.83% permanent crops: 2.8% other: 48.37% (2005)
Irrigated land:
558,080 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
1,907.8 cu km (1999)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 645.84 cu km/yr (8%/5%/86%) per capita: 585 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards:
droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes
Environment - current issues:
deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing population is overstraining natural resources
Environment - international agreements:
Party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
Dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the world, lies on the border with Nepal
Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan
Geographic coordinates:
20 00 N, 77 00 E
Map references:
Asia
Area:
Total: 3,287,590 sq km land: 2,973,190 sq km water: 314,400 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly more than one-third the size of the US
Land boundaries:
Total: 14,103 km border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km
Coastline:
7,000 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:
varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north
Terrain:
upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m
Natural resources:
coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land
Land use:
arable land: 48.83% permanent crops: 2.8% other: 48.37% (2005)
Irrigated land:
558,080 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
1,907.8 cu km (1999)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 645.84 cu km/yr (8%/5%/86%) per capita: 585 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards:
droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes
Environment - current issues:
deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing population is overstraining natural resources
Environment - international agreements:
Party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
Dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the world, lies on the border with Nepal
Diwali, the festival of lights
One of the most joyful and beautiful festivals to be celebrated on the Indian subcontinent is Diwali, the festival of lights. The very word Diwali conjures up the image of winking lights and flickering diyas. Not to forget the gorgeous array of sparkling colours emitted by the firecrackers that seem to awaken the night sky.
Coming close on the heels of Dussehra, Diwali is celebrated on the last day of the Gujarati calendar year, and generally comes in the months of October or November, on the English calendar. It is one of the most important Indian festivals and is celebrated on a mass scale by Indians not only in India, but also all over the world.
The story behind diwali:
It is believed that on this day Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and loyal brother Lakshman was returning to his hometown Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile in the forest. He had just finished battling and overcoming the fierce demon king of Ceylon, Ravana, who had abducted Sita. In this battle he was ably helped by Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys as well as an army of courageous bears.
The people of Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome their true King as well as celebrate his victory over Ravana and also the safe return of their Queen Sita. They danced and made merry and lit firecrackers to express their joy over his return. And as a mark of respect and worship the festivities continue every year till this today.
As another lesser-known story goes, Lord Krishna had battled a demon called Narakasura and emerged victorious. The people of the city were overjoyed and welcomed Krishna back with lamps in their hands.
Since Rama and Krishna are two of the most popular gods in the Hindu lore, it is only logical that Diwali is celebrated with such pomp and glory.
How is diwali celebrated?
According to an ancient myth, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth travels through all our homes on Diwali night and stops to bless the homes that are shiny and sparkling clean. So as this festival approaches, all houses go through a thorough spring-cleaning in anticipation of her wealth and blessings. She will be greeted by a beautiful gaily painted Rangoli on the threshold of each home while inside too she is welcomed by an array of sparklers and little earthen lamps that light up and considerably brighten the atmosphere.
The actual festivities start from Dhanteras, which is celebrated two days before Diwali. Everybody goes out of their way to make big purchases and buy new clothes and jewellery. This is because this day is considered auspicious for wealth, and it is said that if you buy any silver or gold on this day, you will be lucky throughout the year. The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day through a Lakshmipujan, which is performed not only in the homes but in shops and offices as well.
But what would Diwali be without a burst of firecrackers and lights? The sound and light show starts at least a week prior to the actual festival and continues way into the New Year. Of course it reaches a crescendo on the day of Diwali itself, a day when people dress up in their best new clothes and go visiting each other, their relatives and friends with boxes of dry fruits and sweets and loads of love in their huge generous hearts.
Coming close on the heels of Dussehra, Diwali is celebrated on the last day of the Gujarati calendar year, and generally comes in the months of October or November, on the English calendar. It is one of the most important Indian festivals and is celebrated on a mass scale by Indians not only in India, but also all over the world.
The story behind diwali:
It is believed that on this day Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and loyal brother Lakshman was returning to his hometown Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile in the forest. He had just finished battling and overcoming the fierce demon king of Ceylon, Ravana, who had abducted Sita. In this battle he was ably helped by Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys as well as an army of courageous bears.
