Food and Faith: A Pilgrim's Journey through India

by Shoba Narayan

What is the role of religion in your life today? Do you commune with the divine through rituals? Or is it a comforting routine, going to church or temple once a week or month? Are these questions making you uncomfortable? Do you think religion is a private act to be done in the confines of one’s home, with family, and not something to declare publicly? These are the questions this book seeks to answer. Shoba Narayan travels across some of the most prominent places of worship in India and presents to her readers the mythologies, histories and contemporary relevance of these sites.

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, India, Travel, Mythology, Spirituality, Hinduism

292 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2020

Reviews

[Udit Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an atheist the concepts of divine feeling or cosmic intervention or any sort of belief system devoid of rationality doesnt really make any sense to me. But I would be utterly wrong if I say that religion as a system doesn't excite me. I am always in awe of this complex set of mechanism which humans evolved to answer the unknowns.

In this fine book the author uses food(prasadam so to say) as an anchor and guide to parse the faith systems across various pilgrimage sites in India .Food plays a central role in probably all the religions across the globe. Added to that are the local intricacies or variation associated with the food which is served in a particular sacred site. The author does a great job in conveying the central ideas of faith systems in some of the pilgrimage sites in India. She beautifully builds the story around the prasadam which is served at a particular site. Whether it's the mega preparation story about grand meal at jaganath puri or something as simple as unni appam( fried dumplings) at a ganesh temple in kerala, it's very intriguing to know about the back story or so to say the folklore associated with it. I have been always fascinated with the myths, legends and folklores associated with gods and more importantly the sacred sites. To me they are one of the finest pieces of storytelling. In this book one will come across many stories behind well known places or sites mentioned. It's very relatable and accessible because most of us might have heard some versions of it through grandparent's storytelling or some other means.

Another good part about the book is the inherent diversity which is so central to India. The author started with udupi and then moved to kashi, ajmer,puri and many more. The assimilation of various cultures and traditions has been the cornerstone of our civilization and we as a nation cannot afford to forget that. As a whole it was genuinely a pleasant read and I throughly enjoyed every aspect of it.

[Iti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting from the top to bottom , the cover of book is very beautiful . This book is a perfect blend of food (prasadam) and religion. The title of book perfectly matches with the content. This book is easy to understand ( even for the new readers like me) and Although the book is around 270 pages, it can be easily consumed in four to five sitting. A quick page turner, throwing googlies at you, at the drop of a hat. I am a north Indian and this book gives me a lot information about south Indian culture and believes as well as about north Indian believes to which I was not aware ..... This book will give you a quick tour to different cities Kashi , palani , Mathura ,Amritsar ,Puri and a lot more , different shrines, church, dargahs and temples , and their various sacred prasads . You can call this book a perfect mix of travelogue , philosophical thoughts , morality and ethical thoughts. One sceptical person can deeply relate oneself with this book.
Above all this book is worth reading , one can experience with Shoba Narayan's experiences.

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Food and Faith by Shoba Narayan is a book about food and spirituality. The book takes you through a journey of various religions and destinations across India. India being a home of different cultures, this book explores and brings out exactly the same.

Author goes through the journey of exploring different places and different temples and religion associated with that region, to understand the depth of that and bring out her own beliefs. We see Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, etc.

Author has mentioned in the introduction that Jainism and Zoroastrianism hasn't made it to this book and perhaps hoping it to be in the sequel, so I cannot wait to read the second part and see what's author's take on Jainism (since I follow this religion!).

Apart from this the book holds immense amount of information which even I did not know till date. The author travels to different places like Kashi, Ajmer, Palani, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, etc. places and has written very beautifully about each religions culture and food. The book is definitely heavy since it's loaded with information.

[Karthik Shashidhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure both left wing and right wing will get outraged by this book but I loved it.

And this might sound bizarre - I liked it a bit more because there are factual inaccuracies in it!

[Sarmistha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entrancing travelogue encompasses the journey of the author to fifteen religious epicentres in India, their cultural diversity, spiritual influence and typical food habits. The medley of faith, history and food will surely amaze the readers. The in-depth study of faith, numerous customs associated with it and their impact of the present day food kept me glued to the book till the very end. I would recommend the book to all readers especially non-fiction lovers

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, regular prayers at home, temple visits and rituals were de riguer; not something that I was forced to do or coerced into following. Questioning these practices was encouraged as long as the purpose was to learn. Most of my knowledge of mythology came from listening to stories told by the family elders and of course, reading books. I saw faith as something that anchors you in the toughest of times and gives you the courage to go on; that's the way it was explained to me and I drew comfort from these familiar routines.

This book evoked nostalgia of the best kind and was like going down familiar paths for this very reason, detailing as it does the temples we frequent as followers of the Hindu religion and basing the narrative around the sacred food or prasadam that is served at each.

