Celebrating International Tea Day: A Tribute to the Timeless Beverage

The Essence of Tea

From the calming ritual of morning chai to late-night chats over a hot cup, tea transcends mere refreshment—it's a cherished tradition, a mood enhancer, and a moment of tranquility. Observed on May 21, International Tea Day pays homage to the cultural, emotional, and even health-related importance of tea worldwide. Whether it's the robust kadak masala chai enjoyed in Indian homes, herbal brews for wellness, or classic English teas, tea unites people in the most comforting manner. Today, as we lift our cups, celebrities share their personal tea tales, rituals, and that one cup they can never resist.

Personal Tea Stories

Can’t do without it
I am a true chai enthusiast. My day begins with a steaming cup of traditional tea, made with milk, ginger, and cardamom. My mother was my tea companion, and we would share a cup even when I had early shoots. I fondly recall the elaborate evening tea sessions with my aunt, where the delightful aroma from the kitchen would fill the air before the beautifully arranged tea tray appeared. Despite trying various teas, nothing compares to the desi chai served in cutting glasses at roadside stalls!
— Divya Dutta

For a soft kick
Some of my most cherished tea memories come from my time spent with my mother in the tea gardens of Munnar, Kerala. While I typically consume about ten cups of coffee daily, tea is my choice for a gentler experience—more of a soft boost than a jolt. I enjoy a good desi chai while shooting, especially during the monsoons in Mumbai and Kolkata, but I usually prefer green tea with a splash of lemon for a refreshing end to my day.
— Alexx O’Nell

Signature concoction
Tea has been a staple in my life, especially in Punjabi culture. Visiting my grandmother's house in Punjab during winter meant enjoying tea served in brass cups, often leading to 3-4 cups per visit! Tea is integral to our culture, enjoyed at any time of day. Nowadays, I love chamomile tea, and I sometimes create my own blend with turmeric, roasted cumin, moringa, black salt, lemon, and ginger. It’s a refreshing treat!
— Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

Spice of life
I kick off my day with a cup of masala tea, made uniquely with tea leaves, boiling water, milk, lemongrass, and cardamom. One of my favorite tea memories is from my childhood in Kolkata, where my mom, brother, and I would enjoy tea together in the morning, basking in the sunlight as we chatted.
— Romiit Raaj, actor

Going herbal
I have two significant tea memories: my first butter tea at the Dalai Lama monastery and a visit to a tea plantation in Darjeeling. Drinking tea brewed from pure leaves was a delightful experience! I love experimenting with tea; during my time in Berlin, I discovered chamomile and various herbal teas that were unfamiliar in India.
— Vipin Sharma, actor

Shudh desi chai
A typical cup of tea for me is the shudh desi chai—a kadha-style mix of milk, cardamom, ginger, and strong tea leaves. Although tea isn't originally Indian, we've embraced it, infusing it with warmth and spice. Growing up in a Marwadi household, tea was a daily ritual, and my mom would sneak it to us before school, making every sip feel like a secret indulgence.
— Krishna Bharadwaj

Sip of warmth
Always on the go, tea has provided me with moments of calm amidst chaos. Whether during early morning shoots or late-night pack-ups, a cup of tea is my constant companion, grounding me wherever I am in the world—it feels like home.
— Gurdip Punjj

Hope in a cup
I used to be a tea lover, often sitting at Café Coffee Day in Lokhandwala, sipping Assam tea during my struggling days. It was more than just tea; it represented conversations, hope, and the belief that something good was on the horizon. That simple cup of Assam tea became a silent companion through it all.
— Aditya Redij

All for kadak chai
I am a tea addict, particularly fond of our classic kadak chai. I prefer it strong, sometimes with ginger, and my favorite time is evening tea. I eagerly anticipate that one satisfying cup—only a true tea lover understands this feeling. In college, I would plan drives during the monsoon just for chai and bhutta.
— Moon Banerrjee

Mug of delight
I am a hardcore chai lover and need my morning tea in bed. Until I have it, I prefer not to talk to anyone. I dislike rushed tea; I want to savor it peacefully in a beautiful mug, and I enjoy drinking from a new mug every day.
— Worship Khanna

Chai pe charcha
As a child, I spent a lot of time at my granny's house, where she would make tea at 5 PM. It was a daily ritual, and I would always get a cup. Those moments are beautiful memories I cherish.
— Indraxi Kanjilal

Silent strength
Chai has been my quiet companion, from reading scripts in serene corners to preparing for emotional scenes. It’s always there during long shooting schedules. The best part? Chai breaks with co-actors, where we bond over laughter, stories, and even silence—all while enjoying chai. On International Tea Day, I celebrate not just the drink but the warmth and pause it brings to my life every day.
— Sagar Parekh