Paan Kasay Wadhavay

When I first looked at the picture of the Paan/Kelichay Paan or the Banana Leaf, I thought of our Ganpati celebrations in Goa and Mumbai. We bought large size leaves from the market for the 2 days of festivities. Infact, we had to reserve the good Paan in advance. For the lunch and dinner, we prepared almost everything as shown on the picture here, except the Puranpoli and Basundi. Instead we made Idli and Khatkhatay ( a Goan mix vegetable curry similar to Avial). All the things cooked were to be served on the leaf and I do remember my mother instructing all of us on placing the food at the proper side of it. Though I forgot most of it, I know that sweet is to be served last. I do follow that and keep Shrikhand last on the buffet table on Ganpati Day. This picture will be a sure guide for serving in correct style be it a leaf or a plate. Infact, we all must do one potluck "Waadhapi Project" involving everybody including the kids ., and try to make/buy most of the things and see what happens when we try to serve :)
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 5/20/2009 04:50:00 PM Labels: Culture

About Gudhi Padwa

Gudhi Padwa is celebrated on first day of lunar month, Chaitra. It is the beginning of the new year, Hindu Shaliwahan Shak. Hindus belive Lord Brahma created the Universe on this day & hence it is believed to be the beginning of the Universe. It is said that on this day Brahma waves or elememnts are very active, so a Brahma Dhwaja or Flag of Brahma is raised outside the house. The flag is made with long wooden pole. A piece of new cotton or silk clot is tied to the end of the pole. On the top an inverted copper or silver bowl is placed which acts as an antenna to attract the waves to bring these positive waves in our homes.

Another reason for the importance of this day is King Shaliwahan started Shaliwahan Shak(Shaliwana Year). Year 2009 is Shaliwahan Shak 1231.

It is one of the 3 1/2 muhurta or auspicious days in hindu calendar. It is considered ideal for thread ceremonies, weddings, start new ventures, move into new home, or for any kind of good beginnings.

For Maharashtrians, Gudhi Padwa is the begining of the new year. This day also marks arrival of spring season. People celebrate this festival by raising the Gudhi outside their houses. They put garlands made of marigold flowers and mango leaves around the house and vehicle (if any). Also there is a tradition to eat Neem (kadunimb) leaves and flowers and prepare sweets.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 3/29/2009 02:32:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Culture

Navratri

Meaning of Navratri
Festival of Navratri is celebrated on 1st day of hindu month of Ashwin. Navratri can be transalated as Nav (Nine)+ Ratri (Nights) = NineNights.
The festival is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga- she is the symbol of Power and Energy.

In these 9 days Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati are worshipped.

On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
On the 1st day - Goddess Kumari, on the 2nd day - Goddess Parvati and on the3rd day -Goddess Kali is worshipped.

On the 4th, 5th and 6th days Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. On 5th day - Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped. The fifth day is also known as Lalita Panchami.

On the 7th, 8th and 9th days, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. Goddess Saraswati is goddess of Knowledge and Arts. On 8th day a havan or Yadna is performed and on 9th day is Kanya pujan or worship of young girls is performed.

The festival of Navratri culminates in the festival of Dussera.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 9/29/2008 07:04:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Culture

Aashadhi Ekadashi and Kanday Navami

Aashaadhi EkaadashiThe 11th day in bright fortnight of month of Aashaad is known as the great ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi. On this day Lord Vithoba is worshipped throughout Maharashtra. All Temples have specials offerings for the lord, but Vithoba temple in town of Pandharpur ( south of Maharashtra ) is of utmost importance as it is considered abode of Lord Vithoba. Lord Vithoba is Lord Vishnu’s incarnate.
This day is of utmost important to Warkari Sect of Maharashtra. These people walk to Pandharpur from their respective towns in a procession called Dindee and are strict vegetarians. They wear beads made from bark of Tulsi plant and don’t belive in caste or class discrimination.
This ekaadashi is also known as Devshayani Ekaadashi, because on this day Lord Vishnu falls asleep and wakes up four month later on Kaartiki or Prabhodini Ekaadashi ,in the month of Kaartik. This 4 month period called Chaturmas .
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Kaanday Navami
Couple of days before Aashaadhi Ekaadashi, there is a tradition to celebrate Kaanday Navami ( 9 th day in bright fortnight of month of Aashaad ) . Kaanday means onions.
On this day variety of delicacies are prepared with onion as main ingredient, such as thalipeeth, bhajji, etc. The reason to celebrate food with onions is that starting with Aashaadhi Ekaadashi, people give up on food containing onion and garlic for next 4 months ( Chaturmas ). Hence the importance of Kaanda (onion). Well, this is only for people who follow these traditions, for others like me, it’s a difficult task.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 7/14/2008 06:13:00 PM Labels: Culture

Hindu Calendar

Hindu Lunar Calendar is one of the oldest calendar. The new year for Maharashtrian hindus begins somewhere in March/ April. I have tried to put together the simplest form to explain it.


