Top 10 Best Gifts you can give your Friends this Diwali

 There is a whole range of ideas from traditional gifts to eco-friendly options to choose from. So don’t leave your decisions to the last minute, browse through and pick some new ideas for gifting this year.

10. Statues of gods and goddesses

Diwali is a time for worshipping a lot of gods and goddesses. Some people seek the blessings of the benevolent Lord Ganesha as they begin a new venture or year, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, brings prosperity to her devotees as she enters their houses this time of the year. A lot of Indians also worship the Goddess Kali during this occasion. If you are looking for a spiritual gift for your friend that resonates the season’s greeting as well as your best wishes, you could give them a statue of these gods and goddesses to usher in prosperity and happiness in their lives. You could pick a statue made of clay, plastic or silver, depending on how much your budget allows you to splurge.

9. Handmade candles

If you want to add a personal touch to your Diwali gifts, you could buy some candle wax and fragrance oils at the store and make your own candles. Most craft shops have candle moulds available in different shapes and sizes. Alternatively, cake moulds work well as well. You could decorate the candles using some glue, glitter, beads, sequins and other craft supplies. Alternatively, you can also write personalized messages on the candles. Make a linear drawing on a piece of wax paper and write your message on it with sketch pens. Wrap the strip around the candle and blow heat on it from a blow dryer. The ink will transfer from the wax sheet to the surface of the candle. Peel the paper gently off the surface and you will find that your drawing and message will be on the candle.

8. Ethnic wear and jewellery

There is no better occasion than a religious festival to flaunt your ethnic side. If your friend is too caught up between corporate and party life to find time to dress in ethnic wear, this could be a suitable time to provide them with an opportunity to expand their wardrobe. You could buy your girl friend a sari or a silk skirt or a kurti, depending on what she likes, or if your friend is a guy, a kurta or sherwani would be the right choice. You could also opt for a fusion between western and ethnic wear, perhaps a t-shirt with ethnic elements and traditional fabric and dying. You can also add some ethic jewellery, an earring or a necklace or even an anklet that you might have picked up on your travel around the country. This will tell them that Diwali is not the only occasion when you think of them.

7. Solar lawn lights

With the power shortage that has been rampant across the country of late, let us make an attempt to make this Diwali a bit more green. Almost all people deck up their houses during this time of the year with lamps and fairy lights. This year, you could give them a set of LED lights that are powered on solar energy. They are as bright and durable as normal but unlike normal lights, they use clean and recyclable energy, thus being extremely eco-friendly. They are available in most high-end stores and can be easily ordered online, so you can have them shipped directly to your friend. Gift them to as many friends as you can and ask them to consider gifting the same to their friends and acquaintances. Before you know it, you could be starting a green Diwali in your city.

6. Potted house plants

Another way to embrace green Diwali is to make an attempt to reduce the air pollution that is caused by the burning of firecrackers during this festival. There are a number of house plants to pick from, most of them are easy to maintain and in return they not only spruce up the interiors, but also purify the surrounding air. Use this festive occasion to spread the good word about reforestation and gift seeds or potted plants to your friends and family. Ask them to take care of them and also forward the trend amongst their social circles, they not make good items for gifting but are also beneficial for the environment.

5. Watches and sunglasses

Accessories make the best gift items because they suit everyone, regardless of gender or size. They are also available in a variety of price range, thereby being easily affordable within your budget. Watches and sunglasses are the easiest to pick from, mostly because you must have often seen your friends sport one and you know what they like. Either way, whatever you pick, they will undoubtedly find an attire to wear it with, so you know you can’t go very wrong.

4. Homemade sweets and cakes

There is nothing better than a gift that appeases the taste buds and appetites. If you or your mother is great at creating awesome Diwali delicacies, make sure to gift some to your friends. Some all time favourites are laddoos and barfis, but if you have a special secret recipe, you should definitely introduce your friends to it. Although do keep in mind that sweets and cakes do not normally stay good for long, so make sure your friends consume it at once, or if you are giving them some to take away, make sure they have a refrigerator or can store it somewhere to prevent it from going off. If not, give them only enough so that they can finish it in the next few days.

