• 76th Republic Day of India
India is such a vast and diverse country. What's one region or city you've visited that completely surprised or captivated you?
India is home to dense forests, vast deserts, beautiful lakes, and a diverse wildlife. The country boasts a wide range of ecosystems that support an equally diverse variety of flora and fauna. It's difficult to choose just one city, and places like Banaras, Ayodhya, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kerala each have their own unique charm. For example, Kerala is a wonderful blend of nature, history, stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and its famous backwaters.
Indian cuisine is so varied. Have you discovered a dish or flavour you've completely fallen in love with while here?
Foods like chaat, chhole-bhature, samosa, dosa, and biryani are some of my absolute favourites. The combination of spices and the perfect balance of flavours is just incredible! Around my Embassy, there are places like Bengali Market, Connaught Place, and Karol Bagh that serve the most amazing food. I also occasionally order from some well-established places that have been serving authentic dishes for decades.
India is a land of festivals. Have you had the chance to celebrate any Indian festival during your tenure? What was that experience like?
Yes, I had the chance to participate in the Garba festival in Gujarat with other ambassadors for the first time. Garba, which is part of the nine-night Navratri celebrations dedicated to the Goddess Durga, is truly vibrant and full of energy. The dance itself is rhythmic and circle-based, often accompanied by lively folk music, and it's filled with joy and tradition. People wear colourful, traditional outfits, and there's a real sense of community, making the whole experience special. The atmosphere is electric, full of energy and celebration.
What's a lesser-known gem in India - whether it's a city, monument, or experience - that you would highly recommend to Nepali travellers?
Nepali travellers often visit many religious sites, and India offers countless places of significance. One such gem, close to Delhi, is Rishikesh. It's spiritually enriching and offers stunning natural beauty, adventure activities, and a serene atmosphere by the Ganges River.
India has a deep connection with arts and music. Have you discovered a particular Indian musician, dancer, or filmmaker whose work you admire?
I enjoy Indian music and films, but it's hard to pick just one favourite. Personally, I'm drawn to the timeless music of legendary singers and musicians like Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, and AR Rahman. Their music provides comfort and evokes deep emotions. Similarly, Ravi Shankar's sitar has a universal appeal - hardly anyone in the world can resist its charm.
If you were to create a 'starter pack' for someone visiting India for the first time, what would be in it? (This could include must-see places, food, or even local tips.)
A starter pack for India should definitely include a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, a visit to Banaras and Ayodhya for a spiritual experience, and, of course, taste the samosa and jalebi in Banaras or Old Delhi. It's always helpful to learn a bit of Hindi (or the local language). For Nepali visitors, sharing some information about landmarks like Mt Everest, Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Pokhara, Janakpur, and Lumbini can also be useful. A list of must-try sweets like gulab jamun, milk cake, and rasgulla, along with street foods like chaat and samosa, is essential. Lastly, India's masala tea (with milk and sugar) is perfect for relaxation. Culturally, India and Nepal share a lot of similarities and visitors (from Nepal) generally may not face big problems.
Languages are a big part of India's charm. Is there an Indian phrase or word you've learned and enjoy using? And are there any you find delightfully tricky?
Some words that I have found interesting and useful include Shukriya (thank you), Barobar (okay), and Jugaad (a quick fix or innovative solution). Barobar and Jugaad are particularly unique and widely used.
As for tricky phrases, "Khushiyon ki baarish" (literally meaning rain of happiness) is lovely and poetic, though it can be a bit difficult to incorporate into regular conversation until you're more familiar with it.
