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India Today
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
International Tea Day 2025: Date, history and significance
Tea, the world's second most consumed beverage after water, holds a cherished place in cultures worldwide. Every year on May 21, International Tea Day honours this timeless drink, acknowledging its rich history, cultural significance, and economic impact. This observance also emphasises sustainable production practices and the health benefits associated with tea ORIGIN AND EVOLUTIONThe story of tea dates back over 5,000 years to ancient China. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea around 2737 BC when leaves from a nearby tree drifted into his pot of boiling by the resulting infusion, he found it both refreshing and invigorating. Initially valued for its medicinal properties, tea gradually became an integral part of Chinese culture and trade routes expanded, tea's popularity spread across Asia and eventually to the 17th century, European merchants introduced tea to the Western world, where it quickly became a fashionable beverage amongst the British, aiming to break China's monopoly on tea production, initiated commercial cultivation in India during the early 19th 1824, tea plantations were established in regions like Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, propelling India to become one of the leading tea producers globally.'In India, tea is part of our daily routine, whether it's a morning cup at home, a catch-up with friends, or a quick break at a roadside chai corner. And there's almost always a biscuit by its side. This International Tea Day, we're happy to celebrate the timeless bond of chai and biscuits that brings people together across the country.' Siddharth Gupta, General Manager, Marketing, OF INTERNATIONAL TEA DAYadvertisementRecognising tea's profound cultural and economic importance, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 21 as International Tea Day in December annual observance aims to raise awareness about the long-standing history and deep-rooted significance of tea in societies also highlights tea's role in combating hunger and poverty, as millions of families, particularly in developing countries, rely on tea cultivation for their International Tea Day underscores the need for sustainable production and consumption promoting eco-friendly farming methods, fair trade, and equitable wages for workers, the day seeks to ensure that the tea industry contributes positively to both the environment and the communities involved in its BENEFITS AND CULTURAL TRADITIONSBeyond its economic impact, tea is celebrated for its numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, tea has been linked to improved heart health, enhanced metabolism, and reduced risk of chronic and herbal teas, in particular, are renowned for their detoxifying properties and ability to boost overall tea serves as a symbol of hospitality and social bonding. In countries like India, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China, tea ceremonies and rituals are integral to social interactions and the Japanese Chanoyu to the British afternoon tea, these practices reflect the deep-seated respect and admiration for this versatile beverage.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Britannia Milk Bikis Featured in 15-ft Fan Garland at Ajith Kumar Film Celebration in Chennai
Britannia Milk Bikis, a biscuit brand long associated with Tamil Nadu's culinary traditions, emerged as a symbolic presence during a distinctive celebration in Chennai coinciding with the release of Good Bad Ugly, the latest film featuring actor Ajith Kumar. To commemorate the occasion, members of Ajith Kumar's fan club crafted a 15-foot garland made entirely of Milk Bikis biscuit packets, which was ceremoniously placed around a towering cutout of the actor at the city's iconic Kasi Theatre. The gesture served as a creative reinterpretation of the traditional paal abhishekam ritual, a hallmark of Tamil cinema fan culture. This unique celebration reflected the deep-rooted bond between Britannia Milk Bikis and Tamil Nadu. For decades, Britannia Milk Bikis has been a part of nostalgia in Tamil households and now, a part of movie fandom culture. Beyond symbolising fan devotion, the initiative also carried a social dimension — the biscuit packets used in the garland were later donated to local non-governmental organisations, including the Karunaii Trust and the Dorcas Shelter for Women with Disability, in support of children and women in need. 'Milk Bikis is more than just a biscuit in Tamil Nadu — it's a memory, a ritual, and now, a symbol of celebration,' said Siddharth Gupta, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia Industries. 'To see it embraced so warmly by Ajith Kumar's fan community at such a landmark occasion is a testament to the strong place the brand holds in the hearts of consumers.' The initiative also underscores Britannia's ongoing efforts to stay culturally connected with its consumers in the region. The company's long-time creative agency, MullenLowe Lintas Group, has played a key role in shaping distinct identities for iconic products, like Milk Bikis 'This moment is a beautiful reminder of what happens when a brand becomes deeply interwoven with people's lives,' said Prateek Bhardwaj, Chief Creative Officer, MullenLowe Lintas Group. 'To see Milk Bikis featured in a fan ritual like this speaks volumes about the bond it shares with Tamil Nadu.' Britannia Industries, a century-old entity and a leading player in India's bakery segment, reaches over 180 million households nationwide. With a diverse portfolio that includes biscuits, cakes, rusks, and dairy products, the company continues to reinforce its positioning as a Responsible Global Total Foods Company, catering to both domestic and international markets. 'This article is part of the sponsored content programme.'