The people of Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome their true King as well as celebrate his victory over Ravana and also the safe return of their Queen Sita. They danced and made merry and lit firecrackers to express their joy over his return. And as a mark of respect and worship the festivities continue every year till this today.
As another lesser-known story goes, Lord Krishna had battled a demon called Narakasura and emerged victorious. The people of the city were overjoyed and welcomed Krishna back with lamps in their hands.
Since Rama and Krishna are two of the most popular gods in the Hindu lore, it is only logical that Diwali is celebrated with such pomp and glory.
How is diwali celebrated?
According to an ancient myth, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth travels through all our homes on Diwali night and stops to bless the homes that are shiny and sparkling clean. So as this festival approaches, all houses go through a thorough spring-cleaning in anticipation of her wealth and blessings. She will be greeted by a beautiful gaily painted Rangoli on the threshold of each home while inside too she is welcomed by an array of sparklers and little earthen lamps that light up and considerably brighten the atmosphere.
The actual festivities start from Dhanteras, which is celebrated two days before Diwali. Everybody goes out of their way to make big purchases and buy new clothes and jewellery. This is because this day is considered auspicious for wealth, and it is said that if you buy any silver or gold on this day, you will be lucky throughout the year. The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day through a Lakshmipujan, which is performed not only in the homes but in shops and offices as well.
But what would Diwali be without a burst of firecrackers and lights? The sound and light show starts at least a week prior to the actual festival and continues way into the New Year. Of course it reaches a crescendo on the day of Diwali itself, a day when people dress up in their best new clothes and go visiting each other, their relatives and friends with boxes of dry fruits and sweets and loads of love in their huge generous hearts.
Each day of Diwali is known by different names throughout the country.
Diwali is celebrated all over the country. Across every state, the celebrations revolve around the common theme of dispelling the darkness of ignorance and welcoming the light of knowledge. The festival is also associated with wealth and prosperity. Different regions of the country celebrate Diwali in different ways. As such, each day of Diwali often has its own unique name in a different part of the country.
First Day:
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. 'Dhan' refers to wealth; hence, this day is celebrated to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. On this day, obeisance is also paid to Dhanavantri, the doctor of the Gods. This day is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhan Teyras. Another name for the first day of Diwali is Yamadeepdan. This name is associated with Yama, the god of death. The sixteen year old son of King Hima was destined to die on this day. However, the devotion of his wife impressed Yama so much that he returned back without taking the Prince's life. On this day, earthen lamps are lit for ancestors of the family and the lamps are floated down a river or pond. Lamps are also lit at the entrance of a home. Offerings comprising of water, rice, jaggery, vermillion, and flowers are kept for Yama. In South India, this day is known as Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi. It is a very auspicious day and every household celebrates by buying silver or gold items. If this is not financially possible, then at least new utensils are purchased.
Second Day:
In most of northern India, the second day of Diwali is known as Choti Diwali or small Diwali. Since it is Diwali on a smaller scale, only five to seven lamps are lit and placed at the entrance of the house. A few crackers are burst as well. This day is also known as Roop Chaturdasi. Hindus perform a ritual bath and meditate in order to enhance their beauty. In connection with this, the second day is also referred to as Kali Choudas. People apply kajal (black eye liner) to the eyes in order to ward off kali nazar (evil eye). In South India, the second day is called Narkachaturdashi. It is celebrated to commemorate the death of the demon king, Narakasura. In Andhra Pradesh, this day is also known as Divvela Panduga. At the end of this day, people take a bath with oil, accompanied by the bursting of firecrackers.
Third Day :
The third day is the most important day of Diwali. This day is dedicated to the worship of goddess Lakshmi. For Jains, this day is known as Deva Diwali. On this day, homes are brightly lit, and scriptures are read in order to worship Lord Mahavir. Kashmiri Pandits celebrate this day as Sukhsuptika, which literally means sleep with happiness. Badhausar is the name given to this day in Gujarat. It is believed that on this day, goddess Lakshmi visits all homes that are brightly lit. In some south Indian states, Diwali is known as Balindra Puja. On this day, a puja is performed to Lord Krishna and an offering of oil is made. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas. This day is celebrated as a day of freedom by the Sikhs. Sindhis celebrate Diwali as Diyari. They too perform a Lakshmi puja on this day.