Whether it is temples I regularly visit like the Krishna temple at Udupi, the Palani temple, Guruvayoor temple, the Mookambika temple at Kollur or those I know about and want to go to someday, I liked reading about the various legends, myths, worship methods and beliefs of devotees and of course the delicious food!
My favourite prasadam growing up was the vadai served in the Hanuman temple near my house.A garland of vadais would be hung around the neck of the idol and after worship, it woud be distributed to everyone present. The Palani panchamritam is a family favorite! Everyone asks for it when they know someone has been to the temple!

It was fascinating to read about the origin of the prasadam at each temple and how they are prepared; the Chappan bhog at Puri is famous as is the langar at the Golden temple and so is the Tirupati laddoo but there are other temples where the prasadam uses locally available produce and evolved to suit the conditions of the place.

There is quite a bit of diversity in the book because while it is mainly about temples, it covers those in all parts of the country and also the Ajmer shrine and churches in Goa. Besides this, I found the questions the author raised while trying to understand this religion very pertinent and mirroring my own especially as an adult who started to question what I thought was blind belief many times!

It is true though that visiting a temple or the simple act of praying does give a measure of peace. Maybe it is the atmosphere in a religious place or the quiet contemplation that mantras evoke but believing in a higher power is more positive than not for me at least. I like this aspect of the book where everything isn't taken seriously to heart but not totally disregarded as well. We each need something to tide us through difficult times or even as a daily guide. If visiting a temple is that something, that's great. Also, I love prasadam!

[Sumit Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thanks to Amish Tripathi for sharing this book on his Twitter timeline which inspired me to get it for myself.

About the book now, it was a journey. A journey of thousand miles venturing from my house to all the fifteen places of worship Shoba Narayan took us on; and a thousand miles inward with every question that popped up while reading through the mythology, the history, the rituals, and of course, the food. Be it the prasad (or prasadam, as Shoba would say) or the practice of inviting people to the house and sharing food. This practice is one which binds all of us, irrespective of the religion we follow. This practice is beautifully eked out in her chapters on Amritsar, Bene Israelis, Ajmer, and the Christmas eve in Goa chapter. With respect to the Hindu temples she writes in the book, the story behind prasad or God's food is humbling. One of the best chapters is on Patan, which discusses the feminine energy and is bound to affect you, irrespective of your gender.

The most interesting bits in every chapters are the takeaways and the little questions that she asks herself which are peppered all through the book. Not only it takes us on a deep philosophical journey about food, faith, rituals, and sometimes, discrimination but also breaks away the rigidity we have about one's faith, one which a person like me who is not steeped deeply into his religion can clearly understand. In the introduction she mentions about the change she undergoes in the course of the journey she undertook for this book, and as you move chapter-to-chapter, that image of self gets chipped away. It is as true for the reader, as it was for Shoba Narayan.

So, the question I asked myself was if this book was on food? Yes, but a weak yes. Alternatively, is this book on faith? Again a weak yes; because the book doesn't go into the deeper philosophical understanding of the faith. To me, this book was a journey, a journey to visit places of worship to witness how communities people bond with each other over faith and food, a journey that reminds us to ask questions what faith really means and how it can change us for the better.

P.S. For a Krishna-phile like me, the starting of the book from Udupi to ending it in Mathura, a 5-star rating was a definitive yes.

[Santhosh Guru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of personal essays and rumination around food and religion. Some parts really resonated with me and I felt some parts were too long and meandering. Reading this, I want to explore my relationship with religion and it’s impact in my life.

[Karthik Ram · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a book called 'Food and faith', food is an afterthought. That's everything you need to know about this book.

[Vampire Who Baked · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting premise but the writing is amateurish. feels like a blog post by an undergrad but without the charm and intimacy that makes it readable.

[Somya Sahu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Title: An Honest Critique: "Food and Faith" by Shoba Narayan
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (0.25 stars /5)

"Food and Faith" by Shoba Narayan is a book that left me appalled, prompting me to share my thoughts on its contents. While it aims to make Hinduism more accessible to children and highlight India's inclusive culture, there are significant areas where the book falls short in accuracy and execution.
One aspect I appreciated about the book was its exploration of how to engage children in Hinduism. Narayan's questioning into making the subject more interesting for young readers is interesting and offers potential for improvement in resources.
Additionally, the book attempts to showcase the inclusive and secular nature of India. It highlights the cultural diversity present in the country, shedding light on its rich tapestry of traditions. This aspect serves as a reminder of the multicultural essence of India. I also appreciate linking of Hinduism and Jews (not sure of the accuracy though, since most of the facts are inaccurate about Hinduism)
However, "Food and Faith" encounters notable shortcomings. Firstly, despite its title, the book fails to thoroughly delve into the subject of food, instead predominantly focusing on Hinduism. Moreover, its portrayal of Hinduism is marred by significant inaccuracies. The book lacks a comprehensive understanding of Sanatana Dharma and relies heavily on references from Western scholars, which may lead to a skewed representation of the religion.

Furthermore, the intended audience of the book remains unclear throughout its pages. The frequent usage of regional terminology makes it less accessible to Western readers. Simultaneously, when addressing Indian readers, the book can come across as condescending, depicting them as a marginalized population. This lack of clarity regarding target readership hampers its effectiveness in conveying a coherent message.

