April is just around the corner again. How quickly time flies!
For many bloggers, the next month is the A to Z Blogging Challenge.
For the uninitiated, the rules are simple: publish a blog post every single day of April, excluding the four Sundays. Each post must correspond to a letter of the alphabet, starting with ‘A’ on the 1st of April and ending with ‘Z’ on the 30th. That is 26 posts in 30 days!
I have been taking part in this challenge since 2018. The list is on the right panel of this page.
I have been taking part in this challenge since 2018. The list is on the right panel of this page.
Two things have drawn me to it: the "marathon" aspect, and the sheer fun of writing while sticking to a daily deadline.
Last year, I wrote on topics related to the environment. This year, I am broadening my horizons a bit and focusing on the interesting, appealing, and sometimes unusual aspects of daily life in this vast and diverse country.
So, officially, my theme is: "The quirky Indian way of life"
Last year, I wrote on topics related to the environment. This year, I am broadening my horizons a bit and focusing on the interesting, appealing, and sometimes unusual aspects of daily life in this vast and diverse country.
So, officially, my theme is: "The quirky Indian way of life"
If you live in India, or have lived here, or have even just visited, you will know that though there are rules and systems in place, everyone has their own unique way of navigating them. The net result? Order often exists more within the chaos than through strict conformity!
I will be looking at several aspects that combine to form the typical "Indian experience", which is nothing but a strange but perfectly co-existing combination of habits, time-honoured traditions, and local eccentricities.
For those of you in India, or those who have spent a considerable amount of time here, these posts might feel like shining a torch on yourselves. For everyone else, I hope it serves as a discovery of those little-known, wonderful facets of India.
Join me on the journey!
The first post will be up on Wednesday, the 1st of April. Do follow along, leave your comments, and perhaps share your own stories as we go from A to Z.
Is there a particular Indian quirk you think deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments below!
The Indian way of life is itself quite amusing. And you're going to make it "quirky" :) Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteHi Tomi - I am hoping to get 26 topics that are "quirky"!
DeleteCongratulations you have decided to continue for the 9th year in a row. Looking forward to read your interesting blog post.
ReplyDeleteThank you .. I didn't realise this is the 9th year!
DeleteSounds like an interesting theme. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for Theme Reveal for A to Z Blogging Challenge 2026
Hi Ronel - Thank you!
DeleteThe theme sounds terrific. I asked my Indian born flatmate about him having an Indian car driving license and not being able to drive at all. He looked up what his parents paid for the licence but could not break it down beyond driving lessons and the test. I asked if a bribe was included and he did not know. If he had any lessons, he would at least know which way to turn the steering wheel. I know the same happens with Chinese who are here in Australia.
ReplyDeleteThe mystery of the Indian driving licence is a saga in itself. It does add a layer of adventure to our roads!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh, excellent! Bring it on! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - I am glad you are looking forward to it. Hopefully, I will get enough fun elements to fill all 26 days!
DeleteHi Pradeep - this one sounds fascinating. I will definitely be popping in regularly for an update - Indian quirkiness always appeals.
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne - Thank you!
DeleteHey thanks for that much in advance reminder. Been a while since I participated in it. I very much want to be a part of it this time. And yes i look forward to Indian quirkiness here.
ReplyDeleteHi Viyoma - Thank you. Looking forward to your posts.
DeleteWhat a terrific topic, Pradeep! Looking forward to following you through the month. I'm still undecided. . .
ReplyDeleteHi Josna - Thank you! Hope you will join the fun ...
DeleteMy entire experience of India is a layover of about an hour and a half in Kolkata, but I will be following with interest.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteSounds like an interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteHopefully I will get enough to generate 26 posts!
DeleteI only know the Indian way of Life through the lips of...an Indian. He is gone. I need to catch up.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie. Hope you will find the interesting.
DeleteI look forward to learning some quirky facets of life in India.
ReplyDeletehttps://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-to-z-theme-revelation-2026.html
Thank you, Anne.
DeleteWhat a fun and ambitious challenge! “The quirky Indian way of life” sounds like a fantastic theme there’s so much to explore, from everyday habits to charming local customs. I’m looking forward to seeing the series and learning about those little details that make life in India so uniquely vibrant.
ReplyDeleteHi Melody - Yes, there are fun elements to the routine things.
DeleteSounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa.
DeleteLooking forward
ReplyDeleteThanks Pradeep ji
Thank you, KP.
DeleteI’ll look forward to this Pradeep! I hope I can dip in every day, but if not, I’ll do catch up reads! Good luck! It sounds a fascinating theme! By the way, does one have to sign up for it or can we just do it? I wouldn’t mind having a go myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Val. I can understand it might not be practically possible to read all the posts of so many participants and comment on each of them. I am glad you will be reading my posts.
DeleteThe big advantage of signing up on the A to Z Challenge blog is that your blog address (the URL) will be displayed on the official list of participants, and thus other participants will be able to check out your blog and read your posts. You can also unofficially participate without signing up.
I look forward to reading your posts. My husband spent three years as a child in India, and our middle daughter has spent much time working and travelling in different parts.
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you. Nice to know about your connections and familiarity with India.
DeleteThis will be fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Darla :-)
DeleteSounds fun!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the challenge this year.
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” —Jimmy Dean
J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge international blog hop
Thank you, Lenni. I am looking forward to writing the posts as well.
DeleteHi Pradeep, looking forward to reading your posts this year. The theme sounds interesting! I started with the A to Z way back in 2014, but somehow didn't get around to doing it over the past few years. I've decided to jump in this time...I cannot see many of the old timers, so I'm a bit nervous. Hoping to make new blogger friends this time around!
ReplyDeleteHi Shubhangi - Thank you so much. I shall check your posts as well. Yes, sometimes, when you don't blog for a while, your usual blogpals just vanish. It has happened to me as well. Good luck with your April Challenge, and looking forward to your posts.
DeleteHi Pradeep,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your Quirky posts. Should be a whole lot of fun.
Wishing us all luck. :)
My theme looks captures Nature's Voice - Notes from nature
https://natashamusing.com/2026/03/theme-reveal-a-to-zchallenge-2026/
Pradeep Looking forward to blogging with you through the A-Z challenge. I think quirky is fun. Good luck with your posts.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Barbie