The the structure of the month is divided into 2 fortnights. The month begins on the day after Amavasya (no moon or new moon day).
The first day of the month is called Paadwa. The first fortnight or 15 days is called Shukla Paksh or bright fortnight as the moon is in waxing stage and it ends on Full Moon or Pournima. The second fortnight is period after full moon to new moon is called Krishna Paksha or dark fortnight, this period ends in Amavasya and the day after it is first day of new month or Paadwa.


The days are numbered from 1 to 14 and the 15th is a Full Moon or a New Moon The days are named as follows Paadwa -1 , Dwitiya -2 , Tritiya -3, Chaturthi -4, Panchami -5, Sashti -6, Saptami -7, Ashtami -8, Navami -9, Dhashmi -10, Ekaadashi -11, Dwaadashi -12, Trayodashi -13, Chaturdahshi -14, (Full moon or New Moon)
Sometime the days or tithis are overlapped.


The names of the month and some of the festivals celebrated in the month are as follows
Months - Festivals
Chaitra (March/April) - Gudi Paadwa or New Year Day
Vaishaakh
Jyeshtha
Aashaadha - Aashaadhi Ekaadhashi
Shraavan -Shri Krishna Janmashtami, RakshaBandhan
Bhaadrapad - Ganesh Chaturthi
Ashwin - Navaratri
Kaartik - Kaartik Ekaadashi
Margashirsha
Pausha
Maagha - Ganesh Janma/Jayanti
Phaalguna - Holi


There is also “extra month” in the calendar. It is called as Adhik Mahinaa. It falls once in every 2.5 to 3 years. A little about this month, the twelve hindu months are about 356 days . As per solar calendar the there are 365/366 days. So there is a gap of around 9 to 10 days every year. So Adhik Mahina is added to bridge this gap and balance the year.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 6/27/2008 05:26:00 PM Labels: Culture

Vat Pournima

Vata Savitri Pooja
Vatasavitri is a vow observed by married Maharashtrian women. In Mumbai, I have also seen Gujrati women keeping this vow. On this day women fast for the entire day and only eat fruits. They pray for their husband’s long life and prosperity. They tie white thread around Banyan tree or Vada tree and go around the tree seven times holding the thread in their hand, praying. After this they give haldi kumkum and fruits like jambhul, mango, jackfruit slices put together on a banyan leaf to other women.
As a child, I remember eating lots of Jambul and mangoes and it use to always rain on this day.

Back in Mumbai I observed this vrat for few years, now in US, it becomes little difficult with the lifestyle here. Still, I do remember our traditions and hence a small effort to bring it over.

The story is of Savitri who was a pativrata (chaste woman) and her love, admiration and affection towards her husband, Satyawan. It so happened that once Lord Yama (God of Death) comes to take Satyawan away with him. Savitri couldn’t bear the loss and pleads Lord Yama to bring Satyawan back to life. Lord Yama refused and said once dead it cannot be possible to revive. Savitri debated with Lord Yama and the deliberation continued for couple of days. In the end Lord Yama was pleased with Savitri and brought Satyawan back to life.
All this happened under a Banyan or Vad tree which is why Banyan tree is associated with this vrat. Also if you notice, the Banyan has long life and it spread its branches to wide areas and re grows from them. This is symbol of long life and growth.

This vrat or observance fall on full moon in the Hindu lunar calendar month of Jyestha somewhere in June/July. In the year 2008, it falls on June 18th.
(Picture source www.maharastratimes.com)

Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 6/18/2008 05:36:00 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Culture

Rangoli - A Cultural Tradition In The Form Of Art

Rangoli is a very famous form of art among people of India. The rangoli is drawn to propitiate the deity to bring good luck, happiness and prosperity into homes. Colorful design is made on clean ground. These designs are usually made from rice powder or colorful sand powder. Some rangolis are made from various colorful flowers and some are made using whole grain.


