Missing my siblings a lot this Diwali :(

Tomorrow i'll be even more sad watching all the celebrations and fireworks going off on roof tops!! The first ever Diwali i'm just sitting at home doing nothing!! miss my siblings like anything... wish i could join them... but yeah, we'll make the best out of times wasted at the end of the year, and with this thought at least i'm quite excited now... for those busily celebrating, wish you a happy and safe Diwali :-)

This is the festival of lights i'm talking about, celebrated across India.. coming up on my next post in details!! :-)

Eid Mubarak, all my dear friends worldwide celebrating this joyous festival

Eid Mubarak to all my friends and everyone celebrating Eid worldwide, from my home to yours... On this auspicious occasion may all Muslims be guided by their faith in Allah and shine in his divine blessings... And may Allah bestow glories, successes and happiness's to you and your families on this occasion and always... :-)



Now having a great day at home feasting on delicious sweets prepared by my in laws but its seems to be quite a quiet day for me coz my kids have gone visiting their grandparents and they aren't back home yet. I seem to be missing them a lotttt! When they're home, sometimes i have to scream at the top of my voice to quieten them but now that they're not here i'm somehow missing that noise they create around me!



We will all be going for continuous outings for the next few days and im happy to take some fresh breath from the hectic week that went by shopping and for the Eid preparations!



Eid Mubarak once again, and i hope you are enjoying this occasion spreading love and peace everywhere around you.... :-)

Eid-ul-fitr significance and celebrations

Firt go here to read how i celebrated Eid 2010, the best year and Eid-ul-fitr year before last So, yet again we have arrived on Eid-ul-fitr which marks the end of Ramadan. Also known as 'breaking of the fast' when the new moon will be spotted. The festival is considered one the biggest and important festivals of the Muslims. A time to celebrate with joy the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.



Eid-ul-fitr significance and celebrations :

Eid ul Fitr or the 'festival of fast breaking' is the most celebratory of all Muslim festivals. The term 'Eid' has been derived from the Arabic word 'oud', which means 'the return' and hence, signifies the return of the festival each year. The festival is significant as much for its timing, as for its religious implications. It is celebrated after the long fasting month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar), on the first day of the Shawwal month of the Hijri year (Islamic calendar). Legend says that the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the last ten days of Ramadan.



The month of Ramadan is historically associated with two important victories of Prophet Muhammad - the battle of Badr and the conquest of Makkah. Fasting during the month of Ramadan, according to Islamic beliefs, helps in developing self-control and is a way of getting closer to Allah. The festival of Eid ul Fitr marks the beginning of celebrations and merriment for a period extending over three days. Women prepare sweets at home and all Muslims are seen adorned with new dresses on this day. Eid ul Fitr is synonymous with joy and thanksgiving. Such is the spirit of this great festival that even a lot of Non-Muslims participate in Eid celebrations in India.



India is the second most populous Islamic nation in the world. Muslims form India's largest minority and constitute almost 12% of the country's total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India's already potent cultural concoction. Islam came to India in 12th century AD and began interacting with the Indian culture, particularly under the Mughal era. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of Indian Muslims reside in the north, but a significant number is found all across the country. Hence, their traditions add yet another dimension to the vast cultural landscape of India.



Quotes from the Quran:



1. He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise. [59:24]



2.Those who believed and led a righteous life are the best creatures. [98:7]



3.Their reward at their Lord is the gardens of Eden with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. Such is the reward for those who reverence their Lord. [98:8]



4. O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. [7:26]



5. Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not rebuke them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. [17:23-4].

15th Aug- India celebrates Independence Day; history and celebrations

I'd like to wish a very Happy Independence Day, to all the Indians worldwide. Once again, the country will be rejoicing its independence since 1947. As every time, when i write a short post regarding this day, today i will be following up on its history and the celebrations. Its a day to be proud of after all. Jai Hind........ you might also want to read about my school days Independence Day celebrations

Independence day(India) flag hoisting and celebrations

The flag which was hoisted when India won its Independence in 1947 is hoisted since then and is an essential part of the ceremony which takes place in the capital of the country, Delhi, every year followed by a delivery of speech from our respected prime minister. The years achievements and the future developments are part of their speech. Along with the prime minister who will pay his tribute to the freedom fighters of our nation tomorrow, i would also like to pay my humble tribute to our great matrys and freedom fighters for it is them, that we are able to see an independent India today. Those fighters who fought and sacrificed their lives in order to save future generations from the rule of the British in India. Its a day of pride and joy in our hearts....























