Quick questions
Short answers, each linking to the fuller page.
What does "Desi" actually mean?
From desh, "homeland" — so "of the homeland". It covers the whole subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal) and their diasporas, and it's a word people use about themselves rather than a label applied from outside. More →
I've been invited to a Desi wedding. What do I wear?
Bright colours, modest coverage, shoes you can slip off. Not white, not black, not bridal red. Full guest guide →
How much money should I give at a wedding?
Cash in an envelope, in an amount ending in one — 101, 501, $51. The trailing one is auspicious. More →
What should I bring to someone's home?
Sweets, fruit or flowers — never nothing. And take your shoes off at the door. More →
Is all of it spicy?
No. Heat is regional and dish-specific; plenty of everyday cooking is mild. More →
Someone said they're vegetarian — what can I cook?
Ask specifically: it may also mean no egg, no onion or garlic, or nothing cooked in a pan that's held meat. More →
Why are there four words for uncle?
Because the language distinguishes father's side from mother's side, and older from younger. The kinship map →
Why is the ceremony at 5am?
Because the auspicious window was calculated that way, and it isn't negotiable. More →
Last updated: 2026-08-11
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