Diwali in Maharashtra

Diwali is the most important festival in India and is celebrated all over the country with much aplomb. However, the beauty lies in the fact that India is so diverse in its culture that the every same festival is celebrated uniquely in different regions. Diwali celebrations in Maharshtra is decidedly different from what is seen in other parts of the country and yet so very familiar at the same time. In a traditional Maharashtrian household, Diwali celebrations commence with 'Vasu-baras' that comes on tithi 'Ashwin krushna dwadashi'. Vasu-Baras is a celebration in honor of the Holy cow which is revered by Hindus all over the country and is considered a mother figure of sorts. Married women worship and perform a puja of a cow who is expecting a calf. This symbolizes the gratitude of the women towards the cow for providing for their children.

Narak Chaturdashi

While Dhanteras is celebrated in Maharshtra much like it is elsewhere in the country; the celebrations for Choti Diwali do differ considerably. Chhoti Diwali is popularly known as Narak-Chaturdashi in Maharashtra. On this day people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the evil demon king, Narakasur. They wake up early in the morning and massage their bodies with scented oil. And as a custom they use 'utane' or 'utanah' for bath instead of soap. This special bath is referred to as 'abhyang-snan'. It may be noted that 'Utane' is not the same as uptan. Utane is made of several things having ayurvedic properties like 'chandan' (sandalwood), 'kapoor' (camphor), manjistha, rose, orange skin and haldi (turmeric).

Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi-pujan is celebrated on the Diwali evening. It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity visits every house that evening. So prayers are held in order to invoke her blessings for a prosperous New Year. A variety of mouth-watering delicacies such as chivda, chakali, shankar-pale, anarse, kadaboli, karanji, shev, chirote etc are prepared to mark the festival. Throughout Diwali, Marathi people hang 'Akash-kandil' / 'Akash-dive' and light up 'panti's outside their houses. Tradition of marking the entrance to a house with colorful 'Rangoli's is also followed in Maharashtra as in rest of India.

Diwali Cha Padva

Many people also celebrate the third day of Diwali as ‘Diwalicha Padva’. This is a celebration of togetherness as a husband and wife and the love shared by them. To mark the occasion the wife performs an 'aukshan' (aarti) of her husband and the husband in turn presents a special gift to his wife.

Tulsi-Vivah

In Maharashtra, end of Diwali celebrations marks the beginning of Tulsi-Vivah. Under this people organize marriage of sacred tulsi (a basil plant) in their house. In Maharashtra the tradition is that people start organizing the marriage ceremonies of their sons/daughters only once Tulsi-vivah starts. Celebration of Diwali in Maharashtra ends with Dev-Diwali.

Diwali in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in India. Simla is renowned all over the world for its amiable charm, friendly people and excellent weather. In Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated with great dynamism and enthusiasm. The mud walls of the houses are cleaned and painted over with white clay and cow-dung. In the courtyards a red or black square is painted with colored clay. This is decorated with pictures of animals and birds. The walls are decorated with flower garlands. People believe that Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth visit all the houses this day and settles down in the house which is clean and pretty.

People from the hills have a reputation of being superstitious and this can be observed during Diwali as well as they carry out all the rituals religiously. Different sectors have their own unique way of celebrating Diwali. Many people recall the tale of the brave Lord Rama who defeated the evil demon King Ravana and saved the world from a lot of grief because of that valiant act. Mothers recount this tale to their children as Diwali draws near. Diwali is celebrated in the memory of Lord Rama who came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Diwali in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in India. Simla is renowned all over the world for its amiable charm, friendly people and excellent weather. In Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated with great dynamism and enthusiasm. The mud walls of the houses are cleaned and painted over with white clay and cow-dung. In the courtyards a red or black square is painted with colored clay. This is decorated with pictures of animals and birds. The walls are decorated with flower garlands. People believe that Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth visit all the houses this day and settles down in the house which is clean and pretty.

