The sun hadn’t even cleared the horizon in the suburban colony of Ghaziabad, but the Sharma household was already in high gear.
Mornings & Rituals
: Days often begin with spiritual or cultural awareness, such as a morning prayer (puja) or lighting a lamp. Breakfast is a communal time before family members head to work or school.
The Importance of Tradition and Culture
: Historically, daily life involved women managing the household and child-rearing. While these roles are shifting in urban areas, the home remains a central hub for teaching social norms and traditions. Rituals and Stories
The Nuclear Shift:
More couples are moving to cities like Bangalore, Pune, or Hyderabad for work, leaving the grandparents behind. The daily story here is one of loneliness masked by convenience. The couple enjoys freedom, but they use video calls to feed roti to their parents virtually. They hire nannies to replace the grandmother’s lap, and the guilt is palpable.
Meals are an integral part of Indian family life. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are eaten together, whenever possible. The elderly members often take charge of cooking, sharing recipes passed down through generations. Traditional Indian cuisine is a vital part of family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations. Food is not just a source of sustenance but also a way to bond and show love and respect.