Here are examples of rangoli form used in different parts of India.

Alpana- Powdered Rice Rangoli

Alpana is a form of Rangoli which is prevalent in West Bengal, Orissa and Assam.
It is drawn on the entrance of the door, in the temple, in front of the deity at home.
Alpana is drawn during weddings and festivals or to mark any happy occasion.
The designs are made with the powder rice. This powder is sometime mixed with turmeric powder, sea shell powder to get various shades.


Colored Powder Rangoli –Colored Sand Art


In Maharashtra and other western parts of India, Colorful sand drawings are made on the entrance or doorstep during festival of Diwali (festival of lights) to welcome Goddess Laxmi. Designs include peacocks, lotus, flowers, creepers, swastikas, Om, symmetrical patterns etc


Colored Rice and Grain Rangoli

Rangoli made from whole colored rice and whole grains are prevalent mostly in Gujarat. This form of art is found throughout India.Rice is mixed in various color and then laid out in beautiful pattern on the ground. Similarly whole grains like moong, matki, rajma, tuvar dal, colored sabudana is used to form colorful rangoli designs

Flower Rangoli
Rangoli made from flowers are more prominent in South India. Rangolis are made on festivals and during wedding or puja.
Flowers are first broken into petals and leaves are cut into small pieces.
Flowers are then arranged according to the colors on the ground and leaves are generally used as fillers or borders. Decorative lamps are placed near rangoli to add to its beauty.


Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 6/15/2008 06:09:00 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Culture

Cuture And Cusine

At Vaidya household, there is equal importance to Veg and Non-Veg food. Different delicacies are cooked in different month. It is pre decided which delicacy should be prepared for a particular festival. In month of Shraavan (July/August), more sweet preparations are made. This month also has many festivals and hence non-veg is avoided.
On Mondays Varan-Puran and Saanja is offered to Lord Shiva,
On Tuesdays, it is fun to have Mangalgaur (I still remember, we had blast on my pahili mangalagaur) - Great food
On Fridays, we offer Kelyache Oomber to Jeevti Devi and this is later given to kids at home.
On Saturdays, Vatana Bhaat and Aluwadi.
On Naag-Panchami, steamed or boiled food like Paatoli
On Shila Saptami, Saanjani
On Narali Pournima , Narali Bhaat and Vaangyache Bharit
On Gokul Ashtami , Stuffed Rajeli Banana
On Pithori , Kheer and Vaal Bhirde
After Pithori, Daata is celebrated. Ninaava, Bhaji and Chakli are prepared
After Shraavan we have Ganpati. On this day I prepare my mother’s and my mother-in-law’s recipes.
At some of relative’s places, Ananta Chaturdashi puja is offered. Fourteen different preparations are made and offered to Lord Vishnu
Then comes Navaratri, we have lots of sea food.
Its time for Diwali. Almost all types of diwali faraal is available in market, but some specials like Khajache Kanavale, gul-papdi are still made at home. Not only sweets but equal importance is given to spicy non-veg stuff like Kheema, shrimp karanji, kolambichi khichdi, ,mutton biryani. Ummm.
On Sankranti, its til-gul, halwa, khandvi and on Kinkrant spicy khichdi
On Gudi-Padwa, more importance on sweets.
The festivities and food is a balance of sweet and spicy and veg and non-veg delicacies.
Here is a recipe of Kelyache Oomber (Banana fritters)
Kelyache Oomber
2 ripe banana
1 small wati jaggery
Wheat flour
Ghee for frying
Mash the banana well and add the jaggery. Stir and mix well. Now keep adding wheat flour slowly and keep stirring. Add as much as to make a smooth batter ( drop consistency) . Heat ghee and put a spoonful of oomber batter. Fry till golden brown.
Server hot/cold. This oomber is made on Shraavan shukravaar and offered to Jeevti.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 6/11/2008 08:10:00 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Culture

Story of the Firefly

Summer is the season of beautiful flowers and lot of sunshine. It is the time to enjoy watching those June Bugs (Firefly) which make their appearance in the twilight hours.
I have always been fascinated by these bugs. When I was in elementary school, my father gifted me a picture story book which mentioned the firefiles. It is etched on my memory.

It was a story about Papa Bird, Mommy Bird and their Babies. Papa and Mommy bird build a nest with empty coconut shells. The family moves in their new home.