Additionally, the book suffers from a lack of thorough research and factual accuracy. The discussion of food, despite being a central theme, is surprisingly minimal. The portrayal of faith, particularly Hinduism, is filled with inaccuracies and generalizations. Comparisons between Indian culture and the Western world undermine and devalue Indian traditions, while the author's inclination towards seeking validation from the West becomes increasingly evident.
If Mark Twain praises Kumbh, it is qualified to be good. Validatory comments by the “British” couple in Haridwar and French lady a little later in the book are required perhaps since she is insecure about her own opinions or the quotations by this part of the world.
Did she research about the pollution in the river Thames or any major river of the world before continuously talking about the Indian rivers’ pollution?
She calls Hinduism misogynist – did she research about other religions? Did she enquire if this real Hinduism or it is what humans have made it now like any other religion in the world?
She compared the Temples in India to the Churches in Europe where “hundreds of sweaty bodies” are not present. My logical brain says population density and tropical climate have a bit of a role to play here. And of course the local culture.
But people sitting in glass houses and offices with central air conditioning would only know the India as a snake charmers land. Yes, Shoba literally called India – the snake charmers land while talking about the Varanasi Ghats. It is 2020 when she published the book.
She also describes Goddess Lakshmi as “the ripe stuff”. Wonder if she can take this liberty for any other God or religion or to any living being.
A popular saying goes like “If you want to destroy civilization of a nation destroy its culture and education.” Shoba is a true example of what the British left behind.
Not sure how Harper & Collins published it! Well, I suppose I do – Shoba’s so called elitism, the stamp of a Journalist and privilege which is all so rampant in her writing of this book.
Disclaimer [ I represent neither the left nor the right wing]

[Munmun Mohanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been an ardent reader of her columns, I knew exactly I had to expect from this book. Halfway through the book, I knew my expectations were misplaced. In a way the book and the anecdotes EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS.

The author describes her rendezvous with 15 iconic places of worship and tries to understand the nexus between faith and life. She has written this with an open mind. Although seemingly she does not subscribe to certain ideas but she keeps her mind open to learning. She tries her best to find out what people believe in something the way they do. She dissects the believe system and injects rationale which makes a lot of sense. She connects the ways of worship and the cuisine of every place she visits.

She weaves her stories with the interesting tales of culture, beliefs and Cuisine. She outlines the prevalent system of praying and dining and explains how both are correlated. For example she explains the systems and rules prevalent in Puri. The outsiders aren’t allowed inside the kitchen which is explained by the beautiful concept of ’Thought stamps” , which essentially explains how the food is impacted by the thoughts of people nearby. Moreover she covers some interesting areas of faith as well. My favourite chapter is about Rosh Hashanah with the Bene Israelis. I was astounded to learn about Jewish faith and their cuisine customs. Probably the longest chapter but meticulously covers and balances facts and beliefs. She explains the struggles of the Jews over years. I learnt how deeply profound it is that the Jews have strived hard to save their culture and practices while surviving in exile. I learnt how a lot of jewish holidays revolves around the story of struggle and triumph of Jews against their enemies and the importance of ko. In another chapter she brings out the essence of the community kitchen of Amritsar. My quest to understand the South Indian Culture was thoroughly catered to by chapters on Madurai Udupi and Kerala where I understood who their cuisine is a reflection of their beliefs and practices. For example, I learnt about the concept of Chatur masya Vratha or a 4 month austerities. This is essentially a practice where the early inhabitants of Udupi abstain from certain foods for a period of 4 months. This is very much relevant to present times where leading Nutritionists advice to eat seasonal food to align our bodies with the nature.

If I were to summarise, this book highlights how cuisines and dining evolved alongside Faith, Culture and identity . The narration was engaging which keeps the reader eager to look forward to the next chapter. The flow of chapters have been so consistent that the readers knows what exactly to expect from the chapters. Whether you are religious or not, this book is your bucket list of exploration of India

[Sumith Chowdhury · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're all aware of the fact that food is the very essence of our existence. It not only satiates the hunger of our body but also satisfies the very essence of our soul. There're various kinds of delectable delicacies available throughout the world which are prevalent across all forms of religious sects. To begin with, food is universal & doesn't belong to any particular religion nor does it has any restrictions of any kind. It is shared commonly across all realms making it accessible to all. That's what this book is all about.
Furthermore, the book moves on to question our beliefs about how do we perceive the perennial attenuation of religion which has been passed on to different generations as a hierarchical concept from time immemorial. Furthermore, it also concerns the unilateral thinking process of reaching out to various religious mindsets without harming anyone's sentimental attachments in any particular manner. It anchors to religion whilst at the same time shares a common goal, to reach out to readers who love various kinds of tasty food dishes available throughout the human realm across all religions.

What really captivated me is the fact that it imposes a unique wide range of questions which are presented to us in a very realistic yet ascertained in a much thought-provoking way. As we progress further, I realised these questions made me think quite a lot & I took an instant liking towards the book. And as it turns out, I feel that's the most salient aspect regarding a novel - the fact that it can touch the very essence of our being. And that according to me is all which really matters!

