In the wake of the pandemic years and an impending climate crisis, we have all become more aware of our impact on the planet. The world is talking about sustainability in new ways, but for many of us, the old ways have made a big comeback, as traditional practices. These practices passed down over generations, are results of economic frugality and, as we slowly realise, are also environmentally sustainable. And what better way to reflect on traditions than to look to our grandmothers, the go-tos of all traditional households.

Let's face it our grandmas ran very tight ships. At the centre of it all was the kitchen, with pickles and chutneys abundant providing natural probiotics for happy digestive systems, and a balanced meal. Curd or dahi was always homemade, carefully set in a designated vessel, enough for the entire household. 

The herbs were grown in-house from Karipatta(curry leaves) or meetha neem to Tulsi and mint, the ‘kitchen garden’ was tended to with love and care. Organic kitchen waste and tea leaves became food for these plants. Small simple everyday kitchen habits that most of us would have seen, even if only during summer break.

There’s so much more the kitchen has to offer ranging from cures for colds to concoctions for that perfect glowy skin. A crowd favourite has been besan (gram flour) with milk and a pinch of haldi (Turmeric) for supple skin. Speaking of haldi, never has there been a better cure-all, haldi heals cuts and sore throat, it's an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, a sure shot grandma pleaser.

The boxes and bottles from packaged foods were and are still saved, to keep knick-knacks, sewing kits in biscuit tins are just the tip of the iceberg. Some of these dabbas find their way into our travels, never has a grandma travelled without her packed lunches, snacks, sweet treats for the kids and even mukhwaas.

Screen times are a new phenomenon and our grandmas never bothered with it. They have always had things to do, “useful” hobbies that keep one’s hands occupied and minds in a meditative state. There is knitting, stitching, embroidery, crochet and more. Winter gatherings of cute dadis sitting in circles in the precious sunlit hours knitting little sweaters for every single person at home have been a common sight. Handmade is a whole world of nostalgia for most of us.