At the red fort, Delhi, the VIPS and its commoners, will gather together to take part in the ceremonies. The hoisting of the Indian flag, the singing of the national anthem as the flag is being hoisted, the followed by the PM's speech, and a perfect parade by officers and jawans. The main and major attraction is here.....



Its also a pleasure to watch the flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs which are organised in great enthusiasm in individual school premises, offices and even locally across the country. Sweets are given out, kites soar in the sky, jets color the sky with the tricolors, as part of celebrations and rejoicing. Buildings of importance are decorated. Celebrations are held by local committee members or respective members of particular schools and offices.

History of Independence day(India)

India attained freedom from the grip of British domination and rule back in the 1940's. The tryst of destiny was a speech read out by the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the stoke on midnight of 15th august 1947, to which India's Independence was declared. The struggle for Indian independence began with the colonialization of India by Europeans. They came to India as traders but over the period of time they rose to power took control of Indian affairs. British occupied most parts of India whereas Portuguese and French also had their influence on few places The first uprising which is noted in the history of independence of India took place in 1857. This first war of Indian independence, was termed as a mutiny by the British. Although not a success, this revolt sowed the seed for a new force, which was to take this struggle to its rightful end. As British oppression strengthened so did the urge to attain the freedom from it. This urge found voice in form of many great leaders such as Subhash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Khudiram Bose, Ram Prasad Bismil,Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to name a few. These great patriots along with a lot unnamed freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the cause of the nation. Independence from the British rule was the sole aim of their lives. This dream of millions of Indians was realized when finally India got freedom on August 15, 1947. The joy of independence brought along with it the grief of partition! The country was divided into two parts – India and Pakistan. Pakistan assumed August 14 as its independence day whereas August 15 was declared the independence day for India.

Respect for the tricolor can be felt in every heart, every corner of the country

The Zoo Zoo are not left behind.....

Rakhi Day on the 13th- Happy Raksha Bandhan brothers/sisters

Raksha Bandhan also known as Rakhi Day is around the corner in India. Its a celebration being one with the family, a celebration between brothers and sisters in the hindu custom. The sister ties a thread on her brothers wrist and the brother gifts her a token apart from a promise of security and protection. Well though i am not a hindu but i also do tie a Rakhi (a scared tread of love) on my brother to show him how much i love and care for him.



Some Raksha Bandhan messages i found on a site... maybe you would like to pick up to let your sister or brother know how much you love and care for them too?





From Sister To Brother

Sky is blue, feel this hue, my love is for you Bhaiya…always true. Loads of good wishes for Raksha Bandhan

Dear brother I am lucky to have you but. You are even luckier you have got me.

You must have a sister as she is the best companion for fun. And you can always blame her for the mischief you have done.

I can never forget the day in my life when you not only helped me in making a correct decision but also convinced Mamma and Papa in my favor. It was only you who helped me go for the training of journalism. When people say I am doing well I always remember you. You have given me most precious gift, my career, in turn of all my Rakhis.

I remember when I was young but old enough to realize the importance of Raksha Bandhan, I cried a lot on the day of Rakhi as I had none to tie a Rakhi to. I prayed before Lord Krishna for a brother and I got you on the very day of Rakhi. So thanks, you have made my Rakhi double special.

Mere bhai ka aur mera rishta... Kabhi khattaa Kabhi meethaa... Kabhi hasna Kabhi rona…Kabhi roothna Kabhi manana…Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi gussa…Kabhi dosti Kabhi jhagda…Koi kare bhi to kare kya... Ye rishta hai hi Anokhaa…

God could not take care for the whole world so he has given mothers to each family. In the same way mother could not take care for the whole part of our life, so she had given brothers. Thanks for being my brother.

From Brother To Sister

I long for the day through the year that you so ceremoniously tie rakhi on my wrist and pray for my well being. Dear Sis, I wish that our bond grows stronger everyday.

Dear sister I just wanted you to know that it means a lot to have a wonderful sister like you. Thanks for the treasure of all the sweet memories that you have given me. Having a sister is same as having a lifelong friend.