What is the role of religion in your life today? Do you pray? How do you pray? Do you commune with the divine via rituals? Is it through chanting verses in Aramaic, Arabic or Sanskrit? Or is it a comforting routine - going to the mosque, church or temple once a week or month? Is religion part of your identity? Or is something that you seek to distance yourself from? Is it an occasional activity that you do out of habit or because your parents ask you to? Or is it simply a connection with your heritage, home & ancestors? Do you think religion is a private act or can it be part of the public discourse? Are these questions making you uncomfortable?

Aren't these questions amazing!
This is the very fundamental core of the religion called Hinduism which isn't even a religion to begin with as many people claim it go be, but rather it's rightly defined as a way of life. It's mystical & magical in it's every way. Language is beautiful. Writing style is good accompanied by a nice narration. Flow is smooth. Loved reading it. A must read, worth recommending to all!

[noorthebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Food & Spirituality.
#readwithharpercollins
_____
FOOD AND FAITH explores the powerful yet intimate intertwining of food with faith, history, myth and identity.

A very interesting combination, indeed.

FAITH in general, gives us strength, irrespective of the religion we belong to, or the teachings we follow.

📌The author, visits 15 pilgrimage or iconic places of worship in India. She decodes the history, the myths & the lore, the practices & traditions and also brings into light the special (sacred)food associated with them, adding her own personal experiences, her thoughts, her inquisitive mind- asking questions & answering them herself.

✍️Shoba Narayan is an award- winning author & columnist who writes about food, travel, fashion, art and culture.

It's an 270+ pages read 📖.

A very detailed read, with descriptive write up on the place & everything associated with it.

💚I loved the parts where the author brings in her own experiences, her thoughts, her views & opinions.

There's an index, for ease, at the end.

The writing style is not for beginners with quite some words which add to your vocab.
It's chirpy, bubbly, oozing with energy & human curiosity & dilemmas.

From Udipi to Kashi, Ajmer to Palani, Mumbai to Madurai, Jaipur to Goa, Thiruvananthapuram to Amritsar, Puri to Kumbh Mela and Kerala to Patan & Mathura- it covers the length & breadth of the country, literally!
______

🙋🏻 After reading this book, you would have gained more knowledge about your own religion & of other faiths, more wisdom on the history, practices, teachings & Prasad. Also you may have got few answers to the the various webs of thought in your mind regarding faith, spirituality & religion.
The human mind is an inquisitive, question bank. The author covers her questions brilliantly, in the book & brain storms 🌪for answers, perfectly.

It helped me gain insight on a lot of things which were alien to me before. ______

What is the role of spirituality in your life?
Is religion a part of your identity or does it make you uncomfortable?
Do you pray? Do you follow rituals to pray? I
Is the food given at the "place of faith" sacred to you?

P. S. : The author has accepted that while a few other faiths make cameo appearances, this is largely a book on Hinduism.
🙋🏻totally agree & felt it throughout the read. Nonetheless, I loved devouring it at a snail's pace, absorbing everything, gradually.

READ 📖IT to gain wider insight on the man-made religions & traditions and find some answers to the questions which have always troubled your mind.

[Ananya thefoodandbooklife · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is divided into various chapters based on where the author is traveling to. Each of the chapters can be independently read as a short story or an essay. The author travels all over the country, coinciding her visits with the region’s most important festivity. She travels to Puri during the Kumbh Mela, to a Jewish household in Mumbai during the Passover, and to Haridwar during a time of convergence of yogis. My favorite chapter was the one on Udupi since I live within a hundred kilometers from the place and knew exactly what the author was talking about in terms of the place’s food and culture of the place. I also enjoyed the chapter on the Bene Israelis and the comparison of Jewish customs to Hindu ones.
The book talks about religion with a very open mind. The author is sure to connect with most of the readers when she says that she is not a fanatic but does believe in a higher power and is constantly searching for ways to connect with the universe. She talks about how troubling it is for feminists to discover that women don’t find a place of importance in most Hindu religious practices but, upon closer inquiry, there are specific roles that only women can play in these situations.
She finds that there are reasons for each tradition that is being followed. The ‘satvik’ food at Udupi is what modern day dieticians talk about local and sustainable farming. She also finds that the langar at Amritsar develops a feeling of community, that the strict food preparation practice at Puri is a tribute to the area’s tribal food habits, and the practice of drinking small sips of water before food was a way of activating the Thyroid.
The research that had gone into writing about each place and practice was astounding. However, I found some inconsistencies in the text, like the Goddess Subhadra at Puri being described as a yellow statue on one page and a red one on the next. I also found that the author was repetitive, with the same sentence being written just a few paragraphs later. It probably had to do with a flawed editing process or was perhaps due to the fact that various pieces of the author’s earlier work were got together to form this book, but it made reading it a chore. It is not a book that keeps you reading for hours at a time, but it is a book that will make you analyse each custom that you follow and try to find the origins for each of them.

