Managing Diabetes During Holidays, Festivals and Travel

   

 

My parents are both diabetic, and they need to adhere to the doctor's advice. They need to follow certain daily routines and stay on track during holidays, festivals and travel too. After all, diabetes management is not something we can take a break from just because we are on holiday or celebrating a festival!

Our doctor always insists on three things every day — Walk, Water and Watch.

The Three Ws

1. Walk

Go for a walk in the morning and evening. Wherever you go on holiday or travel, take time for walking during the day and evening. If adjustments are needed, choose convenient times, but don't miss walking. Walking is a simple daily routine that can help people manage their blood glucose levels and stay active. However, the duration and intensity should suit the person's age, health and physical ability.

2. Water

Have water regularly throughout the day. Carry water bottles and keep them near you so that you can have water regularly. At night too, keep water near your bed. Staying hydrated is important, particularly when travelling or spending time outdoors. Follow the doctor's advice on fluid intake if there are other medical conditions that require restrictions. 

3.Watch

Watch comedy on TV or OTT and be watchful with your diet. Watch shows that make you laugh seriously, till you feel the joy. This will indirectly lower your stress levels. As stress can affect blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes need to manage their stress and find ways to relax.

A good laugh can help us relax and feel better. Holidays and festivals should be happy occasions, and taking time to enjoy a favourite comedy show can be a simple way to unwind. After all, festivals and holidays are meant to bring joy, not stress!

Our doctor says that if you don't follow these three Ws, even medicines won't work. The three Ws are a reminder that managing diabetes involves more than just taking medicines. Then come the medicines, which must be taken as advised by the doctor.

Watch Your Diet During Festivals and Travel

Portion control and protein intake are the ones mainly stressed for my parents. Being pure vegetarians, green leafy vegetables, pulses, sambar and sundal made with soaked legumes were suggested. Mainly, portion control and eating on time are important. Have small, frequent meals if advised, and don't skip breakfast or other meals.

During festivals, have sweets and snacks in limited portions. During travel too, opt for fruits, dry fruits and healthy snacks. As rice is our staple food in South India, portion control is the main thing. Including more vegetables, dal, nuts and legumes makes the meal filling.

Festivals bring with them a variety of sweets, savouries and special meals. It is difficult to avoid all our traditional delicacies, nor should every celebration become a source of worry. Being mindful of portions and following the doctor's dietary advice can help us enjoy festive food more responsibly.

When travelling, it is useful to carry suitable snacks instead of depending entirely on what is available along the way. Keeping meal timings as regular as possible can also help. The idea is not to miss out on the fun but to enjoy food in moderation while taking care of our health.

FreeStyle Libre: Keeping Track While Enjoying Life

Along with the three Ws — Walk, Water and Watch — keeping track of blood glucose levels is important for people with diabetes. During holidays, festivals and travel, our usual routines may change, and we may eat different foods or at different times.

This is where FreeStyle Libre, a continuous glucose monitoring system, can be helpful. It measures glucose in the fluid beneath the skin and provides information about glucose levels and trends. Depending on the device and individual circumstances, it can reduce the need for frequent finger-prick tests, although finger-prick testing may still be necessary in certain situations.

However, is FreeStyle Libre suitable for everyone with diabetes, particularly older adults?

My family's experience

My parents are both diabetic, but they manage their condition with tablets, diet and walking, without insulin. Their doctor has not advised them to use FreeStyle Libre. They continue to follow the doctor's advice and their daily routines. One of our relatives was initially advised to use FreeStyle Libre. However, considering their age and other health conditions, its use was later discontinued after other factors were taken into account.

This made me realise that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

Even when a device is approved for use by older adults, that does not mean it is necessary or suitable for every individual. Age, other medical conditions, the type of diabetes treatment, ease of using the device, skin comfort and individual monitoring needs all have to be considered.

For people aged 75 and above, the decision to use FreeStyle Libre should be made in consultation with their treating doctor. The doctor can assess whether continuous glucose monitoring would be beneficial and practical for the individual. We need to exercise care and caution rather than simply adopting new technology because it is available. If the device is prescribed, it should be used according to the doctor's instructions.

Technology can support diabetes management, but it does not replace prescribed medicines, appropriate food choices, physical activity or regular medical follow-ups.

