Showing posts with label FESTIVE DISHES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FESTIVE DISHES. Show all posts

PAJUSHAN

The Jains are one of the religious for whom the `chaturmas' or the 4 months of the monsoons hold great Significance. Though one of the basic principles of jainism is ahimsa, that is non-violence, in these months many jains do not even eat onions, potatoes, garlic and other root vegetables. They avoid the use of green leafy vegetables too, it is said, since these have many tiny insects which many a time the naked eye cannot see. Of these the 8 days of Pajushan are of penance, restraint, and mostly fasting. On the 5th day of pajushan the birth of the 24th and last Jain thirthankara, Mahavir Bhagwan, is read out by the monks know as "Bhagwan Mahavir Janam Vanchan". People exchange goodwill and wellbeing, and it is said many bitter enemies have given up their enmity on these days, and come together as friends again. The last of the eight days, that is `Samvatsari' is highlight for this purpose. Most jains fast in some form of the other in these days. It is not and uncommon sight to see 8 day fasters, who do not consume anything in these eight days. Even water must be boiled and can be drunk only between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (approx.) Every now and then one does come across a faster who has not eaten for a whole month too!!! Penance and fasting are the key words in these days. There are however, some very tasty and unusual dishes which are made traditionally in these days, which may be a bit rich due their use of ghee, but then are very nourishing otherwise. Definitely not richer in calories than some of the rich pastries that we consume without batting an eyelid. So this week we present some of the typical pajushan preparations made in jain homes, and bring a message of ahimsa and non-violence the world over.

HOLI

The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renew sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi'.

RAKSHA BANDHAN

Rakhi or Raksha is a sacred thread embellished with sister's love and affection for her brother. On the day of Raksha Bandhan sisters tie Rakhi on their brother's wrist and express their love for him. By accepting a Rakhi from a sister a brother gladly takes on the responsibility of protecting her sister. In Indian tradition the frail thread of Rakhi is considered stronger than iron chains as it binds brothers and sisters in an inseparable bond of love and trust.

MAHASHIVARATRI

Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva) falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February- March), and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. This festival is purely religious in nature and universally observed by all Hindus. On this day devotees sing bhajans in honor of Shiva, recite Sanskrit shlokas (verses) from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue late into the night when the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits, and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva on Shivaratri is considered very auspicious by his devotees.

DIWALI

The word "Diwali" is the corruption of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home - lowly or mightly - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - is alit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps - to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured Rangoli designs, floral decorations and fireworks lend picturesness and grandeur to this festival which heralds joy, mirth and happiness in the ensuring year.

CHETI CHAND

Cheti Chand is celebrated as new year day by sindhi. This day is dependant on moon appearance. After the umavasya Cheti Chand is celebrated. Jhulelal God is worshiped on this day.On this day Many sindhis take Baharana Sahib to nearby River or Lake. Baharana Sahib Consists of Jyot, Misiri, Phota, Fal, Akha. Behind is Kalsh and a Nariyal in it, covered with Cloth and phool, patta. There is also Murti of Pujya Jhulelal Devta.

BAISAKHI

Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. For the large farming community of Punjab, Baisakhi Festival marks the time for harvest of rabi crops and they celebrate the day by performing joyful bhangra and gidda dance. For the Sikh community, Baisakhi Festival has tremendous religious significance as it was on a Baisakhi Day in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa-the Order of the Pure Ones.

GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesh Chaturthi - the birth anniversary of Lord Ganeshji, is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival comes on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-Paksh of the Hindu calendar in (August/September). A special sweet dish called Modak, other sweets and milk is offered to idols of Lord Ganeshji at home and in temples, and worshippers visit Ganesh temples to perform Ganesh Puja. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration in almost every house and in different areas of towns and villages. The festival is celebrated for about 7-11 days. On the day of the Chaturthi, i.e. the last day dedicated to the elephant headed god, shrines are erected, firecrackers let off, huge images of Ganeshji are carried in grand procession for 'Ganesh Visarjan' accompanied by the sound of devotional songs and drums.The festival was first started by Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism, and then it was next revived by freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak , as he started the custom of 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' (public festival) in Maharashtra, during the Indian Independence movement. The aim behind this was to bring people close to each other and to create awareness against the British Rule.Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all over India and in many foreign countries. Here we have provided some of the recepies that you can enjoy and cherish on the day of Ganesh Chaturti.