[Kritika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rationality cannot alter lore. Myths are carved in stone, and certainly, one that is so braided into the Indian psyche cannot be morphed so easily, even if it might potentially help the river.

Food & Faith is an exceptional and vibrant journey of Shoba Narayan across the famous pilgrimages of India. From the very famous temples of Udupi to the lands of Kashi. Where thousands of people are served food at a time in Amritsar to one of the most historic temples located in Madurai. Shoba Narayan’s attempt to bring two of the most important characteristics of the people of India, i.e., Food & Faith has been done in the most subtle manner possible. Ms. Narayan has penned a detailed and wonderful description of various religious places with an amalgamation of faith with everyone’s favorite – food (sacred prasadams).

This book not only covers the ethereal smelling “Bhog” which is being offered to god but also the multicolored facets of our very own resounding culture, philosophy, and folklore of the people of India concerning numerable God places. Shoba Narayan takes us on a religious voyage across India with exotic and detailed descriptions of various prasadams found in various temples, each being distinctive. I think this was indeed a well-researched book and very deeply analyzed.

I loved Shoba Narayan's narrative style and how beautiful and witty her descriptions were. It was an instant connection for me with the book and the humor is something which we all need to learn from her, how to write in an “un-offending” manner. I loved the language of this book very much which was easy to grasp ranging from variety of readers. Recommending this book to someone who is a religious person and wants to explore various facets of faith and clear their doubts about blind faith. This is the book that will compel you to put on your thinking caps and gain firsthand knowledge on Food & Faith.

Thank you HarperCollins India for this amazing review copy.
I'd like to give it - 3.5 stars...

[The Biblioraptor (Ankit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is religion, if not a way to inner peace? What is the purpose of it other than social betterment? And what are religious practices meant for if not personal well-being? What is faith if not a means to tap into one's inner strength?

Religion is a living, breathing, multi faceted being that lives to serve. The god is an omnipresent entity - a personification of the same religion - they say and this book makes it clear. @shobanarayan in her book "Food & Faith: A Pilgrim's Journey Through India" asks several questions and talks about the origins of religions, myths and legends in India, as she explores only one (fairly huge) aspect of religion that is food, as the name suggests.

This book has affected me deeply and I am sure it will affect others too, who have always questioned the validity of religion and religious practices, similarly. As I began the book, I was in a similar state as that of the author and I could understand the meaning behind this utter complexity called faith, as the book ended.

How can the devotee have such immense faith in the unseen? This was a common question in the author's mind and my own. And it is surprising to see how her travels to the faith hotspots explained it, to a good extent, without words but only the experience of tranquility. This I could relate with what I have learnt about the Law of Attraction. Faith is the foundation of everything, and religion is no exception.

The 'prasadam' or sacred food enjoys a special place in most religions and that too, is not without reason. This is the aspect that the book mainly focuses on and this exploration turns out to be utterly eye opening, to say the least. And if you, unlike me, are interested in the intricacies of the world of food, you are going to enjoy it a lot more!

Although what the author has covered in this book are mostly the Hindu hotspots but it would be safe to expect another book from her that covers a much broader area in terms of religion.

[Romita Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Let me tell you what this book is not. It is not a scholar's guide to religion or food. Rather it is a sceptical seeker's pilgrimage to understand her faith."

"Food and Faith" by Shoba Narayan is an attempt on the part of the author in understanding the idea of faith and she does so through its most fundamental aspect which is food.
The concept of offering food to God has been prevalent since time immemorial and it is not unknown to anyone how much significance the offering holds. The author takes on the journey of exploring this very amalgamation of faith and food, through which she expects to be enlightened about the blend of faith, food, culture and history of India.
The thing that fascinated me the most was the relatability between the author's and my point of view. Even though I have been part of a religion-oriented family from birth, I have always been the odd one out because of my ideals being far from religious.
The aspects or norms that the author points out or the doubts she raises in this book are similar to the ones I have been asking myself and my family for the longest time. It's not that I don't believe in faith, it is just that I don't understand the concept of blind faith.

Reading this book gave me some really deep insights and I loved the author's witty narrative and her way of communicating the things she has learned throughout her journey.
The way she has maintained the flow of the narration like starting with a bit of history, then elucidating the significance of food and how it holds the essence of the faith and finally wrapping up everything with her takeaway, it was like experiencing the whole journey firsthand.

Whether you are a religious person or you are someone who wants to explore it better, this book will definitely be a significant read for you. I would highly recommend you to pick up this book and enjoy the taste of Indian culture and faith.

[Zenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoba Narayan's *Food and Faith: A Pilgrim's Journey Through India* is a fantastic collection of short inquiries into the religious identity of India. She explores the cultural heritage that is passed on through religions, especially through their unique practices and cuisines. Although primarily based on Hinduism, the book makes evident how religions in India are inevitably interlinked in many ways. It is refreshing to see Narayan's candour as she writes about her own spiritual journey, which in turn encourages us to explore our relationship with religion.

