India's national sport is field hockey although cricket is the most popular sport in India. In some states, particularly those in the northeast and the states of West Bengal, Goa, and Kerala, football is also a popular sport.

Traditional sports include kabaddi, kho kho, and gilli-danda, which are played nationwide.

India is also home to the ancient martial arts, Kalarippayattu and Varma Kalai.

Because of India's size, its climate depends not only on the time of year, but also the location.

In general, temperatures tend to be cooler in the north, especially between September and March. The south is coolest between November to January.

In June, winds and warm surface currents begin to move northwards and westwards, heading out of the Indian Ocean and into the Arabian Gulf. This creates a phenomenon known as the south-west monsoon, and it brings heavy rains to the west coast.

Between October and December, a similar climatic pattern called the north-east monsoon appears in the Bay of Bengal, bringing rains to the east coast.

India's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert, both of which drive the monsoons

Hindu make 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, and others 1.9%

India has great heritage from various empires and religions and has some of Asia's most astounding architectural achievements, including thousands of ancient temples and the Taj Mahal.

India has extensive national parks and plenty of opportunities for safari and trekking in the Himalayas.

Indian architecture is one area that represents the diversity of Indian culture most comprises a blend of ancient and varied local traditions from several parts of the country and abroad.

Indian music covers a wide range of traditions and regional styles.

The Indian film industry is the largest in the world, Bollywood.

Indian cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of regional styles and sophisticated use of herbs and spices.

Many Indian festivals are religious in origin, although several are celebrated irrespective of caste and creed.