Indian Food Traditions and Festivals
Part 1: Indian Traditional Journey to the Roots
Across the world, cuisines reflect local traditions and beliefs — and when it comes to Indian food, it’s more than just flavor. It’s a cultural identity. Rooted in Ayurveda, ancient customs, and regional diversity, authentic Indian food offers both nourishment and spiritual depth.
Over centuries, Indian cuisine has evolved — influenced by dynasties like the Mughals and British. Yet even today, Indian food traditions are shaped by rituals, family customs, and deep respect for ingredients.
1. Eating with Hands: A Sensory Experience
In Indian tradition, eating is meant to engage all the senses. According to Ayurveda, fingers are extensions of the five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Eating with your hands is believed to stimulate digestion and heighten flavor. As they say: If you can’t trust your hand, can you trust your fork?
2. Offering Food to God (Prasad)
Before a meal is eaten, it is often offered to a Hindu deity — a tradition known as prasad. The act symbolizes gratitude, humility, and purity. Food that has been blessed is seen as spiritually enriched. This continues in homes and temples
3. The Thali: Balance on a Plate
A Thali isn’t just a large plate — it reflects the Indian principle of wholeness. A traditional thali includes small portions of lentils, vegetables, curries, chutneys, rice, and bread, offering all six tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent.
4. Curd & Sugar: The Ritual of New Beginnings
Before exams, weddings, or job interviews, many Indians eat a spoonful of curd (yogurt) with sugar believed to bring luck and mental clarity. Scientifically, it supports digestion and calms the nerves.
5. The Left Hand Rule
In many Indian communities, the left hand is traditionally not used for eating, as it’s considered impure and reserved for hygiene tasks. Eating with the right hand is a sign of respect, still followed at home and in temples across India.
6. Sharing Food is Sharing Love
Food is meant to be shared. Whether at home or a restaurant, Indian meals are served family-style to encourage togetherness. When you dine at Sula Indian Restaurant in Vancouver, you’ll notice dishes meant to be passed and shared — just like in Indian homes.
7. Respect the Food: No Waste Allowed
Food is sacred. Leaving food uneaten is seen as disrespectful to those who prepared it and to nature. At Sula, we encourage mindful dining — savoring every bite from appetizer to dessert.
Part 2: Indian Festivals and Special Foods by State
Festivals in India are incomplete without food — each celebration brings its own traditional dishes, rooted in local customs and harvests. Here’s a look at what special food is prepared across Indian states during different festivals:
1. Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Maharashtra – Karanji, Chakli, Shankarpale
Punjab – Besan Ladoo, Pinni, Paneer Butter Masala
Tamil Nadu – Adirasam, Mysore Pak, Tamarind Rice
2. Pongal / Makar Sankranti
Tamil Nadu – Ven Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal
Andhra Pradesh – Pulihora, Ariselu
Gujarat – Undhiyu, Til Chikki
3. Holi (Festival of Colors)
Uttar Pradesh – Gujiya, Thandai, Dahi Bhalla
Bihar – Malpua, Kachori with Aloo Sabzi
West Bengal – Patisapta, Payesh
4. Eid-ul-Fitr
Hyderabad (Telangana) – Sheer Khurma, Haleem
Kerala (Malabar region) – Mutton Biryani, Pathiri
Lucknow (UP) – Kebabs, Korma, Sewaiyan
5. Onam (Harvest Festival)
Kerala – Onam Sadya (a 26+ item vegetarian feast with avial, olan, thoran, parippu, payasam, etc.)
6. Baisakhi
Punjab – Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag, Kesari Kheer
7. Navratri
Pan-India (especially North) – Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Poori, Aloo Tamatar
Gujarat – Farali Dhokla, Singhare ke Atte ka Halwa
8. Christmas
Goa – Bebinca, Sorpotel, Vindaloo
Kerala – Plum Cake, Duck Roast, Appam with Stew
Conclusion: Celebrate Indian Food Traditions with Sula
From age-old rituals to festive feasts, Indian food is deeply rooted in culture — and at Sula Indian Restaurant Vancouver, we carry those traditions forward with every dish we serve. Whether you’re exploring a traditional thali or enjoying seasonal favorites tied to Indian festivals, our menu offers a true taste of India.
Craving something comforting at home? We make it easy with convenient Indian food delivery across the city. For those looking for takeout in Vancouver, our handcrafted meals are just a few clicks away. Prefer to dine out? Visit one of our locations and experience why we’re considered a top Vancouver Indian restaurant.
Planning a special event? Our team also offers exceptional Indian restaurant catering — perfect for weddings, private dinners, or any celebration that deserves authentic flavor and thoughtful presentation.
No matter how you enjoy it — at home, on the go, or with loved ones — Sula brings the warmth of Indian hospitality to every meal.