Neither can I tell nor can you imagine what you are for me. But I can tell you when I need a pillar of strength, It's you… It's you…It's you…

When the world goes dark, Stars are there…When the journey breaks up, Hope is there…When the entire world is vanished, And you feel left alone…Tilt your head and look beside you, Will bring you comfort feeling of Care and affection molds on you, As your Brother is always beside you to pour the special love and affection forever…HAPPY RAKSHA BANDHAN

I really cherish the life we have lived together. You have taught me the meaning and pleasure of sharing. In childhood I used to eat even your chocolates but you always shared your things with me. Now I realize I have been a bad brother. But I know that you love chocolates so this time only chocolates as your Rakhi gift

Celebrating the birth of Christ... Merry Christmas all :)

Christmas is back again and this time tooo soon. What i mean its just like last year we had great fun during Christmas and since then never ending fun and happiness, and like its been one whole joyous year i will never forget. The year had passed to fast which is why i say Christmas has come too soon as it will go soon, too ;)

But what we get from Christmas we can never get throughout the year and that’s what special about Christmas. And am glad it comes every year. The birth of Jesus is celebrated by Christians worldwide and not only do the Christians take part in merry making but non-Christians too. Back home here, i can see people shopping, decorating their homes, baking cakes, and preparing special meals for Christmas even if they do not know the actual meaning, but the spirit in which they celebrate makes a heart smile knowing how special Christmas is.

Though i will not be attending church like i did throughout my childhood (being a Christian/catholic), it doesn't make the spirit any less in my heart. My kids love decorating and feasting and specially waiting for santas gift! I won’t mention how santa brings the gift to my home (even if i know ;)) b’coz i got a kid who reads this blog! Hehe...

Tomorrow i will be going out to spend with family and i’ve lots of work left pending to complete, you maybe knowing what, so see you all... till then... may you all stay blessed and enjoy a happy Christmas. Merry Christmas all of you! :)

Note: this post is published auto (time is set).

Eid Mubarak wishes from Nisha's World

Getting ready to make coconut barfi because tomorrow is id-ul-fitr. It completes one month since Ramadan, and is celebrated to mark the ending of the holy month of fasting. I believe this year we are celebrating happier times than some of the years that went by. This year, god has showed me he is always answering our prayers but everything time comes to us in the right time. I believe my happy times had begun from the every start of this year 2010 and is never going to end.

After a whole month of fasting(not me but my hubby and in-laws) and feasting (i was obligated to doing so ;)) and shopping! it is now time to celebrate the festival of Id-ul-fitr with my family tomorrow. My mom in law will be preparing a lot of rich delicious dishes for tomorrow and i will be joining them for the feasting. Of course i'm also preparing Indian sweets, not much cooking though, on docs advice. We all will be then going out for continuous five days as part of our id celebrations. Wishing all my dear friends, close and distant, known and unknown, a very happy and fulfilling id :)

India's 63rd Independence Day- Happy ID everyone

We are once again celebrating Independence day. Its India's 63rd Independence Day today, August 15, 2010. Since 1947, every year India celebrates this day to commemorate the end of British rule in India and its Independence. We are truly a proud nation and our pride and glory derives from the sacrifices by our freedom fighters to make us an independent nation today. We tribute them, as we celebrate with great enthusiasm. Jai Hind!





"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again."



- Jawaharlal Nehru

(Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947)

'Ramadan Mubarak' all my friends, relatives and readers

The crescent moon is spotted and Ramadan arrives. It is on this holy month that Muslims observe fast from dawn to sunrise without even consuming a sip of water. They break their fast with the sweetness of a date or sipping some water/juice just at sunrise followed by prayers after which the continuation of feasting goes on, and this hour is called the 'Iftar'.


At home, we are all preparing for the sehri... as today being the first day and we will have to get up before dawn to eat something to help the body resist the fast. This has to be done before the early morning call of the prayer, and from then on, till the sun rises, the fast is to be observed.

But this holy month is not only about fasting and feasting, its about how Muslims reflect on their lives and how they devote themselves to prayer and god. If you are interested to know more, i had posted back in 2007 about Ramadan, the month of fasting and in 2008 some Ramadan food tips . Ramadan Mubarak everyone... wish you peace, and blessings from the almighty Allah.

