Pop Culture
Bollywood movie that features the character Simran who runs to catch a train
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Steamed dumplings that are loved in Nepal, Tibet, and Northeast India
Momos
The capital of Afghanistan
Kabul
The term for the formal marriage registration ceremony in Bangladeshi Muslim weddings
Nikah
The dominant religion in the Maldives, influencing all aspects of spiritual life and law
Islam (Sunni Islam)
The Pakistani singer known for "Afreen Afreen," Qawwali music, and frequently appears on Coke Studio
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Haleem, a spicy slow-cooked stew, is especially popular during Ramadan in this country
Pakistan
The capital city of the Maldives, located on a densely populated coral island
Malé
The name of the ritual where the bride and groom circle a sacred fire seven times
Saptapadi or Saat Phere
The country in which the Living Goddess Kumari worshipped
Nepal
This regional-language film industry is known as “Mollywood”
Malayalam film industry / Kerala
Ema Datshi, Bhutan’s national dish, is made with two main ingredients
Chillies and cheese
The northernmost city in Sri Lanka, known for its Tamil culture and history of conflict during the civil war
Jaffna
In Nepal’s Newar community, girls take part in a symbolic marriage to this fruit
Bel (wood apple)
This is the name of the Islamic holy night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
Laylat al-Qadr
The Bangladeshi film was the country’s submission to the Oscars and stars Chanchal Chowdhury
Rehana Maryam Noor
This tangy, mustard-based fish curry, often prepared with hilsa, is considered a national delicacy of Bangladesh
Shorshe Ilish
The name of the ancient city in Sindh province of Pakistan, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning
Mohenjo-Daro
The name of the traditional turmeric-pasting ceremony held separately for the bride and groom before the wedding in Bangladesh
Gaye Holud
Mount Kailash, sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, is found in this region
Tibet
This 2018 Nepali film about a former Kumari's struggle with identity became an indie festival favorite
Even When I Fall
Wattalapam, a coconut and jaggery custard dessert, is a festive favorite in this country
Sri Lanka
The region of India, once ruled by the Ahom dynasty for over 600 years, successfully resisted Mughal invasions and is now known for tea and biodiversity
Assam
In Tamil Hindu weddings, this is the name of the thread necklace tied around the bride's neck by the groom
Thali or Mangalsutra
The name of the mythical king believed to have ruled Lanka in the Ramayana, known for his 10 heads and devotion to Shiva
Ravana