Enjoy Your Holidays, Festivals and Travel

Festivals, holidays and travel are times to enjoy with family and friends. But when parents are diabetic, we need to ensure that their daily routines are followed even during these occasions.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Walk in the morning and evening, adjusting the timings to suit the day's plans and physical ability.
• Drink water regularly, following the doctor's advice.
• Watch comedy or enjoy other relaxing activities to help manage stress.
• Be watchful with food, practise portion control and eat on time.
• Carry fruits, dry fruits and suitable snacks while travelling.
• Take medicines as prescribed and continue recommended glucose monitoring.
• Consult the doctor before making changes to the diabetes management routine or introducing a monitoring device.

The three Ws our doctor insists on — Walk, Water and Watch — are simple reminders to stay mindful of our health. Then come the medicines, as prescribed by the doctor.

Managing diabetes is a daily responsibility, but it need not take away the joy of celebrating festivals, visiting relatives or travelling to new places. With thoughtful planning, appropriate food choices and medical guidance, we can make these occasions enjoyable for everyone in the family. Follow the three Ws, take medicines as advised, practise portion control and eat on time. Let's make our festivals, travels and holidays enjoyable while taking care of our parents' health!

( This article shares personal family experiences and general information. Diabetes management needs vary from person to person. Consult the treating doctor for individual advice on diet, exercise, medicines and glucose monitoring, including the suitability of FreeStyle Libre.)

Disclaimer: This article has been written as part of an awareness initiative by Blogchatter and reflects the author’s personal views. It is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your doctor for advice specific to your individual health needs.

Welcome, Aippasi! A Season of Sacred Waters, Festivals and New Beginnings

    

 

Today, October 18, marks the beginning of Aippasi, the seventh month of the Tamil calendar. The name Aippasi is traditionally associated with the Ashvini nakshatra (star), near which the Moon is said to appear on the full moon (Pournami) day of this Tamil month. With its arrival, a new season of devotion, festivities, traditions and togetherness begins. Aippasi is also known as Thula Masam, and it is a special time for devotees, particularly those who revere the sacred rivers of India.

Just as Chithirai welcomes the Tamil New Year with hope and fresh beginnings, Aippasi brings its own charm, significance and reasons to celebrate. It is not merely another month on the calendar; it is a season steeped in faith, nature and cultural traditions.

 

Thula Snanam: A sacred dip in holy waters

One of the distinctive traditions associated with Aippasi is Thula Snanam, the sacred bath taken in rivers during the Tamil month of Thula. The Cauvery River holds a special place in this observance. According to Hindu belief, the sacred rivers, including the Ganga, are spiritually present in the Cauvery during this month. Taking a holy dip is therefore considered auspicious and an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and seeking divine blessings.

For many devotees, the ritual is more than a bath. It is an expression of gratitude towards water, nature and the divine. Rivers have sustained civilisations, nourished agricultural lands and supported countless lives. A tradition that celebrates their sacredness also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and preserve them.

In a world where water scarcity and river pollution are growing concerns, perhaps Thula Snanam can inspire us to do more than worship rivers. Let us keep them clean, avoid polluting water bodies and use water thoughtfully.

Why is Aippasi special?

Aippasi is a month of religious observances, temple visits and festivals. It is associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan, and the month includes important occasions such as Aippasi Pournami, Annabhishekam in Shiva temples and Skanda Sashti.  Annabhishekam, in which cooked rice is used in the ritual worship of Lord Shiva, is a particularly significant observance on Aippasi Pournami in many Shiva temples. The ritual also evokes the importance of food, nourishment and gratitude. For devotees of Lord Murugan, Skanda Sashti is another important occasion to look forward to. Prayers, fasting and temple celebrations mark this period of devotion.

And then there is Deepavali! The festival of lights falls during this festive period, bringing homes alive with lamps, new clothes, sweets, savouries and family gatherings. The exact dates of lunar festivals vary from year to year, making the Tamil calendar an interesting blend of solar months and lunar observances.

What a month to welcome! From sacred river baths to temple rituals and joyous family celebrations, Aippasi offers many ways to connect with our faith and heritage.

Aippasi and the changing season

The arrival of Aippasi also brings to mind the seasonal changes across Tamil Nadu. The northeast monsoon is an important source of rainfall for the region around this time of year. The skies, the rains, the greener landscapes and the replenishment of water bodies all remind us of nature's cycles.

