The Taste Of Tradition: How Food Brings India’s Festivals To Life

In India, festivals are more than dates on a calendar, they are living, breathing celebrations of gratitude, joy, and togetherness. And at the centre of every celebration lies food, fragrant, soulful,

and steeped in tradition. Whether it’s a spoonful of ghee melting over hot puris, a pot of rice simmering for a family feast, or sweets being shared across generations, every bite carries a story of culture and connection.

Kunal Sharma, Vice President – Marketing and Organized Trade, KRBL Limited, captures this essence perfectly, “In India, festivals celebrate joy, gratitude, and togetherness, with food at the heart of these cherished moments. Rice, a staple in countless homes, is more than just nourishment; it symbolizes tradition and connection, bringing families and communities closer with every shared meal.”

Rice has long been the quiet constant in India’s festive rituals whether in the annadanam offerings at temples, kheer prepared for auspicious days, or biryanis served at family gatherings. Its presence transcends cuisine and geography, becoming a thread that ties people together across regions and cultures.

“At KRBL,” adds Sharma, “we take pride in showcasing how staple foods like rice continue to play a central role in festive feasts and traditions, gently reminding us to slow down, share a meal, and cherish those classic moments of togetherness that truly matter.”

If rice represents comfort and connection, then ghee embodies richness and reverence, a golden elixir that adds soul to festive meals. Across India, the sound of sizzling ghee on a pan or its fragrance wafting from a festive kitchen signals that celebration has truly begun.

Puneet Kusumbia, Vice President – Marketing, Heritage Foods Ltd., explains this cultural bond, “Festivals are incomplete without the goodness of ghee, which has been at the heart of Indian celebrations for centuries. At Heritage Foods, we believe ghee isn’t just an ingredient, it represents purity, tradition, and the love that brings families together during these special moments.”

Ghee’s importance goes beyond taste, it is also a symbol of auspiciousness and prosperity. Whether used to light diyas during Diwali, added to sweets like laddoos and halwas, or poured over hot rotis during festive dinners, it adds both richness and ritual value.

“To keep that tradition alive,” Kusumbia adds, “Heritage Ghee is made from the finest quality butter, slow-cooked to perfection for a rich aroma and creamy flavor. Our range includes golden cow ghee, creamy and caramelized high-aroma ghee, and traditional desi ghee each crafted to suit diverse tastes and cooking styles.”

Together, staples like rice and ghee form the soul of India’s festive table, humble yet irreplaceable. They evoke nostalgia, strengthen bonds, and remind us of a simple truth: the most meaningful celebrations are often built around shared meals, warm laughter, and time spent with loved ones.

As brands continue to honour these timeless culinary traditions, they help modern India hold on to what truly matters, the warmth of community, the comfort of home, and the joy of food that connects generations.