5. Food and Festival of India

Imagine a world bursting with colours, flavours, and joyful celebrations! In India, food and festivals are like magical threads that connect the rich heritage of this incredible country. Picture dancing to lively music, tasting delicious sweets, and seeing streets decorated with lights and flowers. Each festival tells a story, and every dish shows India’s traditions and culture. Let us explore these traditions and culture through the variety of food eaten in India, and the festivals celebrated! 

Food plays an important role in India's diverse culture and heritage. Every region has its own unique food traditions, reflecting the local ingredients, historical influences, and cultural practices found there. Let us explore a few! 

1. North India 

Food in North India starts with Kashmir. In Kashmir, staple food includes dishes such as rice and curry, as the ingredient of rice is widely available in the beautiful valley. Famous dishes include biryani, kebabs, and tandoori delights. In states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, chapatis are the main part of meals. These flatbreads are made using different flours, like wheat, rice, maida, and besan.1  Let us explore one such famous dish!  

a. Rogan Josh - Kashmir 

History and Origin : Rogan Josh came to Kashmir during the Mughal rule. Their cuisine was influenced by Persian cooking styles through trade along the Silk Route.2

Preparation : Rogan Josh is made with lamb or goat meat, cooked slowly with oil, yoghurt, and a blend of spices. Over time, Kashmiris added local ingredients to make Rogan Josh their own. 2

2. West India 

Western India is famous for its tasty and unique foods. Each state has its own special dishes. In Maharashtra, people enjoy spicy and tangy foods like pav bhaji, vada pav, and poha. Gujarat is known for snacks and sweets like dhokla, farsan, and thepla. Rajasthani food is full of rich flavours and spices, with dishes like dal baati churma and spicy curries. Goa is famous for its seafood. These delicious and diverse dishes make Western Indian food exciting to try!1 

a. Daal Baati Churma - Rajasthan (North west)

History and origin : The exact origin of Dal Baati Churma is not clear, but it is said that it originated during the time of Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar Kingdom in Rajasthan. At that time, Baati was considered as a wartime meal. Rajput warriors buried dough in the sand before going to battle. When they came back after the battle, the hot sun would have baked the dough pieces into perfect baatis. Then they would dig out these baked baatis and eat them.3

Preparation:  It's a combination of three components: "dal" (lentil curry), "baati" (wheat flour bread balls), and "churma" (sweet crumbled wheat dessert). Rajasthani dal is known for its spiciness and rich flavours, often made using ingredients like chana dal (split chickpeas) or moong dal (split mung beans). Baati is traditionally prepared by shaping the dough into small balls and then baking or roasting them in a clay or wood-fired oven known as "tandoor." Churma is a sweet dish made from coarsely ground wheat that is roasted, sweetened with jaggery or sugar, and often flavoured with ghee.3

Vid: 5.1 - The tales of Rajasthan’s Dal Baati Churma4

3. South India 

 In South India, the food is tasty and full of flavor. People eat a lot of rice, lentils, coconut, and fish. They use many spices because of the warm coastal areas. In Tamil Nadu, rice is eaten with spicy curries and sambar. Popular dishes are dosas and idlis. Kerala is known for seafood and coconut dishes like appam, stew, and fish curry. Karnataka has dishes like bisibelebath, Mysore masala dosa, and sweet Mangalore buns. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are famous for very spicy food like Hyderabadi biryani .All these states make South Indian food delicious and special. 1 

a. Rasam Rice - Tamil Nadu

Origin and history: Rasam is believed to have started in Madurai in the 16th century. When the king’s son was sick and couldn’t eat, the king offered a reward to anyone who could make a dish the prince would enjoy. A chef named Karunas created rasam to help the prince feel better. Even today, Rasam is considered a remedy for many illnesses.5

Preparation: Rasam was first made using tamarind extract, spices, and herbs. These ingredients are mixed to make a tangy and flavorful soup.5

4. East India 

Food in East India is full of flavors and colors, making it a delightful experience! People in West Bengal love rice and fish . The region is famous for sweets like rasgulla and sandesh, which are loved by many. In Odisha, rice is served with tasty vegetable and dal dishes in every meal. Bihar and Jharkhand offer dishes like litti chokha and sattu paratha. In North East India, Assam has dishes like masor tenga (sour fish curry) and aloo pitika (mashed potatoes with spices). Nagaland is known for smoked meats and spicy chutneys. East Indian food is a mix of many tastes, making it an exciting food journey.1 

a. Rasgulla- Bengal and Odisha 

Food in India is more than just eating; it is an important part of the country's culture. Indian food is special because it balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours, making it tasty and memorable. 

1. Spices and Seasonings:

Spices are the heart of Indian food. Common spices include cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and chilli. Garam masala, a mix of spices, adds extra flavour to many dishes.7 

Fig 5.1: Famous spice market in Kochi

Around the world, India is famous for its spicy curries. However, curry is not just one dish but many dishes with a mix of spices, meat, and vegetables. In southern India, curries are spicier and often use coconut milk. In northern India, they are creamier and often use tomatoes.7 

Fig 5.2: Different curry base

2. Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Options

India has many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. While vegetarianism is prevalent in some regions, others have a strong tradition of meat and seafood dishes.7 Most Indian dishes can be made vegetarian or non-vegetarian! 