Fourth Day:
The fourth day of Diwali is usually celebrated as the New Year for most Hindus and is called as Bestavarsh. It is believed that Lord Krishna gave his protection to a cowherd family in Vrindavan to save them from the anger of Lord Indra. Hence this day is also termed as Annakoot. In Karnataka, this day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada. On this day, the demon king Bali descends to the earth to visit his loyal subjects.
Fifth Day :
The fifth day of Diwali is dedicated to celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. This day is mainly known as Bhai Dooj. However, there are variations in this name depending on the different parts of the country. In Bengal, this day is called as Bhai Phota while in Maharashtra, it is known as Bhau-beej. The fifth day is also referred to as Yamadwitheya. On this day, Lord Yama visited his sister Yamuna. This is also why this day is special for brothers and sisters.
Ganesha Chaturthi
The Ganesha festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the month of Bhadrapad in the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this falls between the months of August and September. Clay idols of Lord Ganesha are lovingly brought home and worshipped with great devotion. He is propitiated with great reverence particularly in the state of Maharashtra.
It was Lokmanya Tilak who realized that community celebration of religious festivals would bring people together. He introduced the tradition of celebrating the Ganesha festival in Maharashtra on such a grand scale. Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva. He is considered the most auspicious God to worship at the commencement of any occasion. He is considered to be the remover of all obstacles and hindrances that may arise in any work undertaken.
Therefore, it is a well-known custom to pay obeisance to him before one undertakes any task. That is the reason one finds Lord Ganesha's image adorning most wedding invitations. Lord Ganesha is considered to be a most benevolent God and one of the most popular. He has the head of an elephant, an animal of great stamina and intelligence. Thus, he is the Lord of great strength and intellect. He is also considered the master of all academic subjects as well as all the arts and crafts. He is usually depicted with four hands: one holds a modak, another a lotus flower, a third an axe and the fourth, a trishul.
There is the great shloka:
It was Lokmanya Tilak who realized that community celebration of religious festivals would bring people together. He introduced the tradition of celebrating the Ganesha festival in Maharashtra on such a grand scale. Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva. He is considered the most auspicious God to worship at the commencement of any occasion. He is considered to be the remover of all obstacles and hindrances that may arise in any work undertaken.
Therefore, it is a well-known custom to pay obeisance to him before one undertakes any task. That is the reason one finds Lord Ganesha's image adorning most wedding invitations. Lord Ganesha is considered to be a most benevolent God and one of the most popular. He has the head of an elephant, an animal of great stamina and intelligence. Thus, he is the Lord of great strength and intellect. He is also considered the master of all academic subjects as well as all the arts and crafts. He is usually depicted with four hands: one holds a modak, another a lotus flower, a third an axe and the fourth, a trishul.
There is the great shloka:
Vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti samaprabha.Nirvighnama kurumedeva shubhakaryeshu sarvada
When translated into English, it reads as:"O mighty God with a trunk, your brilliance is like that of a thousand suns; free my path of all obstacles in all auspicious works that I undertake."
Every Hindu god is known by numerous names and Ganesh is no exception. What is the significance of each of these terms? 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' (O Hail Lord Ganesh!) is the raucous refrain heard in every street of Maharashtra during the festival called Ganesh Chaturthi. The famous astrologer Bejan Daruwala holds 'Lord Ganesh' to be his guiding force. 'Gajanan' is the loving name that many attach to this food-loving Hindu god. According to Hindu tradition, all the names of Ganesh are to be uttered before embarking on a task, for success. However, there is a fascinating story behind every moniker.
1. Sumukh:
This is a Sanskrit term meaning 'one with a beautiful face'. Ganesh is said to possess the beauty of the moon. His trademark long trunk indicates wisdom and intelligence, small eyes denote seriousness, and long flat ears (Deergha karma) signify that he gives equal attention to important events as well as complaints of devotees.
