Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian – and the first from India – to travel aboard the International Space Station (ISS), surprised the world with a heartfelt touch of home in orbit: gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras made from Malihabadi mangoes. On June 28, 2025, during an 18‑minute video chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla revealed that he had packed these traditional delicacies not just for himself, but to share with his fellow astronauts.
“Yes, I brought gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa and aamras… I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy the richness of Indian flavours. All of us had it together and everyone liked it,” Shukla said aboard the ISS, orbiting approximately 400 km above Earth.
A Taste of India in Microgravity
While the ISS has strict nutritional and safety standards, sweet, non‑spicy dishes like these are perfectly suited to space travel – moong dal halwa, for example, is a slow‑cooked dessert made with ghee, milk, and dry fruits, traditionally served during festivals and special occasions . The inclusion of these dishes not only met taste requirements but provided an emotional connection to home.
Cuisine as Cultural Bridge
Shukla’s gesture was deeply symbolic. Sharing Indian sweets with crew members from the U.S., Poland, and Hungary transformed a meal into a cultural celebration. It served as a reminder that even in the extreme environment of space, food can build bridges and foster camaraderie.
Moments That Captivated a Nation
Prime Minister Modi hailed the moment as a “shubh‑aarambh” (auspicious beginning), tying into both Shukla’s name and India’s space ambitions. During the same conversation, Modi mirrored the entire nation’s pride: “Today, while we are speaking, the feelings of 140 crore Indians are connected with you”. Watching an astronaut enjoy home-made halwa 16 times a day (that’s how many sunrises and sunsets orbit give you!) added a human touch to a milestone mission.
A Sweet Legacy Beyond Gravity
Shubhanshu Shukla’s decision to carry gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras into space was far more than a culinary novelty – it was a powerful cultural statement. While his Indian desserts floated in microgravity, they anchored a piece of home and identity deep within the hearts of every astronaut aboard the ISS – and millions watching on Earth.
This gesture underscored a universal truth: no matter how advanced our technology, it’s the simple comforts – flavors, memories, shared smiles – that connect us most profoundly. As Shukla himself remarked, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets daily from orbit deepened his sense of unity with humanity and pride in his homeland.
More than a historic milestone, his culinary choice on the ISS has sparked inspiration across India – from young students to veteran scientists – reminding us that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. It signals a hopeful message for future missions like Gaganyaan: that India’s journey into space will be guided not only by science, but by warmth, cultural richness, and a spirit of togetherness. As we propel forward, Shukla’s voyage – and his halwa – will surely be remembered as small but profound testaments to India’s place among the stars.