Next morning Papa goes to get the food and Mommy is taking care of the babies. They are very happy. But as it started to grow dark, Mommy feels it is too dark inside the nest and is worried about the babies. She request Papa to do something to get rid of the darkness.

Papa flies to find something which will light up their home and that is when he finds the fireflies dancing around the trees and in the farm. Papa carries one with him and flies back to his nest.

When he returns, he places the bug in the corner of the nest and then, lo and behold there was light everywhere. Thanks to the firefly. Both Papa and Mommy are very happy.

Image from http://www.clker.com/
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 6/25/2010 11:37:00 AM Links to this post
Labels: Articles

Night of The Kojagiri Full Moon

The full moon which fall after the Dussehra is called Kojagiri or Sharad Pournima . It is celebrated as this is beginning of the harvest. Since it the full moon, the celebrations are in the night . It is believed that Goddess Maha Lakshmi moves around to see who's awake and ask the question "Kon Jaagat Aahe? " and showers her blessings on all those who are awake.

I remember all those moonlit fun filled Kojagiri nights when I was growing up. We never missed it. Most of the time we walked to Marine Drive or to the Chowpatty. Since we were large group of family and friends, we had great time playing, singing and joking around. Most of the time we made either Bhelpuri or Pavbhaji.

When I got married, I was introduced to totally new way of celebrating the Kojagiri. Here, we gathered at the Khar CKP club, Mumbai and enjoyed all the indoor games, fun filled talks, poetry recitation or small plays. I can say this was like our katta meeting where like minded people gathered and shared. Of course, how can I forget the great tasting Masala Milk.

And then, we all moved to the US. It is not possible to celebrate our all tradition, but we always make an attempt to celebrate the Kojagiri. So far we have never missed it. We always have the Masala Milk and we offer the old clothes to the moon and in return request him to give us the new. Since Kojagiri mostly falls in the month of October, there is a little chill in the night and hence we cannot enjoy the Masala Milk under the bright moonlit sky. It is all indoors, watching the television or having a great time with the family.

There is a magical element in this night, which always turns the simple things into something special. This year too we will have Kojagiri at our place as usual and there will be Masala Milk too.

Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 10/02/2009 02:05:00 PM Labels: Articles

Pithori Puja and Polaa

Pithori puja is observed on new moon day in the month of Shraavan ( Aug-Sept). On this day the mothers worship 64 goddesses for well being of their children. Pith means flour and in olden days idols of 64 goddesses were made of flour. This day is also called as Matru Din or Mother's Day.

There is another festival celebrated on the same day . It is known as "Polaa". This is celebrated by the farmers in villages of Maharashtra. On this day the farmers pay respect to their hardworking bulls. Special attention is given to the bulls. They are given bath and given good fodder and grains. They are painted and decorated with flowers, especially their horns are colored in dark red or orange colors. They are covered with good shawls and ornaments. Villages have carnivals, fairs and competitions. It is a holiday for the bulls. This festival brings peace and happiness in the life of hardworking farmers and their families.

Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 8/18/2009 05:37:00 PM Labels: Articles, Culture

Summer or not?

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Summer is here, since it is already mid June. Though it still doesn't feel like summer, with all the showers and thunders storms pouring tons of water. The only relief is that I don't have to water my rose bush. It is happy with the weather.

Somewhere in the early May, I thought it was already a summer. So confident was I, that I powered washed and cleaned our patio and the barbeque grill. With my ability, it took me whole afternoon to do the power wash. It was too tiring and my hand hurt for 2 days. I now know what Chetan feels. I am sure he is going to do it next year. So to continue, I cleaned the patio and had the plans to grill something the next day, and you know what ? It rained. I was so upset as all the cleaned garden chair were messed up again by the rain water. But thankfully, there were some good weather in May, where I could start our evening barbeques.

Raj and I enjoyed, but we missed Chetan. We patiently waited for his arrival, and he arrived, and with him, the rain arrived too. I can't belive it is mid June, and we still not had a single barbeque evening as a family. All the grilling stuff like corn, mushroom, pineapple, chicken and fish waiting to go on the grill, got cooked quietly in the kitchen.