3. Gift hamper

If you want to give a bit of everything to your friends, this is the ideal gift option. The ideal Diwali hamper will have some sweets or chocolates, a selection of dry fruits, some candles or such likes, some fragrant potpourri and a good luck charm or wish card. But the best thing about a hamper is that you can always personalize the gift, add in little tit-bits that mean something to them or that has been on their wish list for long, wrap it all in a bow and you will have a present that is bound to delight your friends.

2. Spiritual DVDs and CDs

Another great gift for your friends on this occasion is spiritual CDs or DVDs, especially if they are of the religious bend of mind. It could be devotional songs or chants and hymns or narrations of holy events, it could be just audio or both audio-visual. If you look in the market, you will be surprised by the variety of choices available. If your friend is devoted to a particular God or spiritual leader, a documentation of their chants and sermons would be an ideal present for their spirit.

 1. Gift vouchers

If you can’t decide what to buy for your friend, go into the store you know they visit often and get them a gift voucher. Vouchers are available in a variety of price range to suit your pocket, and this gives them the liberty to pick a gift of their choice. Another option with vouchers is to get some on mobile apps and video games, this would be ideal if they use their phones a lot for various tasks.

Lets celebrate this Diwali cracker free and nature friendly

10 Things you can do this Diwali other than Burning Firecrackers

Diwali or Deepawali is a festival celebrated by the Hindu community of India but is majorly popular all over the world. It is also fondly called the festival of lights viewing the way it is celebrated which makes the whole country look lit and drenched in lights. This festival has got its religious roots from one of the great Hindu epics Ramayana, which describes return of great legend Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing 14 years of his exile on this very day. It is said that it was a night of full moon so people lighted Diyas (oil lamps) and candles outside their homes to welcome the Lord. They also busted firecrackers, which one should absolutely stay away from. These firecrackers are very harmful for the environment and they can also be extremely dangerous for the one lighting them and also for the people around. Though firecrackers seem to be almost a synonym with Diwali but there are many other things that you should get yourself into rather than increasing pollution by burning firecrackers. Here is a list of 10 such awesome things that can be done on Diwali!

10. Indulge in Sweets

 

Diwali is that time of the year when you get a guilt free pass to indulge in as much sweets as you want without worrying about weight gain (hit the gym afterwards!) or having to hear taunts from family members for eating too much sweet. Ladoos, barfis, halwa, ras malai, there is so much variety out there and it is just so tempting isn’t it? You can make these in your own kitchen with a little guidance from the internet or your old recipe book and most of the ingredients are easily available or if you are one lazy lad then take a stroll in market to buy loads of sweets for yourself and your dear ones and celebrate Diwali on a sweet note, literally.

9. Buy loads of gifts

Besides being a religious festival, Diwali has also become a chance for get together among families and friends who don’t get much time to catch up otherwise. And when you go meet your loved ones on this auspicious festive occasion, you cannot afford to go empty handed, can you? So buy gifts for everyone around you and surprise them with something special. Your love and affection for them is all that matters but nobody minds a gift or two! True isn’t it?

8. Shop for clothes!

 

Once you are done with buying gifts for others, it’s time to get a little selfish! Its festive season and there are huge discounts and sales all around so what are you waiting for? Shop for more ethnic attires as going ethnic is the way for Diwali. Lehangas and Sarees for the girls and Sherwanis and Kurta pyjamas for the guys, become a hot trend during this time. So, buy something traditional and dress up your ethnic best with a traditional yet glammed up look to rock the Diwali celebrations this season.

7. Celebrate Dhanteras

 

Diwali is not a one day festival but is celebrated 5 day long. Dhanteras is the auspicious festival celebrated on the first day of this festive week, two days before the actual Diwali. Dhanteras literally means “Dhan” i.e. wealth and “Tera” which means the 13th day of the month Ashwin Diwali is celebrated in as per Hindu calendar. To venerate this occasion, people line up at jewelers to buy loads of gold or silver jewelry. You can also buy utensils to seek blessings from the Goddess of lustre. The popularity of this occasion can be seen by sighting the percentage by which jewelry sales rise up every year. Due to this, this makes a significant festival for the business community as well.

