amby – classic car used by Indian Government, now common among public; also known as Ambassador

autorisckshaw – 3 wheeled motor vehicle public transportation, cheaper than taxis; commonly referred to as tuk tuk

baksheesh – tip, bribe, donation

betel – see paan

bindi – traditional forehead dot or jewelry worn by women

chaat – snack; also referred to as street food

chowk – marketplace, town square

crore – 10,000,000; written as 1,00,00,000

darshan – act of viewing religious deities, receiving religious teachings

desi – a word which refers to the people, cultures, and products of the Indian subcontinent

dhaba – restaurant, food hall; popular along highways for well priced, good meals

Ganesh – Hindu god of good fortune, remover of obstacles; instantly recognizable by his elephant head

gjams – traditional Indian sweet, often served warm; also known as gulab jamin

gopuram – towering temple gateways common in South India; also known as gopura

Hanuman – Hindu monkey god, known for strength, courage and devotion

jhula – bridge

kurta – traditional long men’s shirt with either short collar or no collar

lakh – 100,000; written as 1,00,000; see crore

lungi – traditional fabric wrap worn by men, some women, as bottom clothing in South India

mahout – elephant rider, trainer, keeper

masala dabba – traditional spice box found in most Indian kitchens

paan – a combination of spices and betel nut folded into a betel leaf and chewed; produces a red liquid; considered addictive

rangoli – geometric pattern of colored powder or chalk laid before the doorway of houses or temples; also known as kolam

sadhu – holy person, person seeking enlightenment

sagar – lake, reservoir

salwar kameez – traditional top, pant and scarf combination worn by women; also known as Punjabi suit

Shiva – Hindu god, destroyer of all evil

tulsi – sacred herb of India and important symbol of Hinduism; also known as holy basil

Vishu – Hindu god, preserver of the universe