School:

• The school year begins in April in most of north and east India, and in June in most of south and west India.

• Barely half of children in India finish primary school. Dropout rates are higher for girls; only about 40% of adult women in India can read.

Play:

• Pachisi (Parcheesi) has been called India's “national game.” Kite flying is also a widespread passion.

• Hockey, cricket and soccer are very popular. Kabaddi, a complex, fast-paced team contact sport, is now played throughout Asia.

Family:

• The “joint family” system is a common tradition, in which the families of several brothers (usually) live together.

• Tens of millions of children in India—more than in any other country—work to help support their families.