With the end of each chapter, I was left with a deep longing to go travelling. If not to see the beautiful sites mentioned, at least to taste all the mouth-watering food that Narayan has included in great detail. By alternating between facts, folklores and her own experiences, Narayan maintains a beautiful balance that allows us to immerse fully into every chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Narayan has given fair representation to both North Indian and South Indian Hindu culture, and respects and appreciates them both in their uniqueness. By touching upon some of the other important religions that make up India, albeit in brief, the author only further drives home the cultural depth of our nation. Save for the somewhat haphazard organization of topics within the chapters, and the occasional generalization that I found unnecessary, Narayan clearly excels in introducing the reader into the vast world of religion in India.

All in all, I would totally recommend the book! As someone who loves learning about culture, religion and spirituality, this was an enriching experience. Although this can be picked up by anyone, I feel like this would be most relevant to those who are skeptical about their religion in general - Narayan's questions, experiences and reflections might help you explore your own relationship with religion.

I thank HarperCollins for this wonderful opportunity to review. This was fun!

[Komal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has tried to make an interesting link between Food and Faith, specifically about Hinduism- a religion well known for feasting and fasting.

We get to read about the Udupi's Rasam and Masala Dosa, Delicious Pedas of Kashi and lord Shiva's favorite drink- bhang, dal baati Churma of Ajmer, Panchamrit of Palani, traditional Jewish Halva, Rabdi as Mahaprasad of Jaipur, the scrumptious langar of Amritsar's Harmandir Sahib, the Chhapan bhog of Puri's Jagannath temple, and finally the world-famous Pedas of Mathura. 🤤

I completely understand why it must have intrigued the author to write on this topic because I have myself been amused at the prospect of non-vegetarian dishes, even alcoholic beverages, and a nearby sai baba temple offering samosas as food for the gods. It made me believe that it's not the food but the emotion attached to it, that makes it holy.

It was interesting to read about the author's personal beliefs as well.. an atheist as a teenager, agnostic in her thirties, and religious in her later life.. a progression I feel representing the majority of young Indian Hindus.🤷

It's more than a guide on different kinds of sacred foods, it has well-argued commentaries on the culture of these holy places.

Why Kashi is the place for Hindus to die, why Ajmer is the home of Sufism, what is the story behind the oldest sibling rivalry of lord Ganesha and Muruga, the history of Judaism in India, the intermingling of food, fashion and faith in Goa, the experience of attending the largest human gathering - The Kumbh Mela, and finally the concepts of Tantra and Dakini(the female goddess) worshipped in Nepal.

My favorite phrase from the book was:

"Indians know that Ganga is dirty. Yet they also believe that she is sacred and pure. ( The irony is beautiful 😁)"

👉I would definitely recommend this to someone interested in discovering India from the lenses of food and faith.

[Vijay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was reading this book, I was literally doing “Bharat Bhraman”. The author talks about every subtlety of places, food, and religious places. The author beautifully elaborated on rituals of being performed in these religious places and tried to connect them with the modern world.

I love the way the book is written in chapters that allow readers to organize their reading in a better way. The book is written in very simple language and it's easy for readers to connect with stories we used to listen to from grandmothers.

I wasn’t much aware of Israelis existence in India, this book provided me starting information to get to know about this beautiful community, their faith, food, festivals, and rituals. The author's views on the similarity between Hinduism and Jews give a trigger to read more about Jews. At least, I am curious to know more about Jews, their history, and the wonderful people of this community.
The author beautifully talks about Prasadam offered by famous temples and significance of ingredients used in it and Its preparation in each Hindu temple and its ingredients, right from locally grown vegetables to spices to end with sweet dish offered in end.

Author, also raised some question related to religion, a faith which, I believe almost everyone face in their life and some of the questions raised are still unanswerable, like why women can’t be a priest? Or after being an atheist as a teenager, agnostic in my twenties and thirties, I turned to religion late in life, why? This would be fact of life for almost everyone. Whoever I meet in my life and I asked the same question and they clueless on answers.

Surprised, to know some of Indian history as well like the fact, Mughal invaders decides to destroy all temples and statues of Lord Krishna in Mathura. I heard, some of it but this little information triggers me to read more about it.

