In traditional Indian society, women are often expected to prioritize their roles as wives, mothers, and caregivers. They are expected to manage the household, care for children, and support their husbands. These expectations are often influenced by cultural and social norms, which emphasize the importance of family and community.
As Diwali approaches, the home transforms. It’s a week of hand-painted rangolis on the doorstep and gifting boxes of sweets to the security guard and the milkman alike.
The position of women in India has followed a non-linear path:
The Indian woman’s relationship with the kitchen is paradoxical. Culturally, she is the Annapurna (the goddess of food), responsible for the family’s nutrition and culinary heritage. Recipes for biryani , dal makhani , and 30 types of pickle are passed down matrilineally.
