Telugu is the main language spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, many people speak English and Hindi as well. Hindi is especially common in Telangana because the most recent kings of Telangana came from an area of India where Hindi was spoken. That was a long time ago!
India uses the rupee. About 70 rupees is equal to one American dollar. In India, they use paper bills and coins, just as in America.
A bottle of water costs approximately 15 rupees, or 25 American cents.
This week, I went to an engagement party where they served food on a banana leaf. This is the traditional way to eat and it is said that the leaf imparts flavor to the food. At religious ceremonies, only vegetarian food is served so the meal included rice, lentils, pickled vegetables, okra fry, and much more.
I listened to some Tollywood music this week. Tollywood is the Telugu equivalent of Hollywood, so this is music from Telugu movies! One of my favorites is called Bangaru Kalla (Golden Eyes) from the movie Murari. The main character is light-heartedly teasing the heroine after she is upset with her family.