Merry Christmas from my home to yours :-)

Can you believe its Christmas once again! the time of the year when PEACE, LOVE, WARMTH and JOY fill the air and celebrations go on merrily throughout the world. Writing this before retiring to bed as i have lots of activities once i awake. Aryan and Alisha's gift from Santa Claus is hidden away (hope he doesn't read this, my clever and curious son!) and will be kept under their pillows before they awake. Am so excited that this year Alisha (3 yrs) is able to understand a little about Christmas and knows Santa Claus very well and i cant wait to watch her excitement when she opens her gifts! We will obviously have a family day tomorrow and lots to feast :-)

Here's wishing all my readers lots of peace, love, warmth and joy on this day and throughout the year.. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE :-)

Music Monday- ♫ WHAM - Last Christmas ♫

Back to the 80's.. oh i love this song by Wham and every time i watch the video i begin to feel so nostalgic.. missing younger days. This song just steals your heart with its bittersweet and meaningful lyrics and video, depicting an ex-couples loves story as they reminiscence the past in a few scenes...

Christmas is just few days ahead and preparations are going on in full swing and maybe could get better with each year, yet the memories of childhood never seem to fade. Don't you miss when Santa secretly left gifts under your pillow? Wish all my friends and readers an enthusiastic holiday season, and lots of merry making for the coming festival of Christmas, followed by a wonderful New year(which is too early i know).. but the spirit of Christmas and the year ending are everywhere, surrounding the earth and in the air :-)

Enjoy the Video.. its an evergreen. Happy MM folks :-)




Lyrics | George Michael lyrics - Wham! / Last Christmas lyrics

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.





PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

The Christmas spirit in my heart from now!

We are 22 days to go since Christmas and its no more early to talk about it. This Christmas it going to be even merrier as things happen to improve at home with more opps(paid reviews) than last year when the recession hit us... lol.. its another thing i wasn't paid by some company's which of course i'll have to forget about the money from them coz i feel they have cheated us bloggers of our time and honesty. I know most bloggers have become aware of this and i do feel sad for them. With Christmas nearing doesn't mean am going to forgive and forget, no, we are definitely going to do something but let Christmas pass off in the right spirit.

These little disappointments wont let the spirit of Christmas out of my heart for i will still celebrate merrily with wine and cake... and rose cookies and other delicious feasts as we all gather together(our family) to enjoy Christmas!

My Alisha will be in her senses this year, i mean she'll be able to understand what is Christmas better than last year and will be so excited when we go shopping. She'll want all the pretty frocks in the malls and mamma and papa will turn bankrupt! he he..

See you all for now.. let me know your Christmas plans :-)

Chat puja- just another colorful festival of India!

Its early morning and my neighbors have woken me up really much earlier than my usual wake up time! I can tell by the music that plays in the surrounding! Today is their holy festival of chhat puja. Mostly the Bihari's(people of different state in India) celebrate this festival and i am obviously not very aware about its history being non hindu but am always anxious to understand each festival and why it is celebrated and i'll admit i understand that most people celebrate their festivals by religious observance, fasting and feasting?

I don't think all of the hindus celebrate. I guess, the people who reside in the northern parts of India(Bihar) celebrate this festival for family protection, health and prosperity. They dip themselves in the river Ganga after fasting and making an offering to the sun god. Its a four day festival and a colorful one. I've never seen so many devotees, like in lakhs, offer prayers almost half dipped in the rivers before and i must get to watch this someone. Would be a great view.. watch it for yourself :-)

Note: You can get more info here :-)

The festival of lights has arrived, Happy Diwali everyone

India will be celebrating Diwali in one days time and the city is all geared up for the festival of lights! Every street is dressed up in pretty lanterns and lights, every home is being cleaned and decorated with rangoli, diyas, lamps and candles.

Its a five-day long festival, each day being significant in its own terms which you will understand when you read all the info about this holy festival through the link above.

Am familiar with most of the Diwali customs out of which these three really make me feel good :-)


Rangoli is a traditional and holi ritual, a colorful art which the women decorate on their door steps, and the main purpose on Diwali is to welcome the goddess Lakshmi who is also called the goddess of wealth. She is worshiped with immense devotion, and she in return blesses her devotees with prosperity and wealth.


No festival is incomplete without sweets and traditional delicacies and Diwali too, which is usually celebrated with lighted skies, crackers, sparklers and other fireworks, cant be imagined without sweets, as there is a custom to exchange sweets to the friends and neighbors.

Rockets, christmas trees, sparklers, ground wheel known as charka, diyas and lighed streets etc etc.. they all add to the festivities and sure light up the skies along with excitement and thrill of children, and adults too!

