New Year Day

New Year

Makar Sankrant

Makar Sankrant is celebrated on the 14/15th of January. The sun as seen from the earth appears to move from the north in winter to the south in summer and back again in winter. The perceived movement of the sun is the result of the earth's tilt. Makar Sankrant marks the day the sun is at its northern most point as seen from the earth.
These are the recipes cooked to mark this day.

Valentine's Day

Chocolates and roses are two of the most popular gifts on this day. Here are some chocolate goodies you can make as gifts for your valentine.

Holi - Festival of Colors

Holi or the festival of colors is a harvest festival celebrated during spring. People play with colors to acknowledge the colorful spring landscape. Food is always a big part of this holiday.

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa or Chaitra Pratipada, is the new year as per the lunar calendar.  On this day in every Marathi home a Gudi is placed outside the house. The Gudi is a decorated stick. A silk cloth is placed on the stick and an inverted brass or copper pot is placed on it. Mango leaves are used around the mouth of the pot and it is tied to the stick. The Gudi is then decorated with flowers, halad (turmeric) and kunku (red vermilion). The Gudi is tied to a pillar in the backyard or to a window. Traditional Marathi dessert is cooked on this day.

Chaitra

Chaitra is the first month of the Indian Calendar. During this month Ambyachi dal (ambe dal) and panha both featuring unripe green mangoes are very popular in Maharashtrian homes. I am featuring both of the recipes here.

4th of July

Here are some red, white and blue recipes to celebrate the 4th of July - Independence day.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a late summer festival celebrated in most Maharashtrian homes. During this festival we bring home a murthi (idol) of Lord Ganesh or make one at home like the one I made in the picture. We then ask the 'nirgun-nirakaar' (one with no definition) Lord to grace our house. During the festival we make Ukadiche Modak and an array of different goodies that are shared with friends and family. The festival lasts for 1.5 to 11 days. On the last day the idol is immersed in water to mark the end of the festival.

Navratra / Navratri

Navratri or navratra or nine nights is a festival to celebrate Devi or Goddess. The festival celebrates powder or shakti, spiritual wealth and wisdom and education.

Dasara

Dasara is a celebration of the tools of our trade. Children and adults alike pray to books that give us knowledge. Farmers acknowledge their tractors, computer scientist their computers. We celebrate our cars and any other tool that helps us do what it is we do everyday.

Diwali Faral Recipes

Diwali faral has a special meaning for anyone who celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights. On the morning of the big day families rise early, bathe before sunrise and have the Diwali faral for breakfast. On this page I have a collection of what typically goes on that plate in the Marathi home. All the deep fried recipes have been converted and baked instead. I also have some not so traditional recipes included. Enjoy!

Halloween

Halloween Recipes featuring some odd shaped cookies and tightly wrapped mummies.