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
Friday, July 23, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
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
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
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
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 MoonToday 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.
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
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