Have a happy and safe Diwali with these do's and dont's tips..


Photo and below content courtesy: Timesofindia

The Do’s:

- Before bursting fire crackers, look for an open space and ensure there are no combustible and inflammatory things around. If so remove them at once

- Always buy fire works from licensed and reliable sellers

- Keep small children away from the bursting area

- Use a sparkler, agarbatti (incense stick) or a long fire wood to light a cracker as they keep you at a safe distance and do not possess a naked flame

- Read the label on the crackers and follow the instructions carefully

- While igniting aerial fire works like rockets ensure that they are not facing any opening like an open window, door or an open building which may cause fire accidents

- Keep fireworks stock away while lighting a particular firework

- Wear footwear while lighting fireworks

- Keep a bucket full of water handy

- Be prepared for emergency

- Organize a community display of fireworks rather than individuals handling crackers

- Keep first aid and buckets of water handy. In the event of fire, extinguish flame by pouring water from the buckets. Every major fire is small when it starts

- Light only one firework at a time, by one person. Others should watch from a safe distance

- In case of burns, pour large quantity of water on the affected area

- In case of major burns, after extinguishing the fire, remove all smouldering clothes. Wrap the victim in a clean bed sheet

- The patient should be taken to a burns specialist or a major hospital. Don’t panic

- In case of eye burns, wash the eye with tap water for 10 minutes and take the victim to a hospital

The Don’ts:

- Do not wear nylon clothes. Prefer cottons while bursting crackers

- Strictly avoid using matches and lighters for bursting crackers as they have open flames that can be dangerous

- Never ignite aerial fireworks (like rockets) if there is any overhead obstruction present like trees and wires

- Never ever leave a lit match, agarbatti (incense stick) or sparkler near unused crackers

- Never experiment with crackers or make your own fire works

- Avoid bursting fire works on roads

- Never ever light a cracker in your hand. See to it that you put it down and ignite it

- Don’t keep your face close to the cracker while trying to light it

- Do not throw fire works at people

- Never give any firework item to small children

- Never try to burst crackers indoors or from inside a vehicle

- Do not have fire works in your pocket while igniting another

- Do not tend to burst crackers when some one else is trying to ignite one

- When crackers take time or do not ignite immediately, do not indulge in trying to burst them. Rush to a safe place immediately. Throw some water to diffuse them

- Never try to light used fireworks

- Do not ignite fireworks in any container

- Do not approach immediately the misfired fireworks

- Do not tamper with misfired fireworks

- Do not wear loose, hanging clothes. Secure all clothes properly

- Do not apply any cream or ointment or oil on burnt area

Easy diwali sweet and other spicy traditional recipes

Here is an update from my post We're waiting for the festival of diwali, and some diwali recipes to enjoy and i'll be posting a few more recipes as promised. I had already posted a kaju barfi recipe which is a great delight to eat.. here are few more for everyone to try out..

Sweet indian traditional recipes

Malpua (pancakes in syrup) in 9 steps!

Ingredients:
2 cups water
3 cups sugar
Saffron strands
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
500 gms flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 can (400gms) sweetened condensed milk
1 litre milk to make rabri
Slivered almonds and pistachios to garnish
Ghee to deep fry malpuas

Method:
1. Mix the milk and 1 cup of sugar in a thick-bottomed pan and cook to reduce it to a fourth of its original volume. Stir frequently or the milk will burn at the bottom of the pan. When the milk has thickned as above, remove it from the fire, allow it cool and then chill in the refrigerator. This is rabri (sweetened thickened milk).
2.In another pan, mix 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar and boil. The syrup is ready when you get a single-thread consistency. The way to test this is to stir the syrup with a spoon, lift the spoon out and carefully touch the syrup on it with your index finger. Press your index finger and thumb together and gently pull apart. The sugar will stretch to form a single 'thread'. If this happens the syrup is ready. If not keep boiling and test occasionally till done.
3. When the syrup is ready add the cardamom powder and saffron and mix well. Keep the syrup aside to use later.
4.In a large mixing bowl, blend the condensed milk, flour and baking powder together to form a smooth batter.
5.While you are mixing the batter, heat enough ghee in a deep frying pan to cook the malpuas.
6.When the oil is hot, use a ladle to gently pour the batter into the oil to form circles about 4" in diameter.
7.Cook till golden brown. Remove from the oil and put directly into the sugar syrup.
8.Remove after 2-3 minutes and drain on a wire rack with a plate underneath to catch the dripping syrup.
9.To serve, place 2 malpuas in a plate, spoon rabri over them and garnish with slivered nuts.