I still don't see good sunny day coming up in next 5-6 days. Its kind of wait and watch. If it doesn't rain, then I will grill whatever I have. Anything, be it a vegetable, fruit or meat. Everything taste great on the grill. And more than the food, the experience of cooking outdoor with the family, and enjoy the taste of life, is priceless.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 6/17/2009 04:33:00 PM Labels: Articles

Zatpat Modak for The Big Day

Today's Moon
Today is Angarki Chaturthi. When Sankashti Chaturthi fall on Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Chaturthi and it is considered highly auspicious. I observe this fast. It is a very big day for all of us at home. I always wanted to make good modak, but some how had great difficulty in shaping them. Then one fine day, I discovered ready made wheat dumpling crepes at the Asian Food Store. I bought it and shaped them like the modaks. Trust me it is the best thing that has ever happened in my kitchen. It comes out very well. Just do the regular filling and leave everything to the crepes. Shortcut , zatpat modak ready in no time. I wanted to share this tip with you all.
Also, the fast is broken after observing the moon. But sometimes the moon is not visible or rises late. But I found direct satellite image of today's moon and I am putting it here. Look at this moon and break your fast. No need to put the rangoli and draw the moon and then break the fast.
A tradition can be still maintained, with little technology touch.

Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 5/12/2009 06:23:00 PM Labels: Articles

Create Your Own Rakhi

I found very interesting way to create rakhi on the web. I tried one and after making a slight variation I could create a beautiful rakhi.
I think girls will enjoy creating their own rakhis . It will be a craft as well as a satisfaction of creating something for their brothers.
Things required to create a rakhi
1) Silk Threads (multiple in numbers and in various colors usually yellow and red are used)
2) Rakhi accessories like sequins, glitter, beads etc
3) Brush
4) Glue

4 basic steps to create a rakhi.
1) Get hold of 30-35 inches or 20-25 inches ( for small rakhi) of silk threads. Now fold these threads into half. Don't tie
2) Tie a thread on 1/4 of the the thread (near mid point of the fold)
3) 3/4th of the strings will be dangling loose, now divide these strings into two and start plaiting them (Weni Ghaala)
These strings will look like a face with two long plaits. Now take your scissors and cut this cluster of strings in between. Cut at the midpoint.
4) Take a brush and comb out these loose ends, which are formed in between the rakhi.
5) Now add in sequins, beads, stars, pearls, glitter etc on the middle part of your rakhi. And your rakhi is ready. You can create different types of Rakhi.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 8/11/2008 08:31:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Articles, Culture

It's Summer Time

"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer.... Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
How true. It's summer time and I just love the weather. It's a time to do things we usually don’t do. It’s ok to lie down on the freshly cut grass and watch the birds, it’s ok to be a child and sit on the swing and feel the tingling of the fresh air against your skin, it’s ok to relax on a couch and read a book , it’s ok to take a long walk after a long tired day and appreciate the beautiful bloom, it’s a pleasure to listen soothing music of flowing water, it's fun to watch little kids go fishing, it's great to board a cruise ship and enjoy the ambience, it’s a delight to see the fire flies, and oh what a glow they give out in the darkness, just twinkling like the stars above, and who could trade the joy spending time with loved ones enjoying evening barbeques ? Everything about summer is so perfect.
“Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”-- Henry James
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 7/18/2008 04:57:00 PM Labels: Articles

Shark at Martha's Vineyard

Today's news on CNN
'Jaws' site on alert after alleged shark sighting.
Unconfirmed shark sighting forces closure of a beach on Martha's Vineyard.
Island was film site of director Steven Spielberg's"Jaws". Swimmers were also kept out of State Beach in Edgartown, MA.
When I first read this news, my mind went back to Martha's Vineyard where we, the Team Marathmole, had just took a tour last weekend. Those two days just passed by in my mind within a fraction of a second, and I thought, didn't we see the shark ? Wasn't at that time when the bus driver said "Look at the shark " and we all turned and stretched our neck to "see" the shark only to hear bus driver saying "guys, there is no shark ", oh ! so he was just kidding.
Would it be really exciting to see a shark from the bus or from the ferry ? From the bus it would be exciting but on the ferry I am sure it would be scary. I had read a sometime back that there are some great white sharks in the water of Cape Cod and now I think that our kids were right there , in the same waters. Thank god the shark was sighted after our trip. We all enjoyed as much as we could.
Talking of sharks, I must mention one thing, I love Shark masala (mori mutton/mori masala) and our marathmoli Mugdha prepares it the best.
Posted by Radha Chetan Raj at 7/11/2008 05:54:00 PM Labels: Articles