People from the hills have a reputation of being superstitious and this can be observed during Diwali as well as they carry out all the rituals religiously. Different sectors have their own unique way of celebrating Diwali. Many people recall the tale of the brave Lord Rama who defeated the evil demon King Ravana and saved the world from a lot of grief because of that valiant act. Mothers recount this tale to their children as Diwali draws near. Diwali is celebrated in the memory of Lord Rama who came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Diwali Rituals in Himachal Pradesh
As the sun sets; clay lamps are lit and placed on a plank outside the house in memory of the dearly departed ancestors. It is to reaffirm the bond of these people who share their joys in life as well as in death. It is considered auspicious to visit the cremation site of the family members who are no more. Thereafter, Mithai is distributed to one and all as the children seek the blessings of their elderly in true Indian style by touching their feet.

There is a unique ritual in Himachal Pradesh to sacrifice a goat on Diwali day. Another unique custom is that the paint little vessels (Auloo) with clay and decorate it with drawings in red paint. They pray to these and exchange these with their best friends. It is believed that exchanging these pots not only strengthens their relationship but also ensures a prosperous year ahead. Many women preserve these auloos for years and years as they are considered most auspicious.

On the day of Diwali, soaked rice is powdered and designs are made out of it. At nighttime, the young girls worship this design with grass and camphor. At some places, a figure of Lakshmi made with sandalwood is placed in a copper plate and a mandav of sugarcane is made over it. Goddess Lakshmi is specially worshiped on this day. Himachal Pradesh is decidedly distinct in the way it celebrates this festival of lights. It is believed that the people from the hills have merged their pagan beliefs to the regular celebrations and the result is a different experience of the festival than anywhere else in the country.

Deepavali in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has always been associated with color and a idiomatic charm that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. However, it is also the land of festivals where every festival is celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm. Since the living conditions in this desert state are rather difficult, people look for an excuse to escape from the chore of their day to day lives, and what better way to do that than celebrating festivals. Needless to say, Diwali is on of the most popular festivals in this beautiful state. It is a celebration of light, both literally and metaphorically.

Diwali Celebrations in Rajasthan

The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Ram returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. He had successfully defeated the evil demon king Ravana, thereby strengthening the force of good over evil. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earthen lamps) to celebrate his return. Even today, on Diwali day, house all over Rajasthan glow with twinkle of innumerable diyas, candles and electric lights. The night is illuminated with the flaming lights of fireworks, creating kaleidoscopic designs against the black canvas of the sky. Also idols of Lord Rama can be found in all homes.

Diwali festival gives people a chance to decorate their homes, buy new clothes, visit relatives and friends and take time off from their daily routine to gather together and enjoy the festivities. Rajasthan is also renowned all over the world for its gastronomical delights, and this is apparent during the Diwali season. Women of the neighborhood gather and prepare sweets like Mawa Kachori, Til Ke Laddo, Gonth ke Laddu, Piste ke Launj, Moti Pak, Pheeni, Sohan Papdi, Besan Barfi, Jalebi, Shakarpara- to name just a few. If not for anything else, one ought to visit Rajasthan during Diwali just to taste all that wonderful food.

The rituals performed are almost the same as in the rest of the country. The Lakshmi Pooja is performed in the evening before the festivities begin. People invoke the Goddess's blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Thereafter a diya is left burning on the altar for the rest of the night to guide the Goddess when she visits. Then of course, it's time to light up the sky with the brightest firecrackers and indulge in a lot of laughter with friends and family. It is at times like these that the natives forget their problems and their tough life for a couple of hours.

The celebrations in the 'Pink City' Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, are truly unique as the whole city is decorated like a very expensive movie set. The city sparkles almost like a dream and nothing is more reminiscent of the great Mughal era than Diwali in Jaipur. The city seems to come alive during the festival and truly gives a new meaning to celebration.

Deepavali in Orrisa

Kali Puja is the main event on Diwali. The Pooja is performed at midnight and pushpanjali (flowers) is offered around two o' clock in the morning. Some people observe a fast on this occasion and partake food only after the Puja is over. Many sweets are made on Diwali, but kheer is a must.

Diwali celebrations in Orissa are much like they are elsewhere in the country. All the houses are beautifully decorated with rows and rows of oil lamps and ornate diyas. Children burst crackers and enjoy the fireworks thoroughly. People also find the time to visit their friends and relatives but celebrate the main Pooja in their own houses so that the Goddess Lakshmi might be pleased and visit their house.

