India, May 21 -- On International Tea Day, it's worth remembering that India's relationship with tea goes far beyond the daily cup of chai. Across the country, tea is tied to midnight harvesting rituals, Himalayan border traditions, tribal food practices and even a separate time zone followed by tea estates. Here are the fascinating stories brewing behind India's favourite drink.

At Makaibari Tea Estate in Kurseong, Darjeeling, some of the world's rarest tea is harvested under the light of the full moon. Workers gather late at night to hand-pluck Silver Tips Imperial, an ultra-premium tea that can cost nearly Rs.2,000 for just 50 grams. The process is incredibly precise. It takes around 200 kg of fresh leaves to produce only 50 kg of the...