Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka 

BY  Sibashree Jul 22, 2026

My trip to Sri Lanka crossed many dramatic turns, especially in the Northern part of the country.  With Vavuniya feeling like a crossroads rather than a stopover and Mannar being a high point where the wind never stops, the next stop was Mullaitivu.  Mullaitivu was a name that I had only read about in the news archives.  Mullaitivu is even in the news today as the people of Keppapilavu have been protesting for days now for the return of their ancestral lands.  Thurairasa Ravikaran and Sivagnanam Shritharan, two Tamil parliamentarians, have shown their support and solidarity to this protest.  Nevertheless, while Trincomalee beaches and the rich culture of Jaffna dominate the conversations about Northern Sri Lanka, Mullaitivu surfaced as a place talking about the past.  In this article, I will talk about my two days in Mullaitivu, from the drive in to the lagoon that ended a war, and why I think this coastline deserves more than a passing mention on a map. Why Mullaitivu Almost Stayed Off My List The day I spent at Vavuniya, the guesthouse caretaker there, a soft-spoken man named Selvam, was the one who first brought up Mullaitivu. About Mullaitivu, he mentioned,  “The beaches were empty, the lagoon was calm, and the town had not yet learned how to perform for tourists.” This stirred me, as most travel forums I had checked mentioned Mullaitivu as a former war zone with a nice coastline and not much infrastructure. While this is not false, this is only a fragmented picture of Mullaitivu. How I Reached Mullaitivu From Vavuniya, I took A34 to reach Mullaitivu. It was a distance of around 54 kilometers, and I reached within an hour and a half.  The road narrowed past Puthukkudiyiruppu, cutting through scrubland, paddy fields, and the occasional stretch of forest before the land flattens out toward the coast. How Mullaitivu Felt At First Sight?  Mullaitivu was once a small fishing harbor.  It was a small fishing harbor and a stop for sailing vessels moving goods between Colombo and Jaffna in the early twentieth century.  Today, it also remains a fishing town, unbothered and unhurried by outsiders.  As I entered the town, my driver, Ravi, pointed out the old lighthouse. It was built in 1896, and it has lost its original iron frame.  So, when you visit the lighthouse today, you can only find a faded signboard.  Nevertheless, I spent my first evening walking along Mullaitivu Beach.  Fishing boats had gathered there, forming neat rows, and the nets were drying on the sand.  Also, it was most delightful to find children playing cricket on the sand with a tennis ball.  Being from the country where cricket is a religion, I joined them. We bonded big time talking over big names such as Kumar Sangakkara and Kusal Mendis.  A few meters away from them, an elderly woman was mending a fishing net.  It felt like a scene from a Sanjeewa Pushpakumara movie. Like his films, Flying Fish and The Venishing, it was like a scene depicting the raw portrayal of survival.  What Are The Places To Visit In Mullaitivu?  I was not prepared for the amount of Civil War history Mullaitivu offered me.  Also, the birds and the sanctuary where the beach and lagoon meet allowed me to unwind with so many things going on in my head about life during and after the Civil War in Sri Lanka.  Nanthikadal Lagoon: Where The War Ended At a glance, the Nanthikadal Lagoon looks like a shallow, sand-fringed body of water. It is on the northeastern edge of the district. Small rivers feed it, and it finally opens into the Indian Ocean.  When I reached the lagoon, I found some egrets standing motionless in the shallows. Then, a kingfisher dropped into the water and came up empty. Ravi then took me to an old man, a local school teacher called Rajan. He narrated the entire story of the Nanthikadal Lagoon to me.  What Happened At Nanthikadal Lagoon  The 26-year Civil War of Sri Lanka ended at Nanthikadal Lagoon in May 2009.  Here, the government forces cornered the last LTTE fighters. The group's leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, was also killed.  