Traditionally, this period has been closely connected with agriculture, water and the well-being of communities. The rain that fills rivers and tanks is precious for farmers and households alike. Of course, the weather is not the same every year. Some places receive abundant rainfall, while others may experience a deficit or flooding. This makes the season a timely reminder to prepare for changing weather, conserve rainwater and care for our surroundings.

Aippasi is special not just because of what we do in temples, but also because of the relationship it encourages us to nurture with nature.

A celebration that begins at home

For many Tamil families, a festival season is incomplete without its familiar sights, sounds and flavours. The aroma of freshly prepared sweets and savouries, the lighting of lamps, the sound of devotional songs, visits to temples and the excitement of meeting relatives make this period memorable. Homes become places of prayer, hospitality and sharing.

Children learn traditions by watching their elders. They hear stories behind rituals, learn to prepare festive dishes, accompany family members to temples and discover why certain days are observed with devotion. These everyday experiences are how culture travels from one generation to another. We may not always remember the date of every festival, but we remember the food, the people, the prayers and the happiness associated with it. And that is the beauty of our traditions. They give us something to look forward to and something meaningful to pass on.

Aippasi: A time to welcome positive changes

As we welcome this sacred month, why not make a few positive changes in our own lives?

• Be grateful: Appreciate the food we eat, the water we drink and the people who support us.
• Care for nature: Conserve water, keep rivers clean and reduce waste.
• Share what we have: Offer food, help someone in need or spend time with an elderly person.
• Make time for ourselves: Pause amid our busy schedules to pray, read, walk or simply enjoy the changing season.
• Celebrate mindfully: Enjoy the festivities without unnecessary waste, excessive spending or avoidable pollution.

Festivals need not be limited to rituals and celebrations. They can also become opportunities to reflect, renew our habits and bring a little more kindness into our lives.

Welcome, Aippasi!

Aippasi arrives with sacred waters, prayers, seasonal changes and a calendar filled with festivals. It connects us to our rivers, our temples, our families and the traditions that have shaped our lives. If Chithirai is a time to welcome the Tamil New Year, Aippasi can be welcomed as a season of devotion, gratitude and celebration. Let us look forward to the days ahead with lamps in our homes, prayers in our hearts, festive flavours on our plates and a renewed commitment to the world around us.

May this Aippasi bring abundant blessings, good health, happiness and prosperity to every home. May our rivers flow clean, our fields flourish, and our celebrations bring people closer together.

Iniya Aippasi Nalvaazhthukkal!

Wishing everyone a blessed, beautiful and joyous Aippasi!

 

THE ACTUAL RAMAYANA

Rama means “Sarveshu Ramante Iti Ramah” – that which revels in every one of us, the pure light of consciousness, the Atman, the Self. Sita represents the ego, the jeeva, the mind. As long as Sita’s attention was on Rama, she was ever blissful - be it in the luxuries in the palace or in the hardships of the forest. Similarly man is happy as long as he is attuned to the inner Self. Prosperity or poverty would make no difference. That is why we find that most of the saints are poor. They never care for prosperity. They are blissful in their inner attunement to the Lord. This is the perfect union of Rama and Sita.

When Sita saw the golden deer she was enchanted. Desire for a material thing possessed her. She asked Rama to fetch it for her. He asked her to desist from the desire but she was adamant. This is what we also do. We ask for material things from God. Success in business, a gift of wealth etc. As soon as her desire was focused on a sense object of the world, her Lord moved away from her. A golden deer is a mirage. Similarly our attempt to find happiness in the material things of the world is nothing but chasing after a mirage.

Lakshman personifies tapas, austerity and single mindedness. (He voluntarily chose an austere life). When desire overtakes us, tapas also leaves. But even if we are desiring and covetous, still we may not come to harm if we remain within the confines of discipline and self control. This is known as the Lakshman Rekha. As long as we remain inside the Lakshman Rekha (self control and discipline) we would still be protected. But once tapas has been given up, such lines are of no use. And as soon as we step out of it, we are captured by the ten headed monster in the form of Ravana. Ten headed=five sense organs + five organs of action driven by Rajas. Then we are under his control and imprisoned.

