Voice of the Diaspora
Rogelio Reinoso: A Mexican Photographer's Love for Indian Culture
A wedding photographer from Mexico City shares his 18-year journey celebrating Indian traditions, food, and dreams of visiting India
Hello! Could you introduce yourself—your name and where you're from?
My name is Rogelio Reinoso, and I'm from Mexico City.
How did you find the Holi event today?
Oh, I love coming to Holi celebrations! This is my third time attending, and I come here to take photographs. I really enjoy the food, the atmosphere of the event, and especially when the color throwing begins—it's so fun and exciting every time.
You clearly enjoy Indian food! What's your favorite Indian dish?
The masala—Chicken Masala specifically. I also love one made with lentils, but I can't remember the name right now.
[Interviewer suggests: Dal Makhani?]
Yes! Dal, exactly! I love that one—it's my favorite. I also love paneer. And oh, lassi! I'm a huge fan of lassi. And chai—I absolutely love chai.
What attracts you to Indian culture in general?
I really love the history—from before colonization to how they've evolved and grown to this day. I appreciate how they give themselves to people. It's very similar to the Mexican population. They're very friendly, they love to celebrate and party, they unconditionally extend their hand to help, they help each other. Everyone I've met from India, both here in Mexico and in the United States, has been very friendly. And honestly, very intelligent too.
Do you see many similarities between Indian and Mexican cultures?
Yes, I do. Even though I haven't been to India yet, from what I've learned, I feel that—just like Mexico—each part of India has different flavors and characteristics, even though it's one country. Just like in Mexico, each state you visit is somewhat different, right? But everyone is very friendly. Like Mexico, everyone is friendly, everyone smiles, everyone dances at celebrations. At Indian weddings, everyone dances, everyone joins the party. Yes, there are many similarities.
Do you attend many Indian festivals, or is this your first Holi?
This is my third Holi celebration. I also frequently attend events at the Indian Embassy. I'm a wedding photographer, and I've had the opportunity to photograph five Indian weddings.
Oh, I love coming to Holi celebrations! This is my third time attending, and I come here to take photographs. I really enjoy the food, the atmosphere of the event, and especially when the color throwing begins—it's so fun and exciting every time.
You clearly enjoy Indian food! What's your favorite Indian dish?
The masala—Chicken Masala specifically. I also love one made with lentils, but I can't remember the name right now.
[Interviewer suggests: Dal Makhani?]
Yes! Dal, exactly! I love that one—it's my favorite. I also love paneer. And oh, lassi! I'm a huge fan of lassi. And chai—I absolutely love chai.
What attracts you to Indian culture in general?
I really love the history—from before colonization to how they've evolved and grown to this day. I appreciate how they give themselves to people. It's very similar to the Mexican population. They're very friendly, they love to celebrate and party, they unconditionally extend their hand to help, they help each other. Everyone I've met from India, both here in Mexico and in the United States, has been very friendly. And honestly, very intelligent too.
Do you see many similarities between Indian and Mexican cultures?
Yes, I do. Even though I haven't been to India yet, from what I've learned, I feel that—just like Mexico—each part of India has different flavors and characteristics, even though it's one country. Just like in Mexico, each state you visit is somewhat different, right? But everyone is very friendly. Like Mexico, everyone is friendly, everyone smiles, everyone dances at celebrations. At Indian weddings, everyone dances, everyone joins the party. Yes, there are many similarities.
Do you attend many Indian festivals, or is this your first Holi?
This is my third Holi celebration. I also frequently attend events at the Indian Embassy. I'm a wedding photographer, and I've had the opportunity to photograph five Indian weddings.
How long have you been attending Indian events? When did this journey begin?
The first time was in 2008—that was my first Indian wedding that I photographed.
Would you like to visit India soon?
Oh yes, I would love to!
Which places would you like to visit?
Well, the typical ones that everyone knows, of course. But someone once told me about a place—like a fortress that's lost somewhere in central India, kind of abandoned. I want to go there, though I've forgotten the name. I met a traveler on a plane who gave me several places I should visit. He said, "You have to go to New Delhi, to Mumbai, but you also have to visit these more remote places so you can really get to know the people.”
I hope you visit soon! Final question—what message would you like to give to Indians reading this interview about Mexico or Latin America in general?
Whatever they're expecting, they need to come soon—they're very welcome here. They're going to love the food, the people, and the cities. Everyone here welcomes them with open arms.
The first time was in 2008—that was my first Indian wedding that I photographed.
Would you like to visit India soon?
Oh yes, I would love to!
Which places would you like to visit?
Well, the typical ones that everyone knows, of course. But someone once told me about a place—like a fortress that's lost somewhere in central India, kind of abandoned. I want to go there, though I've forgotten the name. I met a traveler on a plane who gave me several places I should visit. He said, "You have to go to New Delhi, to Mumbai, but you also have to visit these more remote places so you can really get to know the people.”
I hope you visit soon! Final question—what message would you like to give to Indians reading this interview about Mexico or Latin America in general?
Whatever they're expecting, they need to come soon—they're very welcome here. They're going to love the food, the people, and the cities. Everyone here welcomes them with open arms.
Interview conducted at a Holi celebration in Mexico City, March 2026