9 things you can't see anywhere else but India

India is the second-most populous country in the world. This South Asian country is known for its diversity of languages and religions. All this makes India an amazing place to experience different cultures, attracting many visitors every year.

Pictolic has collected the most amazing facts that make India such a unique place.

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1. Married women wear rings on their toes.

Married women in India wear rings not only on their hands. They also wear them on their feet. The toe ring, known as Bichkhiya, is a tradition among Hindus. Bichkhiya is used on the second toe of both feet.

2. Indians eat according to the 6 seasons of the year.

There are officially four seasons in India, but according to the Hindu calendar, there are two additional seasons known as the Varsha, or rainy season, and Hemant, the pre-winter season. The seasons are linked to the principles of Ayurveda, a thousand-year-old holistic medicine that originated in India. Ayurvedic medicine focuses on balancing the different types of energy in the body. They believe that what you eat is fundamental to your health. In addition, in every season, nature provides exactly the food that you should eat at that time. For example, fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumber are available in summer. You should consume them during this time because they provide a high level of hydration. Meanwhile, during the rainy season, many people get the flu. So antioxidant fruits like stone fruits can help prevent disease.

3. McDonald's and other fast-food brands offer a variety of vegetarian options.

India ranks first in the world in terms of the number of vegetarians living there. About 38% of the population does not eat meat. This is mainly due to their religious beliefs as Hindus respect all kinds of life by keeping animals. Some of these animals, such as cows, are even sacred.

4. Cows are treated like people (or even better).

Cows are sacred in India. Hindus believe that these animals represent Mother Earth. Their milk is a truly valuable product, as it nourishes people and animals.

5. A third gender is recognized in India.

Hijras are what people in India call the third gender. Since 2014, it has become legal to identify yourself as neither a man nor a woman in the country. Hijras are usually dressed in colorful saris and makeup. Indians believe that it is in their power to bring good luck or curse.

6. Babies get eyeliner.

Many parents in India apply black eyeliner to their babies. But this black makeup is different from what is sold in stores. This paint is known as kajal or Surma. The name may differ depending on the region of the country.

7. Men usually hold hands in the street.

Although intimate contact in public is not encouraged in India, holding hands is indeed a common gesture between people of the same sex. You can see male friends together, as this is true friendship.

8. Police officers are really creative people at work.

In India, police officers can be creative in their daily work. From various costumes to phones attached to helmets to record their daily lives, anything is possible. In addition, the Indian police have created rather unusual ways to punish violators of the law. For example, the Pune police force people to practice yoga on the streets. The police strongly recommend meditation and daily yoga as part of everyday life. Officers believe that these methods can improve discipline and deal with frustration and anger.

9. Worship snakes and get pierced at festivals.

If India is a country of many cultures and rituals, it is also a place with a wide variety of festivals. Some of them are very popular, such as Holi, the festival of colors. There is also the Kumbh Mela, the largest Hindu festival, marked by the ritual of bathing in the rivers. But there is a calendar full of other events, such as the Serpent Festival, called Naag Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day of the lunar month of Shravan.