Diwali Traditions in Orissa

The on unique ritual that makes Diwali in Orissa different from what it is in other parts of the country is the practice of calling upon the spirits of one's ancestors. Tall bamboo poles are erected in front of the houses. An earthen pot with small windows, called handi, is tied to this pole with the help of a rope. An earthen lamp is placed inside this and the pot is placed on the top of the pole by pulling the rope. Jute stems are burnt to light up the dark path that the spirits of the ancestors take back to heaven.

In the evening, the members of the household gather together just after dusk. A Rangoli of a sailboat is made on the ground. The boat has seven chambers. Over the drawing of each different chamber several items are kept - cotton, mustard, salt, asparagus root, turmeric and a wild creeper. Over the central chamber are the offerings meant for prasad. Perched over the prasad is a jute stem with a cloth wick tied around the edge. It is lit at the beginning of the Puja. All members of the family hold a bundle of jute stems in their hands. Beside the Rangoli, a mortar and pestle and a plough are also kept and worshiped.

In the olden days, animal sacrifice was performed in front of the goddess. Today, a gourd is cut to symbolically represent the animal sacrifice. After the Puja and offerings, the family celebrates Diwali festival by bursting crackers. When crackers were still a monopoly of the urban areas, folks in the rural areas lit jute sticks called kaunwaria which would burn for hours. Nowadays, crackers being available in every nook and corner, kaunwarias are lit only symbolically. In Orissa too, Diwali remains the festival of lights and sweets. Earthen lamps are lit everywhere and sweets are offered to friends and relatives.

Diwali in Punjab

The story of how Diwali evolved into such a widely celebrated festival differs from region to region. In Punjab, Diwali is the day when King Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana to ensure that light emerges victorious over darkness. Upon his homecoming, people welcomed him with an amazing display of firecrackers and by order of the royal families of Ayodhya and Mithila, the kingdom of which Sita was princess, the cities and far- flung boundaries of these kingdoms were lit up with rows of lamps, glittering on dark nights to welcome home the divine king Rama and his queen Sita after 14 years of exile, ending with an across-the-seas war in which the whole of the kingdom of Lanka was destroyed.

Diwali Traditions in Punjab
Diwali is also the anniversary of Guru Hargobindji being released from the prison at Gwalior Fort in 1619 AD. On this day the entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colors. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool is truly mesmerizing, something that you want to hold onto forever in your memory. Fire works display by the traditional professionals recreates the glory of the past.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they are the main source of income for the peasants. Since Diwali marks the official start of winter, it is a happy time for the peasants as they get to sow their winter crops and pray to Goddess Lakshmi to give them a good harvest. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Tikka Day. On this day, sisters make an auspicious mark called Tika on their brother’s forehead and pray to the lord to protect him from all harm.

In the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Diwali is celebrated with great éclat. Earthen lamps are lit all round the holy tank and their undulating reflections in the water look extremely fascinating. Sikhs started celebrating Diwali at Amritsar from the time of their Sixth Master, Guru Hargobind. When he rescued fifty-two rajas from imperial detention in the fort of Gwalior and reached Amritsar, the residents there welcomed him by illuminating the whole-city.

Diwali Celebration in Punjab
In Punjab, Diwali Festival is the time for everyone to rejoice, looking forward to a bright future. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Diwali, festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of righteousness and lifting of spiritual darkness. The preparations of Diwali begin well in advance. People start decorating their homes, preparing sweets; thousand of lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy. Each house entrance is made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of "Rangoli" designs to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the jewel in the Indian crown. Lush valleys with unparalleled beauty made the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan proclaim in great delight, "If there's paradise anywhere on earth, it's here, it's here, and it’s here." Diwali is celebrated in the valley with as much enthusiasm as in the rest of the country. During any festive season, the whole city of Jammu brightens up and forgets its problems for a few days. There is lot of excitement in the air. Watching or taking part in the Diwali festivities here can be an interesting experience.

Diwali Celebration in Jammu and Kashmir

Much like in the rest of the country, the Kashmiris clean their houses in anticipation of Diwali and then decorate them. Even a week before the festival, one can spot an assortment of lamps and diyas lighting up the shops and homes and people moving around with an air of joyousness. Many people get their homes whitewashed as it is considered auspicious to do so just before Diwali. It is also an occasion to buy new things- and people shop till they drop to take advantage of all the festive promotions.