Ravana is an extrovert who represents material affluence and Lanka is a materially affluent city and is supposed to be made of gold! You could say New York is a modern day Lanka where people live an extreme material life in the midst of luxuries devoid of spirituality. So when Seeta is overpowered by Ravana, she becomes exiled in a materially affluent world (Lanka) away from the peace and bliss of her Lord. We should realize that we too are all at this moment “Sitas in exile”. If we are living a purely material life, that is what we are. But here the story of Seeta begins to take a different turn. Does she enjoy the material affluence and luxuries offered by Ravana? NO! She realizes her mistake and rejects everything that Ravana has to offer. She wants only one thing in life now: Being reunited with her Lord. Desire is given up. She takes up Tapas and Bhakti. When man takes up the practices of tapas and bhakti, he gains peace and contentment which is symbolized by Sita remaining in the Ashokavan. Shoka is grief; Ashoka is non-grief. This means a transcendental state above the dualities of pain and pleasure. Remaining in a state of Ashoka and steadfast in sadhana, we again receive intimations of the Lord. Our spiritual strength and faith arrive (represented by Hanuman) which give us the confidence and assurance that the Lord is always with us.

After this meeting, Hanuman burns down Lanka. The burning of Lanka indicates that material splendor has no value to one who is spiritually awakened. Sense objects lose their allure. They are burnt as if.

The three brothers Vibhishana, Ravana and Kumbhakarna represent the three gunas. Vibhishana=Sattwa; Ravana=Rajas; Kumbhakarna=Tamas (who knows nothing except sleeping and eating). Since Vibhishana represents Sattwa, he always warns and admonishes Ravana who is extremely Rajasic but Ravana ultimately kicks him out. As a natural consequence Vibhishana aligns himself with Rama. Sattwa always seeks light and liberation. That is the significance of Vibhishana deserting Lanka and the camp of Ravana. Sattwa is always attracted to the divine.

On the other hand, the attack on Ravana is launched by the monkey forces. The monkey forces represent again, the human mind. A monkey, like human thought, has two distinct qualities: asthira (unstable) and chancala (always in movement). The thoughts keep jumping from one to another. These monkeys were under the domination of Vali who represents lust (for flesh and power). He had seized the kingdom and was living with the wives of Sugreevaa (an act of greed and lust). We too are like Vali. We seek power by all means and appropriate what belongs to others to satisfy our greed and lust.  In order to gain one’s spiritual nature, one has to divert the mind from lust and greed to self-control and sacrifice. Vali has to be destroyed from behind, not in a frontal attack. It is like a person wanting to curb his desire for alcohol. He cannot do it by sitting in front of a bottle. We cannot defeat lust in a direct fight. So when we are overpowered by lust, we have to keep away from the object of our lust and destroy it from a distance. This is the significance of Rama killing Vali from behind. Then the leadership of the monkeys (thoughts) passes on to Sugreeva (meaning well-reined/well controlled). When the thoughts are under one’s control, the sea of delusion is crossed and the jeeva (Sita) is rescued from the prison of Lanka. However, the Lord before taking us back into his bosom, would definitely put up a test for us (Agni pareeksha) in some form to measure our sincerity. Once we pass this test, we are reunited with our Lord. 

( It's a simplified and abridged version of one the chapters from my book A GRAIN OF SAND. )

AUTHOR BIO:

NARENDRA MURTY,

Author and Research Associate with Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry

Narendra Murty’s deep driving passion in life has been the study of various religions and philosophies - both Eastern and Western - to which he has devoted more than three decades of his life. He is the author of 6 books, namely:

 

Eating His Money – The Antics of a Metaphysical Clown 

An Odyssey of the Mind – Journeys in the Modern Mindscape

The Religion of Wonder

An Oak Tree in the Garden – Exploring the World of Zen

Sermons of the Dead  

A Grain of Sand – Decoding Images, Rituals and Mythology

Presently, Narendra is working as a Research Associate for Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry. He writes regularly for their online journal Renaissance and conducts courses and workshops on Yoga and Spiritual seeking.

                                              ________________

Anuradha is a meticulous and conscientious reviewer who has been kind enough to review three of my non-fiction books. They are: An Odyssey of the Mind: Journeys in the Modern Mindscape, The Religion of Wonder and An Oak Tree in the Garden: Exploring the World of Zen.

