Diwali Festival

We are getting ready for Diwali which is on Oct 28 this year.

Diwali or Dipawali means “rows of lighted lamps” and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. Behind the celebration of Diwali there are many myths. While preparing for Diwali, homes are cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, the goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Her. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. Diwali is celebrated with great sprit and enthusiasm all over India. The celebration is as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians.

Starting on the 26th, for three days our family will have a family dinner and play cards. We have made a special menu for each day. Especially for Diwali day we will have a traditional dinner, spiced nuts, bread pakoras and samosa for appetizer. The main course will be puri filled with urad dal, kadhu khata meeta, aloo gobi, matar paneer, dahi vada, and cumin rice. For dessert we will have moong dal halwa, gulab jamun and ras malai.

I designed the menu keeping in mind that each meal should be very traditional and include something special for every family member.

To celebrate Diwali there will be many social gatherings. Our Mandir (Hindu church) will have a Diwali fair, and we will have a fundraiser at the fair. On the 28th there will be another Diwali function that I won’t attend but as a volunteer I will be making burfis. This event will be held in Balboa Park at the Museum of Art.

I am also working on some new recipes:

Sandesh:  This is a specialty from the state of Bengal.
Sandesh is a delicacy, made several different ways using freshly made paneer. Sandesh is an exquisite dessert. If you pay attention to all the minor details, then it is easy to make. My version will probably be a little different from the original recipe, although I tried to keep it as original I could. I have experimented with the dish already but want to make it one more time before posting it at the website.

Cabbage subji: this is easy and great for any meal. Again I have to make this maybe 2 more times just to get the right measurement for spices before posting at the website.

I wish you all a very happy Diwali.