July 11, 2025 —
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently on an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has stirred global attention by organizing a unique “Gajar ka Halwa” party in space. The video, shared by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), shows Shukla sharing the traditional Indian dessert with his international crew members in a zero-gravity environment, celebrating Indian culture miles above Earth.
The event marks a significant moment of cultural expression as Shukla, who recently set a record for the longest space stay by an Indian, commemorated his achievement with a sweet treat close to his roots. The Gajar ka Halwa, a popular Indian dessert made from carrots, milk, ghee, and sugar, was specially freeze-dried and space-packaged to comply with microgravity food requirements.
Fellow astronauts were seen enjoying the dish, reacting with pleasant surprise and appreciation. “It’s a little sweet, a little nutty—very comforting,” one astronaut remarked in the video, which quickly went viral across social media platforms. The video also captured Shukla explaining the cultural significance of the dessert, highlighting its role in Indian festivals and celebrations.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath praised the initiative, calling it a “beautiful tribute to India’s rich culinary heritage.” He added, “Shubhanshu Shukla’s Gajar ka Halwa party is more than just a personal moment; it symbolizes the growing presence and confidence of India in global space exploration.”
According to ISRO sources, Indian scientists are currently working on incorporating more traditional dishes into future space missions. The success of Shukla’s experiment has opened discussions around integrating culturally diverse foods into the dietary plans for astronauts on long-duration missions, including India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
Space food experts have welcomed the move, noting that comfort food can play a critical role in maintaining crew morale and psychological well-being during extended missions. The inclusion of culturally significant meals, they say, offers astronauts a sense of familiarity and emotional connection to their homeland.
Shukla’s gesture has not only added a flavorful chapter to India’s space journey but has also demonstrated how traditions can transcend boundaries—even those between Earth and space.