Diwali day starts with people waking up early in the morning and having the ritual bath. They then dress up in new clothes and families make their way to the temple. After performing the rituals, they buy a lot of sweets and dry fruits to distribute amongst friends, and relatives and the underprivileged as well. They also purchase earthen lamps, candles and electric accessories for illuminating their homes and business establishments.

For Children, it is a time to make merry like no other times except maybe for Eid. They are already in buoyant spirits because of all the new clothes and sweets, and their enjoyments is only heightened when its time to burst some crackers or just generally enjoy the firecrackers. Many of them also receive cash or other gifts from their parents and other relatives.

Diwali Celebrations by Kashmiri Pundits

The Kashmiri Pundits have been celebrating this festival for ages now. It is one of their oldest rituals, and a mention of its celebration can be found in the Nilmat Puran. It was then called Sukhsuptika which literally means to sleep with happiness. The Diwali celebrations now start from Ekadeshi and last till Amavasya. On Amvasya, the older members of the family observe a ritual fast and perform the Lakshmi Pooja. Earthen lamps are placed in temples, on the road crossings, cremation grounds, banks of rivers, streams and lakes hill houses, at the foot of trees, cow sheds, court yards and shops. People wear new clothes and listen to music.

Diwali in Delhi

Delhi is at the heart of India; the capital of this beautiful country brings together all the elements of the mysticism, cultural heritage and trade. In many ways, it sets the tone for the rest of the nation. Like all other multi-ethnic cities all over the world, Delhi boasts of a veritable melting pot of cultures. One can find people from all castes, creeds, races and religions in India and beyond. All festivals become larger than life in this humane city, however it's Diwali that rules the roost. Delhi becomes one big picnic spot as Diwali draws near, markets are decorated, security perked up and joyousness in the air.

Diwali Traditions in Delhi

One of the chief attractions in Delhi during Diwali are the various Ramlilas, a dramatic rendition of the epic Ramayan, staged all over the city. Makeshift stages are set up in community parks as various local bodies organize these entertaining shows which continue for several evenings and culminate in the defeat of the evil demon Ravana at the hands of the virtuous Lord Rama on the Dussehra day. People come out in hordes to attend these Ramlila where the figurine of the evil Ravana is usually stuffed with firecrackers and burnt at the end to indicate the victory of good over evil.

Houses in Delhi are cleaned and decorated for Diwali, and on the evening of the festival, before the celebration start in full force, the Lakshmi Puja is organized in every household. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. The Prashad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night. Thereafter, its time to burst crackers and take in the sights and sounds of Diwali!

Diwali Celebrations in Delhi

Diwali festivities in Delhi commence with Dussehra. From thereon, people set out on a frantic spree of shopping, spring-cleaning, whitewashing and Diwali decorating. It is also the best time of the year for shopkeepers and traders who bring out a spate of promotional offers especially for the festive season. Since it is considered auspicious to purchase new things during this period, most people wait till the Diwali season to do their annual shopping, thereby resulting in the shopkeepers laughing all the way to the bank.

On Diwali Day, most shops in Delhi remain open till mid-afternoon, propagated by the belief that good sales on this auspicious day predict a prosperous year ahead. In the corporate sector, the process of buying and distributing Diwali gifts begins several days before the big day, and slowly picks up pace. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit pieces.

Deepavali in Bihar

Bihar derives from the Sanskrit Vihara which means abode. The Buddhist Vihara, which was the abode of the Buddhist monks, dotted the area in the ancient and medieval periods. Like most ancient civilizations, life in Bihar is clustered around its many rivers. Few rivers of the world have molded the culture, economy and personality of the people evolving on their banks as has the great river Ganga.

Diwali celebrations officially start two days before on Dhanteras. It is celebrated in the honor of Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods, who emerged with a flask of elixir during the Samudra Manthan.

Diwali Traditions in Bihar

The customs are that on Dhanteras most people buy new kitchen utensils and keep them at the place of worship. According to one theory, buying of utensils on Dhanteras is associated with the myth of Dhanvantari emerging from the ocean with a pot in his hand. People bathe in the holy river Ganges early in the morning and then observe a fast which is only broken at sunset with sweetmeats, puris and other succulent delicacies.