 

What I most liked about her reviews is that she reads with meticulousness and offers fresh perspectives which casual readers often miss either because of their hurry in taking in the contents or their lack of depth of understanding. All her reviews start with creating the context in which the book is beautifully placed. She writes about what she liked about the book and also how it compares with similar ideas expressed by other well-known thinkers and authors. It’s not just about what is there in the book but how it fits into a larger canvas in the world of ideas. I have even got the impression that she does some research to write her reviews which goes beyond merely what is written in the book. Very few reviewers do that these days.

 

I wish her all the best on the 10^th anniversary of her blog and sincerely would like to see her blog growing from strength to strength.

NARENDRA MURTY,

Author and Research Associate with Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry

 

(  THIS IS THE 6 th WEEK - 11 TH YEAR of BFL-  PART OF GUEST POST SERIES- POST -6)

Navarathri in Chennai: A City Dressed in Festive Colours

   

Navarathri is in the air! Chennai city is full of festive colours, excitement and devotion. The moment Navarathri arrives, the city seems to transform itself into a vibrant celebration. There is festivity everywhere, and one cannot help but get carried away by the spirit of the season.

The shopping spree has begun, and the roads are full of traffic. Shops are bustling with people buying new clothes, flowers, bangles, jewellery and all the essentials for the festival. From shopping streets to small neighbourhood shops, everyone seems to be busy preparing for the nine days of celebration. The city is alive with activity, and the traffic is a reminder that everyone is on the move!

Music, lights and devotion everywhere

Walk through the streets of Chennai, and you will notice the festive atmosphere all around you. Temples are decorated with lights and festoons, and loudspeakers fill the air with devotional songs and bhajans. The familiar sounds of the festival bring a special joy to the mornings and evenings.

The lights, decorations, music and crowds together create a beautiful festive mood. Every street seems to have something to offer, and every neighbourhood has its own way of celebrating Navarathri.

Celebrating the Goddess and the girl child

Navarathri is a celebration of the Goddess in her different forms. Devotees worship the divine feminine, seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, courage and well-being.

Alongside the worship of the Goddess, the girl child is also honoured during the festival. Young girls are welcomed and worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine. This beautiful tradition reminds us of the importance of respecting and celebrating the girl child.

May the devotion we express towards the Goddess also inspire us to nurture, respect, educate and empower every girl child.

Chennai celebrates Navarathri in its own way

From the decorated temples and colourful streets to the shopping crowds and devotional music, Chennai embraces Navarathri with enthusiasm. There is a lovely blend of tradition, culture, faith and everyday city life.

The city may be caught in traffic, the shops may be crowded, and everyone may be rushing to complete their festive preparations. Yet, beneath all this activity lies the joy of celebrating a festival that brings people together.

Navarathri is not just about new clothes, shopping, decorations and festivities. It is also about devotion, tradition, family, community and the values we carry forward.

As Chennai glows with festive lights and echoes with songs and bhajans, may this Navarathri bring happiness, peace and prosperity to every home. May the Goddess bless us all, and may every girl child be celebrated, respected and empowered.

Happy Navarathri!

Have You Earned Your Tomorrow by Edgar Albert Guest - A SIMPLE LESSON IN KINDNESS

  

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

 Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

 This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

 Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?

 

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?

 Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?

 Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,

Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?

 

Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,

That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;

Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

 

 Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?

 As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,

 You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?

Have you ever wondered whether you made someone happy today? Did you offer a kind word to someone, greet a friend with a smile, or help a person who needed your support? These are the simple yet meaningful questions that Edgar Albert Guest asks us through his poem, Have You Earned Your Tomorrow?

The poem reminds us that every day is an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. We do not have to do something extraordinary to make another person happy. Sometimes, a cheerful greeting, a few encouraging words, a helping hand, or simply listening to someone can bring hope and happiness.

The poet asks us to look back at our day before going to sleep. Did we spread kindness, or did we leave someone feeling hurt? Did we make someone's day better, or were we so busy with our own lives that we forgot about the people around us?

In today's fast-paced world, we are often occupied with our work, responsibilities, mobile phones and personal goals. We may pass many people every day without noticing them. A small act of kindness can make a difference, even when we do not realise it.

