HAPPY DIWALI !

Deepavali...the Festival of Lights 

content credit : Sai Priya

"Happiness is in the air,

       It's Deepavali everywhere.

An occasion to celebrate Life,

     Let's show some love and Light."

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights is celebrated with a great joy in every Autumn. It signifies light over darkness, spirituality over evil, Knowledge over Ignorance and Hope over Despair.

It is not limited to bursting of crackers, fireworks on the black canvas of night, exchange of lip smacking snacks and traditional sweets, but also decorating own house with flowers and beautiful colours of Rangoli art. Millions of Diyas are lit which enlighten the spiritual land of Temple city as if  Goddess Kali carrying the garland of pure and divine souls. The divine light of Deepavali spread into lives enhancing peace, prosperity and happiness. 

There are many reasons people celebrate Deepavali and the story of Prince Rama and Sita is one of them, often recited to children over the festival period. .  Upon completion of 14 years in exile, Ram, Sita and Lakshman returned home to find the entire city waiting for them! The streets were decorated with flowers and there was spree of happiness everywhere. Oil lamps were lit to guide them on their way home after the victory of King Ram.

The Odia family remembers their forefathers by burning jute stalks singing the ritual song  "Bada badua Daaka"...

Bada badua ho,

andhara re aasa,

alua re jaa

Mahaprasad khai 

Baaisi pahaacha re gada gadu thaa.

Translating into English... 

"O forefather 

come to us in the dark evening,

we light your way to heaven.

Having Mahaprasad may you attain salvation

On the 22 steps of Jagannath temple."

How can we miss to talk about the important part of celebration "Festive Food !? "

Generally people start preparation before a week, delicious desserts like karanji, sandesh, ladoos  and savoury snacks like Murukku, Sev, Nimkee are special treat on Dipavali evening at everyone house.

Here sharing recipe of a traditional dish Karanji/Gujiya

Preparation Time 1 hour 

Yield 20 piece

INGREDIENTS 

2 cups Maida ,1 tbsp Semolina ,1 tbsp Clarified butter, 1/4 tsp Salt ,2 cups Grated Coconut ,2 tbsp Roasted white seasame seed ,3/4 cup Jaggery, 2 tbsps Roasted pea-nut, 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder, Oil to fry  

STEPS

In a bowl mix the maida, semolina and the salt.Add ghee and mix it well. You will get a coarse texture. Add water and prepared a soft dough.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and keep it aside. Start preparing the filling. In a pan add grated coconut, poppy seed, jaggery and cook at medium flame for 5 minute. Add cardamom powder. Grind peanut to a coarse powder. Add this to coconut and cook for 2 minute. The filling should be dry .Switch of the flame and let the mixture cool a bit. Now divide dough into 20 equal part .Roll each dough into a circular disc. spread sufficient filling on it. Fold it as half-circle and seal it properly. You can see the below picture. To seal the edge, you can grease the edge with a little water using your finger. It will help you to seal it properly. Heat sufficient oil in a kadhai, fry prepared stuffed dumplings at medium flame. Adjust the heat , don't fry it at high temperature .It generally takes 2 to 3 minute for each batch to fry .Then only the outer skin will be crunchy. You can keep them at air-tight container for 4 to 5 day at room temperature.