Gajar Ka Halwa in space: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shares taste of home on ISS

In a heartwarming moment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla offered his fellow crewmates a delightful piece of Indian culture, Gajar ka halwa. The sweet treat, specially developed by ISRO and DRDO to be space-safe, was part of a celebration during the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), turning an ordinary evening into a cultural exchange among the stars.

Also Read:Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla likely to return to Earth on July 14 after 14-day ISS mission

The international crew aboard the ISS gathered for a small yet memorable dinner party featuring a menu that mirrored their diverse backgrounds. Alongside familiar space fare like rehydrated shrimp cocktails and chicken fajitas, the crew enjoyed a dessert cake made with sweet bread, condensed milk, and walnuts. But it was Shukla’s traditional carrot dessert that stole the spotlight, bringing both flavour and nostalgia to the zero-gravity setting.

Astronaut Jonny Kim expressed the emotional resonance of the evening, highlighting the shared stories, laughter, and unity felt by the multinational team. He noted how meals like these serve as powerful reminders of what connects humanity, even in the vastness of space.

These culinary moments, though brief, have a profound impact on crew morale and emotional well-being. The successful adaptation of Indian cuisine for space not only marks a technological achievement but also celebrates the importance of cultural identity and togetherness in long-duration missions.

As the Ax-4 crew gears up for their return journey, preparing to undock from the ISS on Monday, this special meal will remain a cherished memory, one that exemplifies how the smallest comforts can have the biggest emotional impact, even 400 kilometers above Earth.