Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 11: Internet users across India were pleasantly surprised on Saturday as Google dedicated its homepage Doodle to the humble yet iconic South Indian delicacy—Idli.
The creative artwork transformed the Google logo into soft, fluffy idlis, bowls of batter, and colourful chutneys arranged neatly on a traditional banana leaf — symbolising the essence of South Indian hospitality and culinary heritage.
According to Google, “Today’s Doodle celebrates idli, a savoury, steamed South Indian cake made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal.”
The Doodle, published on Google’s official Doodles portal, is not tied to any anniversary or special occasion. Rather, it serves as a cultural tribute to a dish that has transcended regional boundaries and found admirers across the globe.
While World Idli Day is officially observed on March 30, the October 11 Doodle is simply a heartfelt nod to the dish’s enduring popularity. Google often creates such artworks to celebrate foods that unite people through shared traditions and flavours.
The artwork beautifully illustrates every stage of idli preparation—from soaking and fermenting the batter to steaming the perfectly soft cakes and serving them with coconut chutney and aromatic sambar.
Within minutes of the Doodle’s release, social media platforms were flooded with posts under the hashtag #IdliLove, as users shared nostalgic memories, breakfast photos, and family recipes passed down through generations.
Beyond its simplicity, idli represents much more — it is vegan, gluten-free, nutritious, and universally loved. Its appeal stretches from Chennai street-side tiffin stalls to Udupi’s temple kitchens and all the way to breakfast tables in Chicago, the humble idli continues to unite generations with its wholesome simplicity, symbolising comfort, health, and the beauty of traditional Indian cooking. Over time, the humble idli has evolved into many creative variations such as Ragi Idli, Oats Idli, Quinoa Idli, and even podi-tossed fried idlis.
Google’s tribute this October 11 is, therefore, not just about food — it’s a salute to India’s rich culinary diversity, celebrating a breakfast that brings families, cultures, and generations together on one banana leaf.