2. Ek Danta:
This literally means 'one with a single tooth'. Apparently, once, before taking a bath, Parvati instructed Ganesh to guard the entrance. Lord Parashuram arrived while Ganesh was standing guard. He became furious and abused Ganesh which incited him to attack Parashuram in return. The Lord returned his attack and Ganesh ended up losing one of his teeth. Thereafter, Ganesh came to be associated with the doctrine called Adwaita, which maintains that reality is non dual.
3. Kapil:
Kapil means 'of smoky grey colour';This name has a metaphorical significance. Kapila in the scriptures is a cow of this colour. A cow provides us with healthy foods like milk, ghee, curd, etc. In the same way, Ganesh is said to give us knowledge (ghee), wisdom (curd), and expression (milk). This would make us mentally healthy and devoid of any worries or negative influences.
4. Gajakarna:
The meaning of this name is 'one with ears of an elephant'. Ganesh's large ears denote that he is ever ready to listen to everyone's troubles. He, however, is said to pay no regard to useless matters such as gossip, which do not benefit mankind in any way. Devotees of Ganesh are to avoid hearing evil things, just like the god.
5. Lambodar:
It means 'one with a large stomach'. This again is a metaphoric name. Humans can be divided into two categories. Some people can digest and retain in their minds all things of goodwill. But others are unable to assimilate anything. Ganesh's huge stomach denotes a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom.
6. Vikat:
'Vikat' means ferocious or 'to be feared': Ganesh has a fearful form as his torso is that of a human while the face is an elephant's. However, this fear is inspired merely to deter all evil forces and defeat them. It is a classic demonstration of the motto that people must be treated in the way that they themselves employ. Thus Ganesh is the lord of bravery.
7. Vighnanash:
This means 'destroyer of all evils and calamities'. A related name is 'Vinayak' which means the same. Ganesh is said to remove obstacles in the path of those who pray to him honestly. Devotees also look to him to rid their minds of fear and cowardice.
8. Dhoomra Ketu:
This means Agni (fire) or a shield of smoke. Just as Agni can destroy everything in its path, Ganesh demolishes all that hampers the philosophical and scientific progress of mind. A devotee seeks to gain strength from Lord Ganesh to achieve success in his endeavours.
9. Ganadhyaksha:
This name has two meanings. The first is 'a controller of those things that can be counted'. The other is a controller of ganas (general public), nar (men) asurs (demons), nag (snakes), and chaturveda, that is, all the four Vedas. The popular name Ganapati is a diminutive of Ganancha Adhipati, which means, controller of the entire universe.
10. Bhalchandra:
Bhalchandra means 'one who holds the moon on his head.' With the moon on his head, Lord Ganesh is said to ensure pleasure, peace, and coolness in the world. A peaceful mind doubles one's efficiency and chances of success. The moon is said to be a king of Brahmins (priestly caste of Hindus). Thus another symbolism would be that Ganesh holds with him all the knowledge of Brahma (The Creator).
The twelfth and the last name of Ganesh means 'one with the face of an elephant'. The small eyes imply that Ganesh misses nothing and views everything critically and acutely. It also points towards a generous nature. In a book called the 'Ganapat Sambahav' it is stated that both man and elephant have longevity of 120 years. Even men can reach this limit with dedication. Thus, Ganesh is believed to have formed a link between men and elephants through his incarnation. Thus, known by any name.
"Ganesh remains as lovable and as inspiring as ever"
Makar Sankrant
The meaning and significance of Makar Sankrant - the first Hindu festival in the beginning of every year.
Come January, Come Makar Sankrant. Sankrant is the first Hindu festival of the solar calendar year, falling on January 14. It is one of the most auspicious times for the followers of the Hindu religion. This festival coincides with the Sun's northward journey (Uttarayan).
On Jan 14, the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Makar ( Capricorn). Sankrant means the movement from one zodiac sign to another. It is a special date when the day and night are of equal duration. Henceforth, the duration of the day becomes longer thereby providing a reason for celebration.
