Dehradun, July 27 -- Culinary Chronicles

Tracing My Roots through the Sacred Dham

Dham is so much more than just a meal. It is the heartbeat of Himachali culture, a celebratory feast that flows through the rhythm of the state as the seasons change. While its origins were deeply tied to the quiet sanctity of temple festivals, it has since grown into the centerpiece of our most cherished milestones. Whether it is a grand wedding, a humble birthday, or even a moment of reflection like a retirement, Dham is the thread that brings all together.

My paternal grandmother was from Himachal Pradesh. Although I never had the chance to meet her in this lifetime, I have always carried a quiet, stirring emotional connection with her. She belonged to...