A Taste of India: Food Customs, Religions, Festivals and Traditions

The Role of Food in Indian Life Food is believed to influence an individual’s well-being, behavior, and attitudes. It provides nourishment for both the mind and the body. Indians believe that food has specific qualities that are passed to the individual who consumes the food. For example, some believe: –Cereals, lentils, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, and milk products “calm the body and sharpen the mind.” –Highly fermented foods, meat, and alcohol are consider by some to create greed and laziness in a person. –“Royal foods” are considered to be those that are rich and oily with high sugar or spice and are believed by some to create a love for the luxurious and a quick temper.

Traditional Indian Meal A common Indian meal might include: lentils (called dhal in India), vegetable, fish or meat, yogurt, and cereal (wheat breads or rice). Food is often served on banana leaves instead of plates.

Indian Eating Customs In rural homes and villages, it is common to eat meals sitting on the floor. Preparing for this type of meal may involve washing the face, hands, and legs. It is common to eat with one’s hands. A western influence on dining can be found in urban homes where food is eaten at a dining table with silverware. Wasting food is considered to be a sin. In the villages, food “leftovers” are fed to the animals, and, in urban areas, they are given to street beggars and servants.

Indian Eating Customs Regional differences can be found regarding eating times. For example: –In some parts of India, dinner is not eaten until 10:00 or 11:00 at night. –Breakfast may not be eaten by South Indians because it is common to have an early brunch. Fasting and abstinence are a common part of many Indians’ lives. This may vary by religion. It is customary to offer food to the gods before eating a meal.

Food and Religion in India Many different religions can be found in India. The most common religion is Hinduism. Other religious groups include: Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Zoroastrians, and Jains. Food plays a role in Indian religions. For example: –In the Hindu religion, the cow is considered sacred. As a result, beef is not eaten by members of this religion. It is common for Hindus to be vegetarians since many animals are associated with Hindu gods. –Pork is forbidden to be eaten in the Muslim religion.

Food and Religion in India Many vegetarian dishes are served in India as a result of religious beliefs regarding meat. Some vegetarian dishes include: Punjabi Kadi with Pakora, Egg Curry with Tomatoes, Palak Paneer (Spinach Curry with Cheese), Chana (Spicy Chickpeas). Spiritual life for many people in India involves a structured diet.

Food, Festivals, and Holidays in India Festivals are extremely common in India. Many are associated with religion. They, however, can also represent such things as the celebration of seasons of the year, the beginning of a new year, a harvest, etc. Every day, there is a festival somewhere in the country of India. Feasting and fasting are part of most festivals in India. The Hindu religion influences many of the festivals in India. Some festivals are held in most regions of India while others may only be found in specific regions or local areas.

Food, Festivals, and Holidays in India Many festivals serve foods that are unique to that particular festival. The following are a few Indian festivals/ holiday celebrations and the types of foods commonly served: –Dusshera: This holiday celebrates the “triumph of good over evil.” The festival is held over a period of ten days with a feast held on the final day. A special dish is prepared each day and all are served at the feast on the final day of the festival. Some common dishes served at this festival are: Badam Halwa, Besan Burfi, and Boondi Raita.

Food, Festivals, and Holidays in India –The Festival of Lights” or Diwali is a festival that lasts four days. Diwali can have different meanings depending upon the region. Commonly, it is associated with the renewal of life. It also marks the start of the planting season and the coming of winter. Fireworks are common. Food during this festival involves “the exchange of sweets.” A popular sweet served is royal vermicilli kheer – a pudding which includes ingredients such as sugar, cream and vermicelli. Other sweets served are ladoos – candies with nuts and dried fruits that are rolled into balls – and rice kheer.

Food, Festivals, and Holidays in India Many festivals are regional: –In Kerali, the festival of Onam is held. This is a ten day celebration that includes preparing between thirty and forty dishes. These dishes include everything from hot curries to sweets created from sugar, molasses, and milk. –A rice festival is held in Pongal. This festival lasts three days and involves ceremonially feeding local cows newly harvested rice. Participants also feast on special rice dishes. –In the Goa Region, the Goa Carnival is held. This is a Christian celebration similar to Mardi Gras. This celebration is held before Lent and is the last opportunity to eat meat until Easter. The celebration is also called “the pleasures of meat.”

The Tradition of New Year in India New year’s celebrations in India are all very unique and are held in many different ways throughout the country. The following are just two examples of the many New Year’s celebrations that occur in India: –In Assam, a northeastern state, rice cakes and pitha mark the New Year’s celebration. Sweets and other gifts are also part of this celebration. –Vishu is celebrated in Southern India. This New Year’s celebration involves a “sadya” which is a large lunch with friends and family. A variety of different curries are eaten, such as vegetarian, fruit, coconut, and meat curries. Two unique puddings can also be found at this celebration.

India’s Evolving Culture The traditions of the past are still very much a part of the Indian culture and its food. More than 70 percent of the people in India live in rural areas where families continue century old traditions. Urban areas contain a mix of the past, present, and future – new technologies are intertwined with old traditions.