The poem also teaches us that kindness costs nothing, but its value can be priceless. A few encouraging words may give someone the courage to face a difficult situation. A simple gesture may remain in another person's memory for years.

How can we earn our tomorrow?

We can begin with small changes in our everyday lives.

• Smile and greet people warmly.
• Speak kindly, even when we disagree.
• Help someone without expecting anything in return.
• Appreciate another person's efforts.
• Avoid hurting others through careless words.
• Make someone feel heard, valued and respected.

We need not wait for a special occasion to practise kindness. Every ordinary day gives us opportunities to do so.

A thought to carry with us

The title of the poem makes us pause and reflect. Earning tomorrow does not mean that we can guarantee another day through our good deeds. Rather, it encourages us to live today meaningfully, with kindness, compassion and responsibility.

At the end of the day, instead of asking only, “What did I achieve today?” perhaps we should also ask, “Whose life did I make a little better today?”

Let us try to make this a daily habit. We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can make a positive difference to the people whose paths cross ours.

Tomorrow begins with what we choose to do today. Have you earned your tomorrow?

 

A Sweet Celebration of India: Desserts to Savour on National Dessert Day

  

From the syrupy sweetness of Rasgulla to the comforting warmth of Payasam, India has a dessert for every occasion, every region and every sweet tooth! Oh, what a delicious day to celebrate! National Dessert Day is a wonderful excuse to talk about something that brings smiles to faces across generations — desserts! India is a land of extraordinary diversity. Our languages, clothes, festivals, traditions and food change every few hundred kilometres. And guess what? Our desserts are just as diverse!

From milk-based delicacies and syrup-soaked sweets to traditional puddings, festive treats and contemporary creations, Indian desserts tell fascinating stories of local ingredients, culinary traditions and regional pride. If Rasgulla reminds us of the East, Malpua takes us towards the West, Jalebi makes us think of the North, and Payasam brings the comforting flavours of the South, we have barely scratched the surface of India's sweet treasures. What better way to celebrate National Dessert Day than by exploring some of India's famous regional desserts, especially those that have earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

A sweet journey across India

 A country full of sweets, each with a story to tell.

1. East India: Rasagola, Mihidana and Joynagar Moa

 Odisha Rasagola — Odisha

Soft, spongy and soaked in sugar syrup, Odisha Rasagola has a special place in the state's culinary and religious traditions. Its connection with Lord Jagannath makes it more than just a dessert. It received its GI tag in 2019.

Bardhaman Mihidana — West Bengal

Imagine tiny, golden, delicate sweet grains that almost melt in your mouth. Mihidana is a distinctive Bengali delicacy and a lovely reminder that sweets need not always come in the form of balls, squares or slices. It has GI recognition.

Joynagar Moa — West Bengal

Made with puffed rice and the distinctive flavour of seasonal date-palm jaggery, this traditional sweet is especially associated with winter. It is a treat worth seeking out in its place of origin. Joynagar Moa is GI-registered.

 2. North India: Petha, Khaja and the sweets of Banaras

 Agra Petha — Uttar Pradesh

Made from ash gourd, petha comes in different textures and flavours, from translucent, juicy pieces to varieties flavoured with saffron or other ingredients. A visit to Agra would be incomplete for many sweet lovers without trying this famous speciality.

Silao Khaja — Bihar

Crisp, flaky and layered, this sweet offers a delightful contrast to syrupy milk-based desserts. Silao Khaja is a GI-tagged speciality associated with Silao in Bihar.

Banaras Lal Peda — Uttar Pradesh

A milk-based sweet with a distinctive deeper colour and rich flavour, this is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys traditional peda. Banaras has several sweet-making traditions, and its regional specialities deserve a place on every dessert lover's list.

 3. West India: Goan Bebinca and Khaje

 Goan Bebinca — Goa

This beautiful layered dessert is prepared with ingredients including coconut milk, eggs, sugar and ghee. Each layer contributes to its rich taste and texture. Bebinca is closely associated with Goan culinary heritage and is one of the region's signature festive desserts.

Goan Khaje — Goa

Crunchy, sweet and distinctive, Goan Khaje is prepared using chickpea flour, jaggery, sesame and ginger. It is traditionally enjoyed during temple festivals and local celebrations. Its flavour profile is quite different from the familiar milk sweets found across India.