MAKAR SANKRANTI

In India the word festival is synonimous with the word excellent food. There is no celebration considered complete unless and untill rich food is served among friends, family and relatives. The festival of Makar Sankranti is no different from the other Indian festivals, lots of cooking of good quality food is done and served on this day. Makar Sankranti is another Indian Harvest festival and is celebrated all around India, and what harvest festival goes on withouting eating of some delicious food. Here we have offered recipes for some mouth watering sweets that can be easily cooked, these dishes are 'Bandaru laddu' that is an Andhra delicacy, the mere mention of which is enough to make one crave for it. With a little effort it can be made at home. You need `janthikala gottam' / muruku press. 'Ariselu' a popular delicacy of Andhra. Any occasion is good enough to make 'ariselu'. The procedure is slightly elaborate and time-consuming. But it is worth the effort. It is a must for Sankranti and the last one is the `Kajji Kaayalu' a mouth watering delicacy that is made with a sweet stuffing.

DASSERA

  • Dussehra or Dassera is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India, albeit with different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and 'Dashmi meaning 'tenth day) as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and won over Lanka, his kingdom. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. Huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnad are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside these and actor dressed as Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana enact the final moments of the battle. The character playing Rama then shoots an arrow with a flaming tip at the effigies from a safe distance and the crowd bursts up in cheer as the crackers catch fire. The enthusiasm and the cheers sometimes even drown the deafening blast. Merriment ensues as people indulge themselves in fairs and games, dance and music.
  • List of Dassera dishes:
  • BESAN BURFI
  • SITAPHAL RABRI
  • SONDESH
  • ROSSOGULLA
  • BADAM KA SEERA
  • JALEBI
  • GULAB JAMOON
  • BOONDI RAITA
  • CREAM KULFI

ONAM

Onam is the most important harvest festival of Kerala. Ranging from four days to ten days, all the activities during this season are centered around worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and good food. Being a harvest festival, it is time to thank God for the bountiful yield and enjoy the bounty of nature after a year of hard labor. Elaborate procession of Trichur and spectacular snake boat races on River Pampa mark the merry-making nature of the festival. Women dress up in new saris and heavy jewelry and make elaborate and intricate designs of 'rangolis' (with colored rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in front of their homes. The legendary king Mahabali is welcomed to his kingdom with all the reverence. Prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu for his divine kindness. Onam celebrations at Thiruvananthapuram, Trichur and Kottayam are remarkable for their splendor. There is splendid display of fireworks to mark the end of the festival. The girls perform the Kaikottikkali or Thiruvathirakkali around the traditional brass lamp in the evening and lot of competitions and cultural programs are organized during the season. Thousands of tourists visit Kerala during the festival to witness the gorgeous magnificence of the festical. Join in the fun and festivities of Onam.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

15th August the red-letter day in the Indian calendar is celebrated as the Independence Day of India. The date commemorates the day when India achieved freedom from the British rule in the year 1947. It has been a long journey for India 1947. After more than two hundred years of British rule, India finally won backs its freedom on 15th August, 1947. In history this date has a special significance as it gave birth to a new nation and a new era. Independence Day was also the end of nearly a century of struggle for freedom, battles, betrayals and sacrifices. It gave us the freedom to choose between right and wrong also created a situation where we were responsible for ourselves. Independence Day is an occasion to rejoice in our freedom and to pay collective homage to all those people who sacrificed their lives to the cause. The day is marked with flag hosting and cultural programs in the state capital and the Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is the major attraction of the day's celebration. The day is celebrated as a national holiday. Schools and people hoist the national flag through out the country and put them up on the rooftops and the buildings. It is a day of celebration across India and people of all age are in a holiday mood. All the government offices are closed on this day but they are lit up with tri color lights and flag hoisting ceremonies are performed in almost all the schools and colleges to mark the occasion. Roads are decorated with tricolor flags and lights to give a patriotic feel.

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