In the weeks before that, civilians had been pushed into a shrinking strip of land along this same lagoon. They were between the fighting lines. In a report published on 17th January 2009, The Guardian wrote,  “International concern is intensifying over the fate of around 350,000 civilians trapped in a rapidly shrinking rebel-controlled pocket of land in Sri Lanka's north east, as the military steps up its campaign to end the civil war by crushing the Tamil Tiger forces. There is no specific count of the number of human casualties in these final months. A 2011 UN Panel of Experts report stated that credible sources estimated as many as 40,000 civilian deaths. Another report, published by The Times (UK) on 29th May 2009 based on confidential UN documents the paper obtained, reported that civilian deaths in the no-fire zone rose sharply from late April. The deaths averaged around 1,000 killed per day until May 19, 2009. Thus, it had put the total civilian death toll at over 20,000. (Source: Al Jazeera).  The Sri Lankan Government has shown a much lower figure.   However, in the UN Rights Council: Act on Sri Lanka Report published on 13th September 2011, Brad Adams, the Asia director at Human Rights Watch, mentioned,  “When a UN Panel of Experts report concludes up to 40,000 civilians died amid war crimes, the Human Rights Council should feel compelled to act. The council should order a full international investigation – anything less would be a shameful abdication of responsibility.” How Nanthikadal Lagoon Looks Back At Those Days Every Year Tamil families gather at Mullivaikkal, close to the lagoon, on 19th May every year to remember relatives lost in the final days.  They light lamps and plant coconut saplings in their memory.  Standing at the water's edge, with fishermen casting nets a short distance away, I found it hard to reconcile the stillness in front of me with what this ground had witnessed. The Victory Monument, The Museum, And The Submarines The Puthukkudiyiruppu Victory Monument was on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu road, which was a short drive from the lagoon.  It was unveiled in 2019, and it depicts a soldier carrying the national flag.  Furthermore, the surrounding pond and lilies represent the ocean around the island and the nation itself.  An adjoining war museum displays weapons, vehicles, and vessels used during the conflict's final phase. Entry to the museum was free, and it remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM.  Also nearby, there were rusted hulls, and it was the site where the government troops discovered an abandoned Sea Tiger boatyard in 2009.  It is where the LTTE's naval wing used to build improvised submarines and semi-submersible craft.  I want to be honest about something here. This is a site that different communities in Sri Lanka read very differently, and I do not think a two-day visit qualifies anyone to settle that.  What I can say is that visiting both the lagoon and the monument on the same day gave me a fuller, more uncomfortable picture than either would have alone. The Kokkilai Lagoon:  Where The Coastline Turns Peaceful Again On the second afternoon, I drove out to Kokkilai Lagoon.  It was a wetland sanctuary around 25 kilometers southeast of town.  It has been a protected bird sanctuary since 1951, and I could spot pelicans, herons, and occasional flamingos moving along the shallows.  The crowd of birdwatchers was small, and the overall ambiance was quiet.  Chundikulam Further along the coast, Chundikulam allowed me to relax. It was a sanctuary with no visitors.  I quietly cherished the view of the beach and lagoon blurring into one uninterrupted stretch of sand and water. Coming back from Chundikulam, I had some spicy crab curry and rice at a roadside stall. It was similar to what I had in Jaffna, but it tasted even better.  Ravi said, “It was the only reason to end the day here.”  My Two Days In Mullaitivu: The Itinerary  Day TimeActivities/Places to VisitDay 1MorningDrive from Vavuniya via the A34MiddayCheck-in and Walk through Mullaitivu TownAfternoonNanthikadal Lagoon and the CausewayEveningMullaitivu Beach at SunsetDay 2MorningPuthukkudiyiruppu Victory Monument and War MuseumMiddaySea Tiger Submarine YardAfternoonKokkilai Lagoon BirdwatchingEveningChundikulam Coastline and Seafood Dinner Mullaitivu: A Quiet Place That Asks You To Listen  Away from the grandeur of Kandy and Colombo, Mullaitivu is a place that simply exists. It tells the stories of human survival, and it is still recovering and fishing despite the stains and the lives lost in the Civil War.  So, if you are already tracing the north of Sri Lanka through Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, or Mannar, I would not leave Mullaitivu off the route.  Just go with the understanding that this is not a beach add-on. It is a place that holds two very different stories at once, and it does not owe you a tidy conclusion to either.

