The kitchen is the heart of the Indian home. Here, chai (tea) is brewed with ginger, cardamom, and enough sugar to make a dentist cry. The mother or daughter-in-law begins the intricate dance of preparing lunchboxes. In Mumbai, a wife might pack pav bhaji for her husband; in Delhi, parathas stuffed with spiced radish; in Chennai, lemon rice with a side of crispy vada .

: Uncles, aunts, and cousins are rarely considered "distant" relatives; they are active participants in daily decisions. 2. The Daily Rhythm: From Sunrise to Bedtime