Indians celebrate numerous festivals throughout the year, such as Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors), and Navratri (a nine-day celebration honoring the divine feminine). These festivals often involve elaborate preparations, decorations, and family gatherings.
The traditional Indian family is a joint family, where multiple generations live together under one roof. However, with urbanization and modernization, nuclear families have become increasingly common, especially in cities. Despite this shift, the joint family system still prevails, particularly in rural areas.
However, the true essence of the Indian family lifestyle reveals itself in the evening, during the convergence of generations. This is the time when the modern clashes with the traditional, resulting in a harmony that is uniquely Indian. The living room becomes a stage for a daily drama: the grandfather sits on his designated chair, asserting his subtle authority over the television remote, flipping between news channels. Meanwhile, the grandchildren sit nearby, glued to smartphones, explaining the concept of "Instagram reels" to a confused but eager listener.