BY  Sibashree Apr 7, 2026

Japan is now approaching Golden Week, and everyone will have their own list of things to do in Japan.  From 29th April to 6th May, Japan will have the most colorful parades and horse races. This Golden Week celebration is important to hail the rich culture of Japan. And it is this rich culture and a distinct sensory experience that make Japan a favorite among young people, especially Gen Z travelers.  Also, on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection list, Japan has been consecutively securing the 9th position as the safest country in the world for the last 2 years.  Nevertheless, as I was saying, the things to do in Japan that make the country a favorite place to visit are not the same as the run-of-the-mill lists you see on the internet.  So, here, I have tried to keep it honest, based on the places I have visited and tried to decode in respect to those places why Japan is the France of the 21st century.  What Are The Things To Do In Japan?  Japan slowly grows on you. It’s not nuclear power; it has one of the largest domestic energy products (around 40% according to the International Energy Agency).  On the contrary, as Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard, has pointed out, it is the soft power that has helped Japan to emerge as an idea, mode of entertainment, or aesthetics.  Can you call a sushi just Japanese these days? Or, a bowl of ramen? All these are very much present in our daily lives.  So, while exploring authentic local cuisine remains one of the best things to do in Japan, here are more activities you cannot miss.  Also, you can check whether Japan is expensive to visit or not, and the entire cost breakdown. 1. Visiting The Japanese Shrines The Japanese shrines practice the local Shinto religion of Japan. Furthermore, these shrines are places for worshipping Kami, the spirit of nature.  These shrines can be easily identified by the Torii gates. Furthermore, once you enter the Torii gates, you will find the worship hall and the inner sanctum.  Moreover, the most popular Japanese shrines are the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.  2. Exploring The Japanese Temples Buddhism and the rise and fall of various sects across centuries have shaped the famous Japanese temples.  Furthermore, these temples are defined by architectural features such as pagodas, lecture halls, bellfries, and cemeteries.  While Todai-ji Temple in Nara remains the most popular temple to visit in Japan, the other temples to visit in Japan are the Senso-Ji Temple in Kyoto, Sanbutsu-Ji Temple in Misasa, Daisho-In Temple in Miyajima, etc.  3. Experiencing Shinjuku Shinjuku was very different from the other parts of Japan I visited. It offered an eclectic fusion of retro vibes and high-tech experiences.  Especially, thanks to the Godzilla Road, exploring Shinjuku is one of the best things to do in Japan if you are traveling with kids.  Along with the roar of Godzilla at the Godzilla Road, the Shinjuku 3D Cat near the Shinjuku Station East Exit is another major attraction for kids here.  Read more about what to do in Shinjuku.  4.  Enjoying The Ultimate Dark Academia Fan Moment At Jimbocho Book Town Uttered with an equal respect as the “Kaifeng and China book towns,” the Jimbocho Book Town is the ultimate place to visit for Dark Academia fans in Japan.  This town started booming when many law schools were established here in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Today, it has more than 400 book stores, selling vernacular and foreign-language books.  Furthermore, every year, this book town holds the Aozora Kohon Ichiba or the Kanda Used Book Festival from Late October to early November. It is an attraction for book lovers around the globe. 5. Enjoying The Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto If you want to experience romance in Japan, you have to be present during the cherry blossom season in Kyoto.  The Philosopher’s Walk is the most popular place to experience the cherry blossom scene here. If you are done soaking in the meditative vibe here, you can next head to the Shimbashi Street.  It is the most beautiful street in Asia.  The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and Maruyama Park are other amazing places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.  6. Trying Osaka Food Osaka Food now represents Japanese cuisine worldwide, and it has left Tokyo behind in this regard. Thus, it fully justifies its nickname of “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Furthermore, Dotonbori is the epicenter of the best Osaka food and street stalls.  Takoyaki, Daifuku Mochi, Okonomiyaki, and the staples, Sushi and Ramen, are some of the must-try items here.  7. Visiting Oshino Hakkai Sensory seeking is one of the biggest reasons why young travelers seek Japan, and there has been a 1300% surge in the bookings of young and Gen Z travelers from 2019, according to a report by American Express.  