Significance and history :
Sankrant symbolizes the onset of the harvest season and the end of winter. It has been celebrated as the harvest festival right from the times of the Aryans. The Sun God, Surya, is said to turn his back on winter with his chariot of seven horses marching forward. In Mahabharata too, the auspiciousness of this period is mentioned. Bhishma Pitamaha, in spite of being wounded and lying on a bed of arrows, waits for 'Uttarayan' to set in before breathing his last. It is believed that a person who dies in this period attains 'moksha' (salvation) and escapes the cycle of birth and death.
Celebration :
There is a wide variation in the celebration of Makar Sankrant throughout India.
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Makar Sankrant is a festival of the young and the old. In Maharashtra, all married women have a get together called 'Haldi-Kumkum' on this day. A 'puja' is offered after which women and their families exchange 'tilgud' - a sweet made out of sesame seeds as a gesture of goodwill and sisterhood. In Gujarat, kites take on a new meaning, as kite-flying fever grips everybody. The sky is dotted with kites of different shapes and colours as the fun- loving natives fly them with great enthusiasm. The spectacular symphony of colours is the best feature of this lively festival. Although tilgud and kite-flying were peculiar to celebrations in Maharashtra and Gujarat respectively, these features have become totally Indianised now. The Sankrant festival is a good example of the national integration of customs and traditions.
In Punjab, Makar Sankrant is called 'Lohri'. A family get-together around a bonfire combined with a food fiesta and `Bhangra' (a famous Punjabi dance) mark this festival. Sugarcane, rice and sweets are tossed into the bonfire as an offering to the Sun God.
In Uttar Pradesh, this period is celebrated as 'Kicheri'. Every year there is the famous Kumbh Mela at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati. Hordes of people throng to this mela and take a dip in the holy waters to cleanse themselves of their past sins.
In the southern parts of India, Sankrant is the harvest festival 'Pongal'. The celebration of Pongal lasts for three days. On the first day, a preparation of rice boiled with milk is offered to the Rain God. On the second day, it is offered to the the Sun God and on the third day, the family cattle are given a bath and dressed with flowers, bells and colours. The cattle are honored for their hard work in the fields.
Significance and history :
Sankrant symbolizes the onset of the harvest season and the end of winter. It has been celebrated as the harvest festival right from the times of the Aryans. The Sun God, Surya, is said to turn his back on winter with his chariot of seven horses marching forward. In Mahabharata too, the auspiciousness of this period is mentioned. Bhishma Pitamaha, in spite of being wounded and lying on a bed of arrows, waits for 'Uttarayan' to set in before breathing his last. It is believed that a person who dies in this period attains 'moksha' (salvation) and escapes the cycle of birth and death.
Celebration :
There is a wide variation in the celebration of Makar Sankrant throughout India.
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Makar Sankrant is a festival of the young and the old. In Maharashtra, all married women have a get together called 'Haldi-Kumkum' on this day. A 'puja' is offered after which women and their families exchange 'tilgud' - a sweet made out of sesame seeds as a gesture of goodwill and sisterhood. In Gujarat, kites take on a new meaning, as kite-flying fever grips everybody. The sky is dotted with kites of different shapes and colours as the fun- loving natives fly them with great enthusiasm. The spectacular symphony of colours is the best feature of this lively festival. Although tilgud and kite-flying were peculiar to celebrations in Maharashtra and Gujarat respectively, these features have become totally Indianised now. The Sankrant festival is a good example of the national integration of customs and traditions.
In Punjab, Makar Sankrant is called 'Lohri'. A family get-together around a bonfire combined with a food fiesta and `Bhangra' (a famous Punjabi dance) mark this festival. Sugarcane, rice and sweets are tossed into the bonfire as an offering to the Sun God.
In Uttar Pradesh, this period is celebrated as 'Kicheri'. Every year there is the famous Kumbh Mela at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati. Hordes of people throng to this mela and take a dip in the holy waters to cleanse themselves of their past sins.
In the southern parts of India, Sankrant is the harvest festival 'Pongal'. The celebration of Pongal lasts for three days. On the first day, a preparation of rice boiled with milk is offered to the Rain God. On the second day, it is offered to the the Sun God and on the third day, the family cattle are given a bath and dressed with flowers, bells and colours. The cattle are honored for their hard work in the fields.
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