My aim of this project was to show that Indian cooking is pure storytelling, with each herb and masala carrying fragments of our soul and traditions. The flaming tadka is my ode to how spice and fire—from our kitchens to our hearts—make Indian food unforgettable. Look closely, you’ll spot bits of nostalgia, the comfort of street eats, and the iconic symbols that unite our flavors with our identity. This is more than a mural—it’s a window into everything that makes Indian cuisine a celebration.

The scene: The big pan is getting a tadka with all the spices and a riot of Indian elements—because Indian cuisine is literally our culture in each spoonful. The curry flowing into the pan is packed with little bits of home: Taj Mahal, India gate, Qutub Minar, auto, bullock cart, mango lassi, chai, vada pav, pani puri, samosas, lotus temple, Indian people, and of course, the classic lemon and chilli for nazar. Fire coming out of the pan is highlighted because tadka without drama isn’t even real. Wanted to capture how every Indian dish is a mix of flavors, memories, and local stories—all swirling together.

This second wall continues the story that started with the tadka. On the far left corner, there’s a traditional Indian grinding stone surrounded by whole spices — the starting point of every flavorful Indian meal. All those spices are being freshly ground here before they make their journey into the tadka on the first wall. To show that flow, the bright orange curry line begins at the grinding stone, travels across this big wall, flows through the kitchen wall, and finally enters the tadka pan in the next mural — connecting both walls into one continuous story.

The wall celebrates the life and vibrance of India — with a decked-up Indian truck, a majestic peacock, the radiant sun god, Gateway of India, a desi girl's swag, an elephant, and of course, samosas! There’s also a man lighting a Diwali lamp — a simple moment that adds warmth and light to the mural. You’ll find little puns and quotes tucked in across the wall like “padharo mhare des” welcoming everyone to India, “add some tadka to your Life” as an open call to live a little brighter, and “swagath” to make everyone feel at home.

This entire wall is about the beginning of flavor — where the spices come alive, where celebration meets tradition. Together with the tadka wall, it tells a continuous story — from grinding to sizzling — showing that Indian food isn’t just made, it’s experienced. Every spice, color, and moment on these walls carries a bit of India’s soul across the space.