Furthermore, the Instagrammable places in Japan, such as Oshino Hakkai, have played a major role in satisfying this sensory quest.  Now, as I have mentioned in my Oshino Hakkai guide, it is a place I got to know about from Instagram.  You can see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai, and the eight sacred ponds here were the highlights of my Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip.  Furthermore, the Wakuike Pond is one of these eight ponds, and its water was carried to space in the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 to conduct an experiment on snowmaking in space.  8. Planning A Two-Day Trip To Nara Do you know why Japan attracts anxious young travelers? It kind of strikes a balance. How?  When places in Japan feel like the future, think of Tokyo or the speed of the bullet trains. Some parts of the country bring back the order of the past.  One such place is Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among them.  Before Kyoto became the country’s capital in 794 AD, it served as the seat of power.  Along with the Todai-Ji Temple, you must also visit Kasuga Taisha, Mt. Wakakusa, and the Heijo Palace in Nara.  Read my complete guide on things to do in Nara to understand why you cannot miss a 2-day trip here.  9. Visiting Hokkaido Beach And Sapporo The Hokkaido Beach is in Western Japan, and it looks straight out from the works of Hakura Murakami.  It’s surreal to see the coexistence of the snow-capped peaks and dunes, and it’s only possible in Hokkaido.  Along with the Hokkaido Beach, Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, also stands out with its green parks and shrines like the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine.  So, when you are next in Japan, plan a Tokyo to Hokkaido trip.  10. Visiting Hakone  The things to do in Hakone are all about soaking in the quiet moments that are most powerful.  I am glad that I did not follow the usual loop, including the train, cable car, and ship circuit.  If the Open Air Art Museum with 100 sculptures is the highlight of my Hakone visit, the Choan-ji Shrine, with small stone statues of monks, is what will stay with me forever.  Also, another fun part here was washing my money at the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine.  I have not got a bigger return yet, but there is no harm in believing in a custom that locals have been following for so many years.  Moreover, if you are in Hakone, don’t forget to take a bath in the Onsen or hot springs. Furthermore, you can relive history by taking a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway here. So, it is no wonder that visiting Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo you can plan.

BY  Sibashree Jan 6, 2026

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is planning to diversify its tourism offerings. Jaffna, the northernmost part, comes into the limelight. Also, Jaffna is the place to learn about the local Tamil culture and heritage of the country.  Moreover, Jaffna has beautiful temples, and the Jaffna temple etiquette shows how the people here are sincere about their customs and traditions. Also, major festivals such as the Nallur Annual Festival are celebrated around the temples here.  On the other hand, the Jaffna food scene is a celebration of locally-sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, palm flour, and roasted spices.  SLTDA is proactively improving the infrastructure without compromising the sustainability aspect. Thus, in 2026, Jaffna is going to emerge as an eco-tourism leader, which promotes its culture and heritage.  Also, during my last visit, I found Jaffna to be a rhythm. I woke up with the sound of temple bells at 5 AM and the smell of jasmine and roasted curry powder. As I crossed the Elephant Pass, it was a paradigm shift from the greens of the Sinhalese South. Suddenly, I was in a sun-drenched, rugged terrain of palmyrah palms and limestone.  Moreover, the humble and soft curves of the Buddhist Stupas were replaced by the towering Gopurams of the Hindu temples.  Also, life moves at a gentle pace here, and everyone works together, keeping a century-old tradition and heritage alive.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will talk about how to experience Tamil culture in Jaffna every day, through festivals, temple visits, and more.  How To Experience Tamil Culture In Jaffna? Reading The Streets And Daily Rituals  Taking a walk down the streets of Jaffna is the best way to learn about the local Tamil culture. And the best part is the inclusivity.  So, it does not matter which social strata you belong to. The customs, festivals, and temples are accessible to all. Nevertheless, these are the daily rituals and road customs that offer insights into the culture of Jaffna. 1. The Kolam (Doorstep Art) I walked along the lanes of Jaffna at dawn and saw women sweeping their doorsteps and drawing intricate geometric patterns with white rice flour. It is called the Kolam.  