The day before Diwali is known as Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi. Choti means 'small', and thus Choti Diwali is celebrates just like Diwali only on a smaller scale with lesser lights and lesser fireworks, with everybody trying very hard to retrain their bouts of joyousness for the next day. On the morning of Choti Diwali, the women of the house ensure that the house has been cleaned absolutely thoroughly in anticipation of Diwali; they then make beautiful colorful motifs called Rangolis at the entrance. In Hindu homes Poojas (prayers) being carried out for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or Lord Rama.

Diwali Celebrations In Bihar

People sing devotional songs in the honor of the deities and perform a ceremonial Aarti on Diwali day. Kheel, Batashe and Khilone and various sweetmeats are offered to the Gods. After the Pooja has been performed, people start decorating their houses with Diyas. They are placed in all the rooms of the house, and even in the courtyard and almost up to the street. It is believed that it helps illuminate the pathway for the Goddess Lakshmi, when she tries to visit people's homes.

Thereafter people of Bihar indulge in the usual festivities of bursting crackers and exchanging sweets with their friends and relatives. The Adivasis of Bihar worship kali on this day. Eating unripe coconut and taking a beetle is considered auspicious. In chota Nagpur, the men circumnutates their village with basket full of paddy and grass. A week after the festival of lights is the festival Chhath. For one night and day, the people of Bihar literally live on the banks of the river Ganga when a ritual offering is made to the Sun God.

Diwali in Assam

Assam is the largest North Eastern state in India, whose capital Guwahati is located on the banks of the very holy River Brahmaputra. A beautiful state, it is covered with lush greenery and the most charming people you are likely to meet in a long time. While essentially Indians, the Assamese like most of the North East have a culture of their own which they follow almost religiously. Most of the state is devoted to tea plantation, which is the main occupation of the people here and has made the Assamese tea famous all over the world.

Diwali is not the main festival in Assam. That honor goes to the traditional Assamese festival of Bihu. Durga Puja too is extremely popular primarily with the Bengali population. However, that is not to say that the people don't celebrate Diwali here at all. It is a rather low-key affair, marked by subtle decorations and peaceful celebrations. The people of other communities, who have settled in Assam, continue their Diwali celebrations with much style.

Diwali Celebrations in Assam

Diwali Celebrations in Assam usually involve, but are not limited to the lighting of the traditional Diyas, followed by gorging on the delicious Diwali Mithais and of course performing the ritual Aarti. The whole family then celebrates with fireworks providing the entertainment and symbolizing the victory of good over evil, reminding people why this festival of lights (link) is celebrated.

In Assam a lot of emphasis is laid on lights and particularly the symbolic message behind it. Thus all the houses are lit up with countless flickering lamps and electrical lights. Worshipping Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and watching the fireworks is an essential part of the usual Diwali festivities. . Beautiful lamps are hung outside homes that are symbolic of the spiritual light dispelling evil and the darkness of ignorance.

Doorways are decorated with Torans or flower garlands with mango leaves and marigolds. Diwali Rangolis are drawn with colored powders to welcome guests. Business establishments and families perform “Chopda Pujan” or worship of their business books. Everyone feasts and shops and starts new projects or ventures.

Diwali in Andhra Pradesh

Diwali is the most significant festival in India and is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry all over the country. Still the essence of the festival remains the same, and it is wonderful to see such unity in diversity. Andhra Pradesh has the distinction of being one of the largest states in India and as such is a melting pot of cultures, and come Diwali this pot seems to bubble with the best of all cultures.

Andhra Pradesh is one of the oldest states in India and was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. Andhra Pradesh has traditional way of celebrating Diwali that is organized and celebrated throughout the state. It is a festival that revolves around Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh in North India, Diwali is usually celebrated during the evenings with fireworks and Diyas. However, in Andhra Pradesh, the festivities start out at the crack of dawn and carry on well into the night. The state sure knows how to celebrate! Most people make the trip to the local temple along with their families to seek the blessings of their respective Gods. The night sky is soon lit up with a scintillating array of fireworks and crackers notch up the noise level by a few decibels.