Well, beautifully written book and I am sure everyone will enjoy this!! 😊

[Sudeshna Panigrahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What role does religion play in your life ? What is your definition of faith and spirituality and how does that impact your life? Religious practices , pilgrimage sites, God worships, faith, spirituality, all these things play really different roles in different people's lives. And yest what connects the whole of India is this common faith on God and His sacred places and food .
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India being a country of a multitude of cultures and an ethnic mosaic, have food and spirituality as its core centre of keeping people linked. This beautiful book is an enthralling journey through fascinating picturesque pilgrimages throughout India and discussing about amazing food and prasadams associated there. The book is also very well researched and the rituals are so beautifully presented.
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You will take a tour to Mathura, Krishna's birthplace, its special pedas, to Puri,Vishnu's dining location with its chhapan bhog and mahabhog , to Udupi, the land of Balakrishna with its special payasams and brinjal gojjus, to Kashi , the land where Devi Shakti turns Annapurna, where liquidd deity Ganga can free you from all your sins. You will also journey through Ajmer, the land that welcomes all, offers its Kesariya bhaat and wishes for your wellbeing, through Palani and Madurai, through Mumbai celebrating the Jewish Rosh hashanah eating chicken soups and young garlics . Kumbh mela, Goa and a few other beyond beautiful places.
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The thing that stands out in the book is its splendid narrative and the subtle, smooth flow of the book. The author has also put some humor here and there and they perfectly blend with the whole theme of the book.
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The book also questions our beliefs, devotion and reasons behind why we follow certain customs or beliefs. It also points out our narrow mindset people possess encompassing religion. This book is as thought provoking as it is entertaining. The book asks you to pause and think whether your religious beliefs are caging you or liberating you, whether they are helping you to form an identity or snatching your basic essence of living. Religion should always help you become better rather than forcing you to behave a certain way just because it's asked.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommending it.
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Keep reading, spread love. ♥️

[SäúRäv SüMän · Rating 4 out of 5]

Food & Faith: A Pilgrim's Journey through India by Shoba Narayan.

Are you Into Religion? If yes this book is a must read for you.

This book basically talks about different kind of food we offer to different gods .
Be it the same god but we offer different kind of food in different places.

I can understand why Shoba choose this topic to write on. Even I had this question, Why do we offer different food to same god in different places? As in some places we offer non-veg also alcoholic beverages etc.

You all also might have different kind of questions.
Shoba has answered these questions.

This book has 270 pages. You can finish it in 5 to 6 sittings as reading this book makes you feel like you are on an adventure. And the author keeps you giving info about the different places and temples and you can consume all the info easily.

Author talks about 15 different places and 15 different temples, from Udupi to Mathura.

All chapters end with few takeaways. Which is actually the best part of the book.

As, I have visited Kashi few a times, I could relate everything she wrote about Kashi. She asks few serious questions about the cleanliness of the river Ganga. She asks "Would the Ganga river have been better served had we imagined her to be our child rather than mother?"
This question hit me hard. I actually stopped for a couple of minutes and gave a thought about it.

This is largely a book on Hinduism. Few other faiths also make a cameo.

After reading the book you will gain more knowledge about your religion. Many of the questions on your mind will be answered.

The writing style is really good and book keeps you engaged with Shoba's tasty description of food. I also admired the good humorous(makes you smile) writing.

Lastly I would rate this book 4/5

I thank #IndicBookClub for sending me this Amazing book.

[Swarali · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Qotd : What is your favourite prasadam? ( Mine has a wide range, of which Modak, halwa and panchamrita tops the list )

"Let me see if this turns me into an enlightened soul. For now, I'll simply settle for a lightened body."

Some say that India has 1,08,000 temples which seems like an understatement.
Why is fasting and feasting practised by religious people?
Have you ever wondered why the piping hot prasadam in temples made with simple ingredients tastes so delicious?
It is believed food isn't just about ingredients and techniques- it is about the energy and intent of cooks.

Food & Faith by Shoba Narayan takes you through authors journey to various temples from nooks and corners of India and tells us the intricate intertwining of food with faith.
The stories involve about author's experiences of visiting various tempe located in- Udupi, Kashi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Mathura, Patan and many more.
In Sikhism, five 'Kas' are considered necessary to be carried by devout. It tells about Sufi Shrine in Ajmer and Sufism, how they have been channelling the divine through dance . Kashi (believed to be the oldest city in world) was to Indian Philosophy what Silicon valley is to today's entrepreneur.
Each story has a takeaway at the end and is loaded with knowledge from various books .
The book describes various prasadams - Bisi bele bhaat, Traditional Jewish halwa, fried dumplings a.k.a unni-appam ,chitra anna, chundal, gojju, pasayam,langar and many more.
The writing style is really good and book keeps you engaged with author's scrumptious description of food, knowledge backed up by history and books, and I also admired the good humourous writing style which is very relatable.

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a relaxing read , as a South Indian , I could totally identify with the temple runs forced upon us and then we get doctrined into that way of living .

What I liked :
Simple narrative with some good trivia
The places the author visited , she inspires me to try make this trip
The questions she had regarding faith esp being a woman and Hinduism , is something that resonates with me .

The day to day practice of remembering the divine and how one turns to faith as we age made sense too. The Hindu way of life which emphasized respecting nature ,mindful living , seasonal food , fasting , there is a lot that has gone away in this hectic “life we are now leading . We have clearly forgotten to respect nature .

Not in the book :my personal thoughts : Rituals that only men can do , rules that are different for widowers men vs widows ( inauspicious).
While I think hindusim grants freedom of thought and choice in what your relationship with the Divine is , it’s only the middle men who make the rules .sometimes ritual and spiritual are so closely intertwined that it creates an unequal plane. Something that has always jarred me .

What I had to summon a lil patience:
Ahh the name dropping, caste dropping
Privilege. Well the typical snobbery of the set she kept talking about sigh . Well it wasn’t totally bad , we are all used to such relatives dropping in at home and talking about their connections and achievements in a self deprecating manner.