Kolam has deeper spiritual and environmental implications. Furthermore, Kolam at the doorstep is a gesture of non-violence or Ahimsa. Also, the design is made using rice flour, which ants and birds eat. Thus, the first act of the day becomes about giving.  Furthermore, during a special festival or wedding in the house, the white lines are bordered with Kaavi (red brick powder). The red lines offer spiritual protection from evil eyes.  Also, if you see a house with no Kolam for many days, it means that the family is mourning. Moreover, it signifies that the rhythm of joy has paused for a certain period for the family. 2. The Pottu And Vibuthi (Forehead Markings) Pottu and Vibuthi are two different types of forehead markings, and these are the visual language of faith. a. Vibuthi (The Ash) Vibuthi means three horizontal lines drawn on the foreheads of the devotees of Shiva. It means the burning away of the ego and the impermanence of life.  Also, the followers of Lord Shiva often smear ash on their foreheads after a morning temple visit.  b. The Sandalwood Paste It is a yellow dot made of sandalwood paste. Many people even smear the sandalwood paste on the entire forehead. It signifies mental clarity and cooling. c. Pottu (The Dot) Pottu, often red (vermillion), symbolizes the "third eye" or the seat of Shakti (divine power). It means that a woman is married.  You will also notice black dots (with Kajal/Kohl) on the forehead of young children as a mark to ward off evil eyes.  3. The Home Visit Etiquette And Tamil Hospitality Customs The Tamil hospitality customs are warm and welcoming. However, when you visit a Jaffna home, you have to follow certain social norms.  Follow The Evil Eye Or Drishti Rule  You cannot praise the beauty and health of a child excessively when visiting their home. It is considered a bad omen or an act of jealousy. If you want to adore a child, praise them briefly and share your good wishes.  The Plate Rule Of Eating  It does not matter how much you liked the food. You cannot polish your plate. Contrary to Western culture, here, leaving a polished plate means that you are still hungry or the host failed to provide enough.  The custom is to leave a tiny, symbolic amount of food on the plate. It shows that you have been provided with an abundant amount of food. 4. Caste & Conservatism: Managing Expectations In my Jaffna travel guide, I have talked about the cultural richness of the Sri Lankan northern city. However, beyond the cosmopolitan buzz of Colombo, a socially conservative vibe reigns in this region of Sri Lanka.  So, PDA or public displays of affection, even holding hands, can draw uncomfortable stares from the older generation.  Furthermore, you cannot wear short skirts or shorts in public. Your clothing has to be modest, and usually your knees and shoulders should be covered.  Temple Culture Beyond Sightseeing: A Jaffna Cultural Guide The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the majestic spiritual and cultural heart of the city. However, the village kovils, or the smaller temples, are the places where local communities gather, and the atmosphere is very intimate.  The Archana Basket Ritual At The Temples  You can buy a small wicker basket near the temple entrance. It contains bananas, a coconut, flowers, and betel leaves.  Once you enter the temple, you have to hand it over to the priest at the inner sanctum. He will offer the basket to the deity and chant a blessing.  Furthermore, the priest will return with a flaming lamp (Aarti). Hover your hands over the flame and then touch your eyes to receive the light’s blessing. The Temple Sound: Nadaswaram And Thavil When you are in Jaffna, you don’t have to look for music. The music will find you. The sound of the Nadaswaram, a long wind instrument, exudes a piercing and soulful melody.  Then, the Thavil, or drum, has a thundering sound, and it is heard during every major temple festival. Nallur Festival Traditions And Jaffna Festival Calendar FestivalMonthWhat to ExpectThai PongalJanuaryA harvest festival where "Pongal" (rice and milk) is boiled until it spills over, symbolizing abundance.Nallur FestivalAugustA massive 25-day celebration culminating in a grand chariot procession where thousands of men pull the deity's carriage.DeepavaliNovemberThe Festival of Lights; homes have oil lamps, and the city exudes the scent of traditional sweets. Immersive Cultural Experiences For an immersive cultural experience, you must meet a traditional weaver in Inuvil. You will see how artisans create the most intricate textiles on hand-operated looms from cotton and palmyrah fibers.  Also, you must give the restaurants a miss for the day. Visit a local homestay where you can have cooking lessons. Grind spices using a stone grinder or Miris Gala and feel the aroma.  