Food is one of the most basic yet irreplaceable element of our life. It is one of the few pillars without which our life would seem impossible.
Can you imagine a day without food?
When we talk about food in India, we can’t even name all in one go. Food in India is as diverse as its culture. We believe that food is the best way to reach someone’s heart.
When we talk about Indian food in particular, we just cannot miss one of the most important ingredient i.e. spice. India is called the “Land of Spices”. We start eating spices from a very young age. Spices help to increase immunity, prevent diseases, and are used for healing purposes. According to our philosophy, food is an aspect of Brahman. It is a gift from Paramatma (God). So, it should be treated with great respect. Right from our childhood, it is taught to us to complete the food in the dish and not waste or leave bits and bobs. According to our traditional knowledge, foods which have been prepared using local fibre roots, fruits, vegetables, and grass are necessary for us. Food is also a way to bind families together in India as in some houses it is tradition to eat at least a single meal with the whole family and share things which also helps to maintain good relationships.
Indian festivals and food go hand in hand. Our traditions teach us to offer a part of our meal to the needy and hungry when we have meals in wholesome amounts, in families and during celebrations. This meal provided to the ones in need is called Langar (Food of God).
And not to miss sweets and desserts, which constitute a pivotal part in our lives.
Any and every Indian festival is incomplete without sweets. We treat our friends and family with sweets at the time of festivals and especially whenever something good happens in our lives.
The Indian festival of “Grain Harvesting” is a very auspicious occasion celebrated in various parts of India. Can you believe every state has a different name and date for this one festival? Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bhogali Bihu, Gudi Padwa, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Basant Panchmi are a few names of the Grain Harvesting festival celebrated in different parts of India.
Every state has its own speciality .Be it be Rogan Josh of Jammu and Kashmir to Dosa of Tamil Nadu and from Dal Dhokli of Gujrat to Eromba of Manipur, every dish has its own zayaka(taste) and you just cannot make a comparison between any! (At least we couldn’t)
We Indians are also very fond of Street food and some of them are also world-famous like Kathi Roll, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, etc. Eateries serving these are available at every corner of the street in India.
When we talk about fasting, Indians have food for it too. From having fried to rich calorie food, we enjoy fasting like it’s another festival. We treat people with food when we are happy like in Birthday parties, Weddings, etc. and even at sad times, after the death of someone (there is a tradition of treating Hindu Priests, friends) to signify that the family should now stop mourning and continue to live a normal life.
Through this blog, we hope that you will hop on to this food train with us and explore various cuisines, restaurants, tricks, hacks of cooking and many more stuff.
