Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

Unveiling my experiences in two of the western Indian cities and the cuisine and celebrations that define us!

Divija Sandeepkumar Sale , 3rd year School of Political Science and Economics​​​​​​​​​​

At the Gwalior Archaeological Museum in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

I hail from the Republic of India, a country known for its diverse culture, cuisine and different languages. During my stay in Japan, whenever I introduce myself as someone from India, the typical responses include, "Oh, you must be amazing at maths!" and "Do you always eat spicy curry?" While academic success and maths excellence are highly valued in Indian culture, not everyone is a maths whiz. And as for food—Indian cuisine is much more than just curry. Stick around till the end and allow me to share my culture and experience so far!

I grew up in two major cities. For six years, I lived in Mumbai, a city known for its bustling energy, rich history, and as the financial capital of India. Mumbai is home to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), one of the top global financial centres. Beyond that, it’s a home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Elephanta Caves, both historical marvels that showcase the grandeur of the past.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station

After Mumbai, I moved to Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, the heart of a booming textile industry. Almost everyone seemed to be an entrepreneur here, from small traders to large-scale industrialists. Ahmedabad holds a special place in my heart because of its sweet language and warm, welcoming people.

Now, to food! Did you know that 38-40% of India’s population is vegetarian, the highest in the world? Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and extends far beyond spicy curry. In the North, there are classics like Chole bhature (chickpea curry with fried flatbread) and Dal Makhni (buttery lentils). Meanwhile, in the South, dishes like Idli (steamed rice cake) and Dosa (rice crepe with vegetables) are staple breakfasts.

My favourite dish is poha. it is a popular Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice, lightly seasoned with spices, turmeric, mustard seeds, and garnished with fresh coriander, peanuts, and a squeeze of lemon. It is soft, fluffy, and absorbs flavours beautifully, giving it a mild yet tangy taste that's incredibly satisfying. Each bite of poha is light, flavourful, and has a comforting warmth, making it a popular breakfast option across western and central India.

Left：My favorite breakfast, poha!
Right：Dosa is served with chutney (seasonings made from vegetable and fruit pastes).

Our rich food culture is matched only by our colourful festivals. From ‘Diwali’, which is a major festival in India also known as the festival of lights, to ‘Navratri’ a nine-day festival celebrating Goddess Durga and ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ which involves worshipping Lord Ganesha, the celebrations are endless.

Left：Me holding diyas (oil lamp) at Diwali, the festival of lights
Right：During Ganesh Chaturthi, we worship the idol of Lord Ganesha at home

For a true taste of Indian culture, visit Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or any Indian city and experience our culture, food and festivals in their full charm! Namaste!

◎ What i the Republic of India like? ◎

The Republic of India is a federal republic located in South Asia and bordered by the Indian Ocean. Its capital is New Delhi. With a population of approximately 1.41 billion, it ranks first in the world (as of 2022). South India is hot all year round, while North India experiences extreme heat from April to June, and snowfall is possible in the Himalayan region. The time difference from Japan is -3.5 hours. Mumbai, the second largest city, is the economic center of the country, where domestic and foreign companies have their headquarters and branch offices. Ahmadabad is the seventh most populous city in the country, and agriculture and cotton textiles are thriving.