The 968 million inhabitants of India use every inch of this vast country. Everyone will tell you the stories of poverty, hunger and the oppressive caste system. They're all true, but paradoxically India is also one of the happiest places on earth. Smiling bike wallahs, lazy dogs, elaborate wedding ceremonies and young boys playing cricket surprise you at every turn. But probably the best demonstration of India's joy and perseverance are their numerous festivals and celebrations.
Religion seeps into every part of Indian life.
A primary tenet of Hinduism is that we all go through a series of births or reincarnations that eventually lead to spiritual salvation, or nirvana. In the autumn there's Delhi's Diwali , also known as the Festival of Lights. This tribute to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, starts the Hindu new year off with parades, pyrotechnics and lots of gambling. Other festivals trace back to the seasonal rhythms for planting and harvesting crops. For example, Pongal celebrates the sun's movement into the Tropic of Capricorn and the end of the rice harvest with feasting, cow parades and some dangerous bullfighting.