Do you love Bharatanatyam Dance? Visit an art school like the Jaffna Kalai Thoothu. You can watch students rehearse this ancient, highly disciplined classical dance form. You can even join sessions such as the Vibrant Rhythms of Jaffna, where you can also try some moves.  The Authority Voices On The Jaffna Cultural Guide •Anuk Arudpragasam (Booker Prize Shortlisted Author): “Jaffna is a place of memory. The culture here isn't just performed; it is held onto tightly as a way of surviving history.” (Context: Discussing the resilience of Tamil culture post-war). vThe "Jaffna Boy" (Local Cultural Blogger): “To know Jaffna, you must wake up before the sun. The culture lives in the sweeping of the front yard and the drawing of the Kolam before the heat sets in.” •Serious Eats (Culinary Authority): “The hospitality in Jaffna is aggressive in the best way possible. You do not just 'eat' here; you are fed.” A Jaffna Cultural Guide: Know The Expert Tips  “Saptingala” or “Have you eaten?” This is the common term I have heard from the locals I encountered. Seldom have I come across a city where people are so caring, even in casual greetings.  However, it’s safe to say “Yes.” Otherwise, they will feel obligated to feed you. Apart from these gestures, some other things you need to keep in mind when you are in Jaffna. 1. Don’t Touch The Head The head is the most sacred part of the body. So, you cannot pat a child on the head. Furthermore, you cannot touch a priest or monk randomly.  2. Use Your Clean Right Hand  You have to keep your right hand clean. You must use your right hand for shaking hands, eating, giving money and gifts, and pointing.  3. Men And Shirts  You will often find older men not wearing a shirt in their house. There is nothing offensive about the custom. In the hot and humid north, it is a tradition that ensures comfort.  4. Don’t Photograph Women Bathing In Holy Places Keerimalai Springs is a holy bathing place, and local women often take a bath in sarees at public wells. You must not photograph them.  It is a daily ritual for them and not meant for any tourist show.  5. The Quintessential Jaffna Siesta  Most shops and house doors are closed between 1 PM and 4 PM. It is the Jaffna Siesta time. It once again shows how life in Jaffna moves at a different pace than the rest of the world.  6. Gold Is Security  Women in Jaffna roam around wearing massive amounts of gold jewelry. It is their financial security. Also, Thattam, or the gold coin jewelry, is especially famous here.  It is disrespectful if you ask a woman whether the ornaments she is wearing are real or not. It is always real.  7. The Jasmine Rule  During my stay in Jaffna, I always wore a string of fresh jasmine flowers in my hair. It was one of the reasons why I connected with the local people very quickly.  A Jaffna Cultural Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna cultural guide.  1. What Is The Main Religion In Jaffna?  Hinduism is the main religion in Jaffna. Furthermore, people here are mostly devotees of Lord Shiva and Murugan. The religious beliefs of the people here impact the local culture, food, and daily rhythm. 2. Can I Shake Hands With Local Women? The Jaffna society is conservative. So, most women here will not be comfortable shaking hands with you at the first meeting. You can fold your hands and say “Vanakkam” with a smile for a perfect greeting.  3. What Language Do The People In Jaffna Speak? Tamil is the primary language in Jaffna. People here rarely speak the Sinhalese language.Furthermore, you will find people speaking English in hotels and other facilities. However, as you explore the villages, you will find very few people speaking English.  4. Is Jaffna Culture Similar To India?  Yes, the culture of Jaffna is very similar to that of Tamil Nadu in South India. In fact, if you visit Jaffna from Colombo, you will experience a huge cultural shift. The Tamil people in Jaffna are very protective and proud of their distinct identity, cuisine, and dialect.  5. Can I Enter A Home In Jaffna If I Am Invited? Yes, it is a huge honor to visit a home in Jaffna on invitation. Just remember to take off your shoes at the gate or door. Furthermore, when you visit a home in Jaffna, you can carry flowers and sweets as gifts. You must not carry alcohol as a gift if you are visiting a home in Jaffna for the first time. 6. Why Is Vegetarian Food So Common In Jaffna?  Vegetarian food is very common in Jaffna due to the strong Hindu influence. Many locals are vegetarians here due to religious beliefs. Also, many local Tamil families here follow the custom of eating vegetarian food on Tuesdays, Fridays, and other holy days. 7. Is It Rude To Leave Food On My Plate In Jaffna? No, it is not rude to leave food on your plate when you are eating in Jaffna. In fact, when you leave a little amount of food on your plate in Jaffna, it means that the host has served you an abundant amount of food. If you polish your plate off completely, the host may serve you another mountain of rice, considering you are not full yet.