Language: Hindi is the most widely spoken language and primary tongue of 41 percent of the people; there are more than 22 other languages. English is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication

Climate/Best time to go: India’s climate is defined by three seasons—the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north to south. The best time to visit most of the country is during the cooler period of October to March, although this does vary by region since the country is so large. But India can be visited year-round

Tipping: In hotels, porters and room service attendants are generally tipped at the end of the stay; in restaurants, the tip to waiters is around 10-15 percent of the bill. In cases of restaurants of famous and prestigious hotels, generally a 10 percent service surcharge is added to the bill. Tipping taxi and three-wheeler driver is not too common. However, if you want to give a tip, then 10 percent of the fare or leaving the change is enough. If your clients are hiring a car throughout their stay, tip the driver 50-100 rupees per day, depending on the distance traveled. At railway stations, pay the porters around 5-10 rupees per bag

Holidays: New Year’s Day: Jan.1; Republic Day: Jan. 26; Milad-Un-Nabi (an important religious festival for Muslims, as it is the birthday celebration of Prophet Muhammad): Jan. 23-24, 2013; Holi (the festival of colors) March 27, 2013; Good Friday: March 29, 2013; Easter Sunday: March 31, 2013; Independence Day: Aug. 15; Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan): Aug. 18-19, 2012; Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday: Oct. 2; Vijayadashami (celebrating victory of Shakti over Mahishasura, of Lord Rama over Ravana, and of Durga over demons): Oct. 24, 2012; Diwali (Hindu Festival of Light): Nov. 13, 2012; Guru Nanak’s Birthday: Nov. 11; and Christmas Day: Dec. 25

Information please: incredibleindia.org

Simple terms in Hindi

Hello – namaste, Namaskar

Hi – Suno, Suniye

Mr. – shrimaan

Mrs. – shrimati

Miss – kumari

Master – Kumar

Bye – alvida

Thank you – dhanyavaad

Good morning – shubh prabhat,

Su prabhat

Good evening – shubh sandhya

Good night – shubh ratri

Take care – apna khayal rakhna

See you later – phir milen-gey

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Simple terms in Hindi

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