Mysore/Mysuru: Writer Shobha Narayan expressed her admiration for the diverse Prasadams distributed at Indian temples, emphasising their unique blend of food and religious significance.

Speaking at the session ‘Refined Living: Tastes and Sights of the World. Suave and Sensitive: Cultural Layers of Experience’ at Mysuru Literary Festival last evening, she highlighted the flavours of Prasadams from various religious centres, including Hindu, Christian and Sikh Temples such as Dharmasthala and Udupi. Shobha noted that each religious centre in India has its own distinctive culture and culinary traditions.

“Devotees consume Prasadam as a gift from God, reflecting the intersection of food and religion,” she remarked. Shobha also pointed out the global popularity of South Indian dishes like Masala Dosa and Bonda, which are now available in European countries, underscoring their widespread appeal.

Writer Zac O’yeah, also speaking at the seminar, praised R.K. Narayan’s depiction of Indian rural life in ‘Malgudi Days’ and expressed his fondness for Masala Dosa, a dish universally beloved for its taste. He emphasised that Indian cuisine, including Masala Dosa and Vada, enjoys popularity across Europe, highlighting their hygienic and diverse nature based on regional influences.

“Indian food is not only tasty but also diverse and representative of local traditions,” Zack O’yeah concluded, echoing another panellist Monika Monalisa’s sentiments on the rich diversity of Indian food and culture.