People decorate their homes much like the Hyderabadi royalty would have done all those centuries ago. There are no limits set when it comes to Diwali. Homes are lit up with hundreds of Diyas and colorful Diwali Rangolis (link) decorate the doorway. For the Children it’s a lot like Christmas in western countries for they get new clothes to wear, delicious food to gorge on and for once nobody ticks them off for making too much noise. In Hyderabad, there is a unique tradition of bathing a buffalo on Diwali day. Another custom involves decorating homes with paper figures.

Festivities cut across boundaries to move on from the small villages to the big towns, for almost a month before Deepawali. Sales of expensive silk saris, jewelry and ornaments, household goods go up. From the poor to the rich, everyone indulges in shopping for the biggest shopping spree of the year. Sweets, which are an integral part of any festival in Andhra Pradesh, are prepared in homes as well as bought from shops for exchange. This festival is full of messages depicting one or more aspects of human life, relationships or ancient traditions.

Diwali in India

Diwali also called Deepavali is the major Hindu festival. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional Diyas. Fireworks are associated with the festival in some regions of the country. It usually occurs in October/ November.

Whatever may be the allegories and legends behind the celebrations of Diwali, all people exchange sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewelry at this festive time. Card parties are held in many homes. Diwali has become commercialized as the biggest annual consumer extravaganza because every family shops for sweets, gifts and fireworks. However, in all this fury of shopping and eating, the steady, burning lamp is a constant symbol of an illuminated mind.

This festival of lights perfectly captures India’s unity in diversity as people from different cultures, who speak different languages and live in different ends of the country comes together to celebrate this victory of good over evil. Diwali festivities differ considerably in different parts of India primarily because every faith and culture adds its own symbolism and practices to the festival.

Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Jains it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the Jain year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. Let’s take a look at how Diwali is celebrated in different states of India will be followed by next articles.

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Diwali (also called Deepavali) is a major Hindu festival usually takes place eighteen days after Dussehra also known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. It is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the whole world. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships.

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Sarson Ka Saag Recipe

Sarson Ka Saag

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch sarson greens
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 onion grated
• 1/2 tsp. each ginger and garlic grated 3 green chillies
• 1 tbsp. grated cheese or paneer (optional)
• 1/2 lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. ghee 1 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala
• 1 tbsp. maize flour and salt to taste

Method:

• Chop both greens, wash, drain.
• Heat oil in the pressure cooker direct.
• Add both greens, green chillies, stir
• Add ginger, garlic, stir.
• Add few pinches salt, 1 cup water
• Pressure cook till done. (2 whistles).
• Mash well.
• Heat ghee in a pan, add onion, saute till brown.
• Add all other ingredients, except cheese.
• Stir well and cook till oil separates.

Pav Bhaji Recipe

Pav Bhaji

Ingredients:

• Potato medium size - 4
• Cabbage chopped - 1 cup
• Cauliflower flowerets - 1 cup
• Green Peas -1/2 cup
• Onions finely chopped - 2
• Tomato finely chopped - 2

Method:

• Cut potato into small pieces. Wash the vegetables with water.
• Cook all the vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, potato, peas) in a pressure cooker .Mash them coarsely. ( If you are using frozen peas, then no need to pressure cook the peas)
• Heat 2 tbsp. of butter in a frying pan or kadhai.
• Add green chili,chopped onions and fry it until it become light golden brown in color. Then add chopped tomato and cook till it becomes tender.
• Add pavbhaji masala, chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and cook again for 4-5 minutes. (Incase you are using the frozen peas then add now)
• Add the boiled vegetables, lemon juice and mix well. Simmer till it becomes thick, Stir and mash into pieces in between.
• Slit the pavs horizontally.
• Apply little butter on tava and roast the pavs till hot and soft.
• Garnish bhaji with chopped coriander leaves and onions. Serve hot with pav and tomato sauce/green chutney.

ShakkarPare Recipe for Diwali Festival

ShakkarPare Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cup maida (plain flour)
• 2 cup Wheat flour
• 2 cup Sugar
• 2 tsp Saunf
• 2 cup ghee
• Ghee for fry

Method:

• Mix the ingredients mentioned above into little water.
• Knead into a soft dough.Divide dough into equal parts and roll out into thick chappatis.
• Make small diamond shapes with a knife.
• Lift with spatula and keep aside on a dry cloth for 1 hour.
• Deep fry in hot ghee over medium heat till it turns light golden brown.
• Drain well and keep aside till cool.
• Keep in clean, dry containers.