May be I will look to read about these places in some detailed travelogues which are better written.


This was a good starter book.

[Noopur Kothari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Religion has a different definition for all of us, for some it is about rituals and for others it is about the journey within. If you live in India, you cannot be untouched with it and it would have influenced you in some or other manner.

Clear from the title itself, Shobha Narayan brings an interesting perspective in her book Food & Faith. She visits various pilgrims of India and tried explaining how food that is being offered as Bhoga in Hindu temples, is correlated with faith.

Many among us keep on asking about the logic behind particular rituals. Some follow everything as it is, some tries to understand and correlate it with science. The author is the later one and in her new book she try explaining various aspects of mythology, history and science related to various rituals. She describes various food rituals in major pilgrimages and explores the city inside out. Through her book she is able to beautifully explain some of the very intimate questions about religion and rituals.

Even if I look at it as a non-believer, the book caries a lot of information about the most worshiped temples of India. The explanation of various food offerings will leave your mouth watering and if you are a foodie you have another reason to read this book all together.

Before reading this book I have never tried to understand the religion through food, but the author has added another dimension to how I look at religion now.

Religion and rituals are personal for everyone, but they communicate to you in their own way. The question is are you able to understand them?

[Chirag Malik · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What faith does is nudge you from the rational mind into the realm of feeling & emotions.”

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Food & Faith is a beautiful & liberating journey of the author in some of the most famous pilgrimage sites of India. Such as Udupi, Kashi, Ajmer, Mathura, Amritsar, Madurai & Kumbh Mela to name a few. It’s a wonderful combination of religion, sacred foods & faith.

During her journey, she is being confronted with a lot of uncomfortable questions which every young Indian who is having issues surrendering themselves to faith or a higher power faces.

Along with it, she explores various sacred foods(prasadam) which makes it a really intriguing read.


𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?

The book has all the ingredients to make a portion of perfect Sacred food, the journey of exploration of faith that she undergoes with a sprinkle of legends and mythology of various Indian gods and a touch of non-offending humor makes it a really fun read.

I belong to a north Indian family & my mother is a devotee of Lord Krishna and me just like the author neither a complete atheist nor a devotee is also on a journey to explore and find my faith in the higher powers along with food, so for me personally it was quite entertaining.

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?

I recommend this book to people interested in the Hindu religion, Indian mythology, people who are up for a journey to explore faith with food, and most importantly those who are open to get their beliefs challenged or gain a new perspective about religion.

[Shivangi Tiwari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food and Faith's title is spot on since that is exclusively what the book is about. The author says that she has her own doubts about faith and religion and like a lot of us who struggle especially in India when there is a ritual that is to be done but we don't know/understand the meaning behind it, perhaps there is logical reason, which we aren't aware of.

Each chapter discusses different kinds of religions/faiths and the respective Gods associated with it, what is the way of life in those areas, what are the taboos, the most famous temples there, the mythology behind the God/Goddess and why we worship them, what do we offer to the Gods as Prasadam.

There is a lot of things I was not aware of and got to know about through the book, the author has said that she has not discussed Zorostrianism and Jainism and perhaps there is a sequel.

I loved the chapters about Maa Annapurna, and Lord Krishna and the one about Benaras where she discusses why is there an urgent need to clean The Ganges and how religion trumps logic sometimes for people who are may be not well educated, or are ignorant towards the ecological issues, and there is a need for more sustainable measures.

I loved the descriptions about local dishes from different areas offered to pilgrims, like the eggplant dish, (which I definitely want to try), the halwas as prasadam, the kheer hanged overnight on the terrace so as the moonlight falls in it and then eaten in the morning by everyone, this was done in my family too.

Thank you to @HarperCollins for the review copy.

[Aditya Annavajjhala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Many things that we Indians love, the list tops always with Food & Religion. There is a saying that you can always find a temple in every corner of the street. I just want to add one more line say you can always find a food outlet as well.

There are many information regarding food and Religion  but very less on Religious Food or As we call the Parasadam or Offering to God.

The Book "Food & Faith" by Shoba Narayana is spot on this and through her book we walk through various Pilgrim places & have a glance of the food that is offered.

As the Title of the Book explains,  The book is all about Food & Faith. Shoba makes us travel through india & visits many prominent piligrim places and explains us the legend around the place as well helps us understand hidden reasons for those customs or say agamas around the place.

Shoba Explains many traditions that are present in our Sanathana Dharma more scientifically which wonders many how developed our culture is.

The piligrim places in the book are Udipi, Kashi,Palani, Ajmer, Mumbai, Goa, Thiruvanthapuram and others as well.

The only Regrets i have reading this book is she didn't include some famous temples like Tirupathi, Shiridi, Dwaraka.

If you are foodie & believer of God, Then this book is a must as after reading you might pack your backs & start your pilgrimage to nearest temple. Even if you a athiest, well here is the catch,  you get to read about various food habits around our India 😉.

So, As you order your copy of book let me just pack my Bag to start my pilgrimage to Udipi..🤗🥳