Gujia, with khoya(mawa) and dry fruits

Ingredients :
Flour 250 grams
Khoya 500 grams
Raisins a few
Almonds 100 grams (finely chopped)
Cooking oil 3 tablespoon
Water 100 ml
Sugar 250 grams

Method:
Mix the oil and flour properly to form a binding consistency of breadcrumbs.
Add some water and knead entire mixture, lighty.
Make a soft dough and set it aside, covering it with damp.
Fry the khoya in cooking oil till it becomes light brown and then mix the sugar into it carefully.
Add the almonds and raisins, and fry for a few more minutes. Remove from fire and let it cool. Make small thick flat rotis out of that kneaded dough.
Fill half of flattened roti with the khoya mixture and roll it between your palms, sealing the sides of the roti keeping the khoya inside it.
Make the sealing look decorated by a hemming.
Deep-fry these gujias until it becomes light golden brown, keeping the flame at low. Take out the gujias on a newspaper and let the oil get soaked.
Serve hot or store it in an airtight container for using it on specials days like diwali.

Mushrooms in Onion Gravy

Ingredients
200 gm Mushrooms
3 Onions
2 Tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
3 Green chillies, finely chopped
Coriander leaves
Salt as per taste
Red chili powder as per taste
A pinch of garam masala powder
A pinch of cardamom powder
Oil

Method:
Slice mushrooms, boil them and keep aside. Then make a paste of the onions.
Heat oil in a wok and add the onion paste and cook till the paste turns golden brown.
Add the tomatoes, green chilies, salt and red chilli powder.
Cook the tomatoes till the gravy leaves the sides of the wok and add water if required.
Add the mushrooms and cook for a while.
Season with garam masala powder, cardamom powder and coriander leaves. Serve hot!

Dahi bada, with curd(yogurt)

Ingredients:
For the badas(round shaped balls):
1 Cup Urad daal
Salt to taste
Oil to fry
For the dahi(curd) mixture:
1 kg Dahi(curd)
1/2 tsp grated Ginger
1-2 green chilies chopped
Salt to taste
2 tsp Roasted cumin powder
Red chili powder to taste


Method:
For Badas: Clean, wash and soak the daal overnight.
Grind it into smooth paste.
Add salt to taste.
Heat oil in a pan and drop a spoonfuls of batter and fry till golden brown.
Take the hot vadas and put in cold water for 2-3 minutes.
Now Take them out of water and squeeze the water and keep aside.

Method for Dahi mixture: Blend the curd and little water until it is smooth.
Keep in refrigerator for an hour to get chilled.
Add salt, red chili powder and cumin powder.

We're waiting for the festival of diwali, and some diwali recipes to enjoy

Its barely a month we all celebrated the Durga Puja festival and three days to go for Diwali, the festival of lights! I had written about it if you would like to read it.. head over to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth visits us on diwali(the festival of lights). It always gets pretty exciting before a festival nears because it brings with it so much of joy and delight.

Being a non-hindu i get the privilege to celebrate this festival with my sister and her family(married to a hindu). My son and daughter enjoy bursting crackers and eating the puja prasad..

Though shopping and other exciting activities make up the pre-celebrations but the main part of any celebration is feasting and especially in India, almost every hindu/bengali household gets involved into the preparing of delicious traditional sweets and other dishes for their families and guests who would be visiting them. Here are some recipes for Diwali.. Am sure you will enjoy relishing them once your fingers touch them :-)

Kaju barfi

Ingredients
3 cups Cashew powder
2 cups Sugar
0.5-cup Water
Silver foil

Method
Prepare some sugar syrup of almost 2 thread consistency and dissolve the cashew powder in the solution. Keep stirring the solution and once its thickened spread it on a plate. Before the barfi cools and hardens, cover it with the silver foil and cut into into diamond shapes. Your barfis ready, enjoy it with your family and relatives on diwali.

