Updated at 2023-05-23
Oil lamps are sacred instruments in Hinduism. They are considered the vessels of Devi, the divine goddess. Not only can they ubiquitous in Hindu temples, but they are also a staple item in Hindu households. In fact, lighting oil lamps is not limited to any particular caste, as Bollywood stars and business tycoons alike light them at home with reverence. During festive occasions, the grandeur of lighting oil lamps is amplified severalfold. India's most important festival, Diwali, is celebrated throughout the country by lighting oil lamps for five days and nights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Flag: The flag has four colors: orange, green, white, and blue. In the center is a blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes.
National day: Jan. 26
Language: India is a multiethnic and multilingual country. There are 122 languages spoken by 10,000 or more people. The official languages are Hindi and English. States are allowed to choose their own official languages. There are 22 official languages listed in the Indian constitution, with Hindi and English as the primary languages. Official and legal documents are mainly in these two languages.
Capital: New Delhi
Area: The distance from north to south is 3,214 kilometers and the distance from east to west is 2,933 kilometers. The total area is 3,287,000 square kilometers, making India the world's seventh largest country.
Population: Approx. 1,450 million people
Currency: Indian rupee
Government: India is a republic. It comprises 28 states and 8 union territories.
Government system: Federal cabinet system. The cabinet is responsible for government affairs. The president is the nominal head of state and elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of parliament and members of the legislative assemblies of the states. The vice president is elected in the same way and for the same recreational places of time.