Rasmalai

Rasmalai Recipe for Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs Cows Milk or Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 64 oz half & half milk
• 1/4 tsp crushed cardamom seeds
• A pinch of saffron
• 1 cup blanched almonds
• 4 tbsp crushed green pistachios

Method:

• Mix sugar & cardamom powder with cheese.
• Spread out the mixture on a baking tray.
• Now bake the mixture at 350° for 1/2 an hour till it gets light brown.
• Take out the mixture from oven & keep it cool at normal temperature.
• Cut into 2" squares and place them at a desset bowl.
• Now in a seperate dish mix all the other ingredients well except the pistachios.
• Decorate with pistachios, chill for 2-3 hours.
• Ready to server.

Milk Burfi Recipe

Milk Burfi Recipe for this Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup Whole Milk
• 2 tsp fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 tblsp dried Milk Powder
• 3 tblsp powdered Sugar (Cheeni)
• 3 tbsp Ghee
• 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
• 1 sheets Edible Silver Foil (Varq)

Method:

• Heat the milk a little and add lemon juice in the milk to curdle it.
• Hang the curdled milk in a muslin cloth for 3 hours.
• This results in the solidification of milk into cheese.
• Add milk powder and sugar to the cheese and kneed the mixture well.
• Heat the ghee in a heavy bottomed pan and add the cheese mixture.
• Stir-Fry over very low flame until the ghee separates.
• Take off the mixture from the heat, add cardamom powder to it, and allow to cool slightly.
• Blend properly by again kneading it.
• Pat the kneaded mixture into a flat cake and allow it to cool completely.
• Cut into squares and decorate with silver foil.

Kesar Kaju Burfi Recipe

Kesar Kaju Burfi Recipe for Diwali

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Kesar (saffron)
• 1000 gms Kaju (cashewnuts)
• 1/2 tsp orange color
• 600 gms sugar 2 chandi (silver) warak

Method:

• Put cashewnuts in water for 3 hours.Drain the water and ground the cashewnuts,finely.
• Mix sugar & Cashewnuts in a pan on a low flame, stiring constantly.
• Mix orange and saffron color in it.roast till done.
• Place a butter paper on the rolling board and put the mixture on it.
• Now place another butter paper ,sandwhiching the mixture between the two paper. Roll it with rolling pin.
• Take out the butter paper form top and place silver warak.
• Cut the burfi pieces.

Jalebi

How to Make Jalebi on Diwali

Ingredients:

• 4 cup flour (maida)
• 3 tbsp. fine grained semolina or rice flour
• 1/2th tsp. baking powder
• 2 tbsp curd (plain yogurt)
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tsp. saffron threads, slowly dry-roasted and powdered
• 5 cups sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp green cardamom seeds powder
• 3 tbsp. kewra water or rose water
• Ghee or vegetable oil for frying

Method:

• In a bowl, take 3/4th cup of the water and mix well with flour, semolina or rice flour, baking powder, curd.You can also use a whisk for mixing.
• Add remaining water and 1/8th tsp. of saffron powder well with the mixture until smooth.
• Keep the mixture for about 2 hours to ferment and whisk again before use.
• Make one string syrup by mixing sugar into water & add saffron and cardamom powder in it.
• Heat oil in a kadhai at a low flame.Pour the batter in a steady stream into the kadhai to form coils. Make a few at a time.
• Fry them deeply until they turn in light brown color.
• Take out the mixture from the kadhai and drain on kitchen paper and immerse in the syrup.
• Keep them atleast for 4-5 minutes until they soak the syrup.
  Take them out of syrup and serve hot.

Besan Ke Laddu

Besan Ke Laddu, recipe for this Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Ghee
• 2 cups of Gram Flour
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Almonds & Raisins (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp Powdered Cardamom

Method:

• Heat the ghee in a pan
• Put the gram flour into pan and fry it on a low flame till it turns brown.
• Once it is browned, let it cool.
• Mix well while adding powdered cardamom with sugar and add chopped almonds and raisins.
• Make small ladoos and serve.

