Land of Contrasts: A patchwork of religions

When you think of India, you might think of the huge Hindu population and pockets of Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. But you might not think of Jains, Parsis, Baha'is and Jews.

They are all woven into the textured patchwork of Indian culture, stitched together by mutual respect and spirituality but kept divided by different customs, places of worship and superstitions.

The country prides itself on being a secular religious nation that gives equal rights to all and its people accept that there are many paths to God. This vibrant and tollerant mix of religion and culture characterises the allure of India.

As my grandfather noted in his memoirs:
"Economically , India is a poor country, poor in the extreme for millions. It is, however, very rich on religion. All the people, each worshipping in their own way, add their quota to the culture of the mother land. There are a multitude of shrines, temples, mosques and churches. Anything of real value in the lives of the masses is linked to religion."

There was never a truer word spoken, even 70 years later. The cacophony of festivals and religions rites, so colourful and extravagant, bring the cities and villages to life. And it is true that, for many, the religious rituals enable them to wallow in escapism and forget the unrelenting hardship of everyday life.

Of course, I have only scraped the surface with my encounter with Amma, the hugging mother, being thrust into temples to give puja, feeling intrusive observing prayer at silent mosques, gatecrashing a Jain wedding, being proudly shown a kitsch collection of Virgin Marys in someone's home and being treated like a celebrity by hundreds of Sikh pilgrims on their way up a mountain.

But what is clear is that religion is what makes India 'tick'. It is a livelihood, a fashion statement, a celebration, an arranged marriage, a shared prayer and the foundations of family life.