I'll be updating some more tomorrow.. dont forget to hop back here :-)

Eid mubarak, to all my friends and visitors worldwide

Today we are celebrating Eid-ul-fitr which signifies the end of fasting for the Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan. So far the celebrations are going on strong at my in laws home where i spent the whole month of Ramadan and i'll be spending the two days of Eid, tomorrow and day after tomorrow too before i return to my own home. It's a festival of spreading love, happiness and togetherness, so where else would have been a better place to celebrate other than my in laws place.. my kids would have also loved being with their grandparents today and they are also enjoying themselves in their new outfits. While Alisha is busy feasting, Aryan is busy fishing out feasts to his friends! Hehe.. will update more about our celebrations and info about this auspicious occasion soon..

So for now Happy Eid all my Muslim family/friends and everyone else engaged in celebrating this festival in good spirit. May Allah shower you all with his blessing of love, peace and happiness today and always.

The preparations for Durga puja are going to the utmost passion

Go HERE to read the first part of this post..

As I must have mentioned in my earlier posts about Durga Puja being the major festival of Hindus/Bengalis worldwide and also the biggest festival of my city being Calcutta, it is celebrated to commemorate the triumph of goodness over evil in10 spiritual cum joyful days around the months of september to november( in accordance to the dates of the Hindu religious calendar). Their goddess Durga is worshiped in her 9 different forms on 9 individual days and on the 10th day, the idols are immersed in scared waters which marks the last day of the festival. It is said that the goddess is evoked on the 5th day, she descends to earth of the 6th day and leaves for her heavenly abode on the 10 day, thus the immersion.

The main days(the last four/five days) when people dressed to kill visit their relatives/friends homes and pandals to exchange good wishes, feast and worship their deity, one cant figure out whether its day even at night time! The city turns crowded yet one would never want to turn back time, because it is only then that the silence of this city gets drowned in the celebrations of music/dance and laughter, and it’s really fun.

The preparations by the city actually begin much earlier when the management communities of each area start collecting ‘chanda’ which is money as in contribution for the making and decorating of the streets and pandals of the city. The pandals and idols are made of wood, cloth, bamboo, mud, clay, decorations etc.. and it takes months of hard work and skilled artisans to finesse the structures and idols. Every nook and corner will greet you with striking lighting decorations and mesmerizing decorated goddesses placed gracefully in her temporary home during the days of this festival.

The people also begin their preparations weeks earlier on the first few days which has the city filled with people flocking to the market like cattle because i’ve been one along with them on the busy streets of Calcutta! The Muslim festival (Eid-ul-fitr) always clashes with the Bengali/Hindi festival (Durga puja) and so both the people of both religions cant help but set out for shopping together!

You may now wonder who and why the goddess Durga is worshiped in 9 forms? also the rituals are of great interest, so don’t forget to come back here in a day or two to know more or don’t forget to type in your email address in the subscription box you see on the right side bar, its spam free and believe me a more convenient way to receive and read my updates directly in your mail!

Its almost the time of the year when i wait for the most, to engage in the festivities!

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It's the festive season of the year that's almost nearing and i can't help but wait to indulge and drown myself into the lively atmosphere that surrounds this city. Here is where i got to be a part of every Hindu, Bengali, Muslim and Christian festivals like Diwali and Durga Puja which is just two of the main festivals of the several Bengali and Hindus festivals, Eid-ul-fitr and Bakr-eid which are the biggest festivals of the Muslims and of course Christmas and Easter which are the festivals of my own religion( before my marriage and conversion to Islam).

Here it doesn't matter what religion you belong to when it comes to joining in the celebrations with ones own families, relatives and friends. People in India love being engaged in shopping, food and music/dance as much as people worldwide and the ‘threesome’ make sure they are the top priorities of the festive celebrators but equally along-side their own religious observance! Having said this, it does make sense to love to indulge into each others festivals even if your religion and religious beliefs don't match because of the way it is all celebrated, with great pomp and good spirit! You have to be here in India to witness the celebrations which will mesmerize your mind and keep lingering in your soul even when you are gone back to your home far away but only to wait until you are blessed to return next year for the festivities!

Note- do return to my blog tomorrow and every day for exciting details on the history, customs, food and celebrations of the coming festivals (Durga Puja and Eid-ul-fitr) in the next posts to come. Durga Puja is celebrated to commemorate the triumph of goodness over the evil and Eid-ul-fitr is celebrated to break the month-long fast of Ramadan which is presently being observed by the Muslims.

Happy Eastar Sunday one and all- live and love, thats what christ would have wanted :-)

Today is Easter Sunday, and i would like to wish everyone a very happy Easte :-)