4. South India: Mysore Pak, Tirupati Laddu and Srivilliputtur Palkova

Mysore Pak — Karnataka

Gram flour, ghee and sugar come together to create this much-loved sweet. Depending on the preparation, it can be firm and crumbly or soft enough to melt in the mouth. Its origins are associated with the royal kitchens of Mysore, and it received GI recognition in 2016.

Tirupati Laddu — Andhra Pradesh

For devotees, this is much more than a sweet. The famous prasadam of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple has a distinctive identity and is GI-registered. Its association with pilgrimage makes it one of India's most recognisable sacred sweets.

Srivilliputtur Palkova — Tamil Nadu

Milk is slowly reduced to create this rich, soft and slightly grainy delicacy. The town of Srivilliputtur is famous for it, and the sweet has GI recognition. If you love milk sweets, this is a must-try on a journey through Tamil Nadu.

Atreyapuram Pootharekulu — Andhra Pradesh

Often called paper sweet, Pootharekulu is made using incredibly thin rice-based sheets layered with ghee, sugar or jaggery and sometimes dry fruits. Its delicate appearance and intricate preparation make it especially memorable. It is GI-registered.

And, of course, the South Indian dessert table would never be complete without Payasam — whether it is made with rice, vermicelli, lentils, jaggery, coconut milk or milk. From a simple home-cooked bowl to a festive serving at a banana-leaf meal, payasam is comfort, celebration and tradition in one dish.

Not every beloved regional dessert has a GI tag, and that does not make it any less special. The list above is a selection, not an exhaustive catalogue of India's registered sweets.

What about modern Indian desserts?

Tradition and innovation can happily share a dessert menu!

Today's pastry chefs, home bakers and food entrepreneurs are experimenting with Indian flavours in new forms:

·         Gulab Jamun Cheesecake: a meeting of a familiar Indian sweet and a Western-style cheesecake.

·         Rasmalai Cake: soft sponge, creamy layers and the flavours of cardamom and saffron.

·         Kulfi Falooda: a beloved combination of frozen milk dessert, vermicelli and fragrant syrup.

·         Indian-flavoured mousse and tarts: mango, filter coffee, pistachio, saffron and cardamom finding their way into contemporary creations.

These modern desserts may not be GI-tagged simply because they use regional ingredients or traditional flavours. GI status applies to specific registered products and their defined geographical origins, not to every new creation inspired by them. That distinction makes exploring both traditional and modern desserts all the more interesting.

Why should we seek out GI-tagged sweets?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag links a product's identity to a particular place. It recognises the reputation, characteristics or traditional production methods associated with that origin.

When we seek out authentic regional sweets, we do more than satisfy our cravings. We also:

·         Support traditional sweet makers and local businesses.

·         Discover regional ingredients and food traditions.

·         Help preserve culinary skills passed down through generations.

·         Learn about the cultural and historical stories behind what we eat.

 

Your National Dessert Day challenge!

Here is a little challenge for readers of Book Food Language.

1.     Pick one traditional dessert from a state you have never visited.

2.     Find out its ingredients, history and the occasion on which it is eaten.

3.     If possible, taste the authentic version from its place of origin.

4.     Compare it with a modern dessert inspired by Indian flavours.

5.     Share your discovery with family, friends or on social media.

You could even make this a family activity: ask grandparents which sweets they enjoyed as children, find out which desserts are prepared during local festivals, or invite children to map Indian sweets by state. A sweet treat can become a geography lesson, a history lesson and a family memory — all at once!

A sweet ending

India's desserts are as varied as its people. Some are linked to temples, some to royal kitchens, some to seasonal harvests, and others to family recipes that never make it into a cookbook. On National Dessert Day, let us celebrate not just the sweetness on our plates but also the hands that prepare it, the communities that preserve it and the stories that travel with every bite.

After all, why settle for one dessert when a whole country offers a lifetime of delicious discoveries? Over to you, dear readers! Which Indian dessert would you recommend everyone taste at least once in their lifetime? Is it your hometown's famous sweet, a festive payasam made at home, or a GI-tagged delicacy you discovered while travelling?

Let us make this National Dessert Day a celebration of India's sweet diversity — one delicious bite at a time!