India, and all that it’s #HomeTo

India has one of the largest populations in the world and is currently home to 1.4 billion people. Although, India's influence worldwide is beyond measure.

Steeped in history and culture, there's so much that India is famous for. Whether it's Bollywood, yoga and its Indian origin, the world famous Indian cuisine, or famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal. India's #HomeTo it all.

The Indian cuisine, Holi festival, and its beautiful wildlife all add to the list of reasons that Indians around the world take pride in calling it home. We looked at India and all the things those 1.4 billion people are proud of and what India is famous for.

#HomeTo the Taj Mahal - A World-Famous Architectural Masterpiece

Located in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Yamuna River, The Taj Mahal is in a huge Mughal Garden that is a huge 17 hectares in size. Tourists from all over the world flock to see the Taj Mahal because of its breath-taking beauty and history.

Known for symbolising love, the Taj Mahal was built in memory of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their 14th child.

The building of the Taj Mahal started in 1632 and took 14 years to complete. With over 20,000 workers helping in its build, today the Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the world. The building has been replicated more than 10 times.

#HomeTo Bollywood – The World’s Largest Film Industry

Although based in Mumbai, you can find evidence of Bollywood all around the world. The Hindi language film industry began in the early 1930s. Today, the Indian film empire is one of the biggest film industries in the world and creates over 1000 movies yearly. That's double the output of Hollywood.

There's no end to some of the works coming from Bollywood. From spectacular musical numbers and choreography to colourful set designs. Bollywood has produced it all.

Bollywood stars have gone on to appear in Hollywood movies, famous Indian actress Priyanka Chopra being the latest star to make the switch.

#HomeTo Bengal Tigers & Indian Elephants – National Animals of India

The Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India. It's the Bengali habitat that has given rise to the Bengali Tiger's ability to swim. Females can grow up to 2.7 metres and weigh up to 181kg. Males can go as far as 3.2 metres, and 295kg. A real powerful solitary hunter.

And if that size isn't mind-boggling enough, the Indian Elephant can grow to over 3 metres in height. To add to that, Indian Elephants can weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000kg.

With an interesting 19 (yes, 19..) pairs of ribs, Indian Elephants play an important role in Indian wildlife. Indian Elephants help the forest & grassland habitats they live in to succeed.

Unfortunately, both national animals have become endangered, with only 3,500 Tigers and 30,000 Elephants left in India.

#HomeTo the Birthplace of Yoga

Yoga and its origins trace back to Northern India, over 5,000 years ago. Yoga focuses on breathwork, flexibility and strength, boosting mental and physical wellbeing.

It was in the 1970's that modern yoga became globally popular, as scientific research boasted the benefits of this Indian practice. Today, you're never far from a yoga mat, class, or a student of this age-old meditation. So it's no surprise that the global yoga industry has a value of over $130 billion.

#HomeTo Indian Food – One of the World’s Most Popular Cuisines

Every region of India produces their own unique Indian food traditions and culture. So, it comes as no surprise that India contributes to over 70% of the world's spice production.

Over 5,000 years old, Indian food and it's distinctive mix of spices are well travelled. Whether you're in London, Dubai, New York, or anywhere else. You're never far from a popular Indian restaurant.

The list of Indian dishes that could make your day, is endless. A few of our favourites include:

• Samosas

• Tandoori Chicken

• Masala

• Naan Bread

• Curry dishes like Korma, Jalfrezi and Vindaloos

#HomeTo the World’s Number One International Cricket Team

As the world's number one ranked international team, Indians know a thing or two about cricket.

From 1721 to today, cricket has been the biggest sport in India. In the modern game, India (with some of the world's most passionate fans) have won two world cups, a T20 world cup, and seven Asia cups.

The nation has produced some of the best to ever play. These include Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Rahul Dravid and the king of Indian cricket; Sachin Tendulkar.

In addition to the 1.4 billion people in India, many more people around the world have roots back to India. Many of these people, that India is #HomeTo, stay connected to their loved ones through mobile top-up with Ding. If you, like so many of our customers want to stay connected to your loved ones in India, send them a mobile top-up today. It'll arrive in seconds.