Rasgulla Recipe for Deepavali

Rasgulla Recipe

Ingredients:

• Milk - 1/2 litre
• Refined flour (maida) - 2 tsp
• Citric acid dissolved in water or lemon juice - 1/4 tsp dissolved in 1/2 cup water or lemon juice 2-3 tbsp
• Sugar- 1 cup
• Water- 1 cup
• Rose essence or cardamom powder - 2-3 drops or 1/4 tsp

Method:

• Heat milk in a pan and bring it to boil. Remove from heat.
• Add citric acid or lemon juice.
• Stir slowly and gently until white curd forms on the surface and separates from whey.
• On straining this milk, the curd that is obtained is called "chenna". Wash chenna well under cold running water and twist the cloth that was used for straining to extract water.
• Knead chenna to make smooth dough. Add flour and knead again.

Kalakand Recipe for Diwali

Kalakand

Ingredients:

• 2 litres Milk
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Sugar
• chopped nuts to decorate (pista, almonds)
• Silver foil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. Citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup water

Method:

• Boil half the milk .Add the citric solution as it comes to boil.
• Switch off gas once the chenna settles down. Sieve through muslin cloth, press out excess water, take in a plate and press down. Note: Do not knead.
• Put the remaining milk in a heavy pan and boil to half.
• Add the chenna and boil till the mixture thickens. Stir continuously.
• Add the sugar and continue to cook, stirring all the while till it softly thickens into a lump.
• Set in a tray, apply silver foil and sprinkle the chopped nuts.

Carrot Halwa Recipe for Diwali Festival

Carrot Halwa (Gajar Halwa) is a very popular North Indian sweet dish. Here is carrot halwa recipe.

Ingredients:

Carrots - 6 (grated finely)

• Milk - 3 cups
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Mawa - 1/2 cup (powdered milk)
• Khoya - 3 tsp (ricotta cheese)
• Almonds - 1/8 cup (chopped)
• Cardamoms - 5 (skinned and crushed fine)
• Pistachios - 2-3 (powdered)
• Ghee - 1/4 cup (clarified butter)
• Raisins - 1 tsp

Method:

• Boil the carrots in the milk in an open pan maintaining a low flame. Constantly stir.
• When carrots are cooked, take them out and drain any excess milk.
• Pour milk powder (mava), the ricotta cheese and the sugar to the cooked carrots.
• In a frying pan heat the ghee, now add the carrot mixture and keep high flame until the carrot paste loses the milky texture and later turns into golden brown color.Make sure sugar has totally dissolved.
• Add the raisins, cardamoms, powdered pistas and the almonds.
• Heat through and serve either hot or cold with cream on the side.

Malpua Recipe

Malpua Recipe

Mal Pua

Ingredients:

• 250 grams plain flour, sifted
• water
• 1 tbsp. powdered sugar
• oil for frying
• Sugar Syrup
• 500 grams sugar
• 625 ml water
• Garnish
• 1/4-teaspoon ground cardamom
• Rose water
• Fresh cream sweetened

Method:

• Sugar syrup
• Put sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes till thick syrup is formed.
• Mix sifted flour, sugar and water to form smooth, medium thickness batter and keep aside for 30 min.
• Heat oil in a shallow flat bottomed pan. Carefully spread the mixture in the pan and fry till golden brown.
• Transfer the pancake into the sugar syrup. Serve hot garnished with cardamom, rosewater and fresh cream.

Gujhia Recipe for Diwali Festival

Gujhia

Ingredients:

• 500 gms maida (flour)
• 1kg khoya
• 3 tbsps kismis (raisins)
• 200 gms almonds (cut into thin strips)
• 6 tbsps cooking oil. ( keep some more aside for deep frying)
• 200 ml water
• 500 gms sugar.

Method:

• Mix the six tablespoons of oil with the maida.
• Now add some water as required and knead into soft dough.
• Set aside and cover with a damp cloth.
• Fry khoya in a deep-frying pan to a light brown color.
• Add sugar, almonds and kismis into the khoya and mix well.
• Remove from the fire and let it cool.
• Roll out the kneaded dough into a small and thick chapatti.
• Fill half the chapati with the khoya mixture and seal the round, twisting the edges inwards.
• Deep-fry these gujhias to a deep golden brown color on slow flame.
• Take them out and drain the oil completely.

After it cools down serve them to the guests.