Food is an expression of love, culture, and hospitality in India, and women have historically been the custodians of these rich culinary secrets.
Family remains the cornerstone of Indian society, and women often serve as its primary anchor.
: Approximately 90% of Indians still agree that domestic roles should be more prominent for men, with many traditional views on marital obedience persisting, particularly among those without college degrees. Food is an expression of love, culture, and
Even with the penetration of Swiggy and Zomato (food delivery apps), the cultural guilt of feeding a family "packaged food" keeps the home kitchen active. The rise of "meal prep" and "air fryer recipes" is now merging with traditional dhaba (roadside eatery) styles to create a new Tiffin modern movement.
Traditional regional recipes are fiercely guarded and practiced, even alongside a growing appetite for international cuisines. Even with the penetration of Swiggy and Zomato
At dusk, Asha sat on her balcony. Young women from the neighbourhood would gather—some were engineers, some were housewives, one was a cab driver. They talked about everything: menstrual health (something never discussed in Asha’s youth), workplace harassment, and the rising price of onions.
By 7 AM, Asha transformed. She wore a crisp cotton saree, the pallu tucked firmly at her waist. She was no longer just a widow in a holy city; she was “Principal Ma’am.” Her school educated 400 girls, many from slums. Here, she wove a different kind of culture—one of empowerment. At dusk, Asha sat on her balcony
Women generally lead the preparations for major festivals like Diwali, Eid, Navratri, and Christmas, passing traditions down to the next generation.
: Concepts like Pativratya (devotion to the husband) remain culturally significant in some communities. Traditional arts such as Rangoli and attire like the Sari or Salwar Kameez are integral to daily life and identity.
However, the culture will persist. She will still tie rakhi on her brother's wrist. She will still crave her mother’s dal chawal when she is sick. She will still decorate the diyas for Diwali. The difference is, now she will do it because she wants to, not because she is forced to.