For many, the first ritual is the Puja —the lighting of an oil lamp or incense in a small dedicated corner of the house. This spiritual grounding precedes the practical rush of the day. Breakfast is rarely a cold bowl of cereal; instead, it's a hot, regional staple like poha , parathas , or idlis , always accompanied by a steaming cup of masala chai. This meal is the fuel for a day of work and school, but it’s also a moment where the family briefly intersects before heading out. The Intergenerational Anchor