Let's look at an example: 

Biryani: Biryani came to India during the Mughal Empire. The Mughals mixed Persian cooking with Indian spices to create different types of biryani. Many places will offer veg biryani with rice, vegetable and paneer. Each part of India has its own distinct style of biryani, often influenced by local ingredients and cultural influences. Some famous kinds are Lucknowi biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, and Kolkata biryani.8 

3. Street Food Culture:

India is famous for its vibrant street food culture. You can find delicious and affordable treats like chaat, samosas, vada pav, and pani puri in almost every city.9 In fact, states have variations of the same street food to suit local preferences. 

Fig 5.3: Khau Galli street food stalls in the fort area of Mumbai. 

Let’s look at an example: 

Pani Puri: Pani puri is a popular and beloved street food snack. Pani Puri is known for its contrast of flavours - the crispy puri, the spicy and tangy water, and the cooling effect of the stuffing.9

Pani Puri variations exist across different regions of India. In some places, it's called ‘golgappa,’ while in others, it's referred to as ‘puchka’ or ‘pani ke batashe’. Each region may have its unique take on the ingredients and flavours.

4. Sweets and Desserts:

Indian sweets, or mithai, are a prominent part of cuisines across India. They range from the syrupy gulab jamun to the nutty barfi and the fragrant jalebi. These sweets are an integral part of festivals and celebrations.10 

Let’s look at one example: 

Gajar ka halwa : Gajar ka Halwa is a popular Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee . It's a beloved sweet treat, especially during festivals, celebrations, and the winter season when fresh, sweet carrots are readily available. It's often garnished with a generous amount of chopped nuts and dry fruits. 10 

Vid 5.2 : What does the Khumlb gathering look like?11

Location : 

The Kumbh Mela takes place every three years, rotating between four locations: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. This means it returns to each location every 12 years. The festival is believed to be about 2,000 years old.12

Significance: 

The word 'Kumbh' means a special nectar. According to stories, a powerful sage's curse made the gods weak, and the demons started causing problems in the world. Then, Lord Brahma suggested that the gods and demons work together to find the nectar of immortality. But the demons realised that the gods didn't want to share the nectar with them, so they chased the gods for 12 days. During this chase, some drops of nectar fell at four places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated.12

Celebration:

• The Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and tourists from around the world12.

• The main ritual involves taking a dip in the sacred rivers at specific dates and times, known as "snan" or holy baths12.

• The "Shahi Snan" or royal bath, taken by sadhus and revered saints, is a major highlight, and it sets the tone for the rest of the festival12.

• The Kumbh Mela also includes religious processions, spiritual discourses, cultural performances, and exhibitions.12 

2. Mewar festival - The World’s 2nd Living Heritage Festival

Vid 5.3 : The Mewar Festival

Location 

The Mewar Festival is indeed a significant and colourful event celebrated in the city of Udaipur, which is part of the Mewar region in the state of Rajasthan, India13. The Mewar Festival is celebrated during the spring season, typically in March or April, to welcome the arrival of spring and bid farewell to the winter season.13

Significance 

The Mewar Festival, also known as the "Gangaur Festival," gets its name from the goddess Gauri, who is wedded to Lord Shiva. It's mainly celebrated in Udaipur, which was once the capital of the Mewar region. According to a tale, Gauri left her home to marry Lord Shiva. Along her journey, she encountered a group of women who were honouring her. She chose to join them and became their leader, which is how the festival began. This festival is about celebrating marriage.13

Celebration

• Colourful and vibrant processions featuring idols of goddess Gauri (Parvati) are carried through the streets of Udaipur.13

• Devotees, especially women, participate in special Gangaur puja (rituals and prayers) to seek blessings for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.13

• A significant highlight of the festival is the boat procession on Lake Pichola. Decorated boats carry idols of Gauri and Isar (Shiva) across the lake amidst a picturesque setting.13

• The festival includes various cultural events, including folk dances, traditional songs, and other performances that showcase Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage.13 

3. Bihu - The Cultural Gem in the Northeast

Vid 5.4: Bihu Celebrations in Assam 

Location and Time

Bihu is a significant and colourful festival celebrated in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. It is a series of three harvest festivals called Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu and Bhogali Bihu that mark different stages of the Assamese agricultural calendar14. 

Significance 

• Bihu is basically a celebration of the change of the seasons14. 

• Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, marks the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the agricultural season. It usually falls in April and is the most celebrated of the three Bihu festivals14.

• Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, occurs in October. It is a less elaborate festival and is focused on conservation and preservation14. 

• Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, takes place in January, coinciding with the harvest of the winter crops. It is a time of feasting and merriment14. 

Celebration 

• During Rongali Bihu, people wear new and colourful traditional Assamese attire. Women dress in "mekhela chadors" (two-piece sarongs), while men wear "dhotis" and "kurta" or "gamocha" (a traditional scarf)14.

• Bihu is always celebrated with the Bihu dance, a traditional folk dance performed by both men and women during Rongali Bihu14.

• Each Bihu festival involves a variety of delicious traditional foods and sweets prepared using locally harvested ingredients14. 

• Different sporting events are held during Bhogali Bihu, such as buffalo wrestling and cockfighting, among other activities14.

4. Onam -  Annual Reunion of Joy and Heritage

Vid 5.5 : Onam Celebrations in Kerala