Life style has been changing very rapidly
across the world as economic liberty has enabled to dictate and have a
life style of one’s choice. People are going to different places in search of
better job facilities and this has led to economic independency and nuclear family
structure everywhere. Economically families have become self- sufficient, as both
husband and wife have been working. In the joint family structure, dreaming and
leading a lifestyle of one’s choice was very difficult. Economic stability is
giving scope for everyone to fulfill one’s dreams and establish one’s identity
by consuming quality goods labeled with brands. As a result, we see a sea
change in the approach of people towards life style. Malls have erupted
everywhere and the consumption power is increasing day by day. These days, the
young and the old bee line to food joints to taste different delicacies of the
east and the west as globalization has affected the food culture all over the
world. Globetrotting, enjoying and accommodating to diverse food culture has
become a regular feature nowadays. Multi-cuisine restaurants like Chinese,
Indian, Thai, Italian and Japanese have mushroomed even into the remote corners
of the world. Food channels on T.V. and city websites on internet extensively
highlight special delicacies of the place. So naturally, everyone knows what
delicacies to get in a particular town and city. People, nowadays, have become
extremely food conscious and wish to relish hygienic and tasty food at
tastefully decorated joints with family. Family trips and outings on weekends are
on increase these days.
We elderly Indians
love spicy and homemade food to fast food. In India, in each household, women
take pleasure in cooking extensive breakfasts and meals for the members of the
family every day. One takes pleasure in serving freshly prepared hot food when
relatives and friends drop in. On festival days, women enjoy elaborate cooking
which includes number of dishes, both sweet and hot. After heavy meals on
festival occasions (especially sweets), all members of the family enjoy betel
leaves with areca nut, lime paste, clove and cardamom. Sometimes, chaman, a
sweetish, scented powder is also is added to paan to get that unique taste.
This paan culture is everywhere in India. Some elderly persons have paan daily
but on special occasions like festivals and marriages, everyone including
children also enjoys eating paans. Betel leaves have some special place in
Indian customs. We always offer betel leaves, areca nut and a strand of flowers
to married women. On all auspicious occasions, betel leaves and areca nuts are
used. Therefore, paan has a special place in our culture.
Very recently, Dominos
entered into our town. Pizza talk was everywhere and youngsters were very eager
to taste it. I had tasted Pizza a couple
of times when I was on tour. However, I
never developed a taste for it, as it tasted a bit bland for my south Indian
spicy taste. Usually in south India, we have idli, vada, sambar, chatni, dosa, puri
and other spicy items for our breakfasts. This recently opened Domino joint was
making lot of commotions among our friends and relatives. The news of Pizza
delivery at one’s doorstep was very exciting and exhilarating. A thought to
order Pizza entered the head like a bolt from the blue; within no time, the
warm pizza was delivered at our doorstep. The look and the smell of pizza
forced us to have dinner earlier than our usual time. After two pieces of pizza going down my throat
with the taste of cheese, a sort of heaviness started enveloping me. My eyes
started swooning with sleep. I resorted to paan with chaman finally to ward off
that heaviness. With Pizza and Paan combination, I thought we could try
different tastes, combine different tastes and lead a global life style happily
and establish our unique identities.