6. Make a Rangoli

 

Making Rangolis have been an essential part of Diwali since a very long time. It takes a lot of creativity and skills but the end results can be totally jaw-dropping. I have seen so many people who are experts in Rangoli making and can make intricate to intricate of designs with such ease and finesse. But if you are an amateur, then you can start with simple ones. It can be really fun and you will enjoy yourself while making a Rangoli. A conventional Rangoli requires dry colors but one may also incorporate flower petals or leaves to make their Rangoli even more beautiful. Many schools, colleges and corporate house even hold Rangoli making competitions on Diwali one can take part in.

5. Decorate your house

 

You just cannot celebrate Diwali without decorating your house. It is believed that on the occasion of Diwali, goddess Laxmi visits every household bringing luck and prosperity for the whole family. To welcome the goddess, people clean their houses and decorate them with lights, diyas, and torans. You can see markets abuzz with such decorative items during the Diwali season and can buy many different varieties of decorative items or one can make torans at home itself. Decorating the house in its possible best is a common activity at Diwali.

4. Get Together

 

As I already mentioned that Diwali is an opportunity for people to get together with their friends and relatives which one may call as “Milans”. Celebrating the festival with your near and dear ones increases love and happiness among all. You visit your relatives’ place, exchange gifts and have a gala time. People spend time together playing games, satiating in delicious food or going for Diwali parties. If there are no party plans for you then all the relatives may come and meet at one’s place and get into Diwali games. Like playing cards has become a popular culture and people enjoy casual betting on the game of cards.

3. Visit a Temple

 

While buying gifts, visiting relatives and decorating our house, we cannot neglect the true essence of Diwali which is the defeat of evil by the hands of good. Lord Rama defeated the evil demon Ravana and came back to Ayodhya. To celebrate his victory and return to his homeland, people visit temples, or more commonly known as Mandirs. They sit down over there with offerings and listen to the preacher or the Pandit in the temple.

2. Perform Pujas and prayers

 

Other than visiting temples, pujas are also performed at home. Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to be the goddess of wealth and prosperity is said to come into the house of those who worship her on this day. In order to seek blessings and gain prosperity, Lakshmi Pujas are held in every household. People open up their doors and windows to welcome the goddess. Some people also have Govardhan Puja in their houses which is dedicated to Lord Krishna in commemoration of the legend of Mount Govardhan. It is said that Lord Krishna lifted up the mountain to rescue people who were punished by Lord Indra with downpour of water and floods. So get your puja thaals ready with sweets and idols of god and goddess to perform Diwali puja.

1. Spread love and happiness

 

If all the religions of this world come together to express one message then it will be to ensure peace and harmony and spread and cherish love around us. Diwali is also an opportunity to get your soul synced with god and spread love and happiness everywhere you can The festival is all about triumph of goodness, happiness, prosperity and worships. And the simplest way of worshiping god is by loving his creations and making others happy.

So this Diwali, instead of burning up thousands of rupees in crackers and sickening the environment with tonnes of smoke, stick to more authentic and eco-friendly ways for celebrating Diwali with your near and dear ones. And try awakening all others around you about the ill effects of fire crackers and goodness of the other things that are special about Diwali.

“Say No to FireCrackers”

If you know of other great things that can be done on Diwali please share with us below in comments.

11 Morning Rituals That Can Change Your Life

Your morning can be that make-or-break time that sets you up for a good day or a bad day. Here are 11 habits you can establish that will put you on the path of stringing together good day after good day.

1. Drink a Glass of Warm Lemon Water

Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning is an excellent way to get your body going. It’s like oil for the Tinman as it goes to work lubricating all of your different internal systems.

You want the water to be warm so that it’s not a shock to your system first thing in the morning. The lemon will help get your digestive system ready for the coming meals, and makes the water tastier. You can add a bit of honey to it as well if you want to cut down on some of the tartness.

The Rehydration Process

When you wake up in the morning you’ve just gone without water for about 8 hours, so it’s important to turn things around and start up the flow of water again. What you don’t want to do is leave out the water and go along with your day, having breakfast and other beverages before addressing your need for water.

2. Wake Up Earlier

This is priority one because in order to fit in a fantastic morning you’re going to need some extra time compared to your current routine.

If you’ve turned into a night owl because of the peace and quiet it affords, you’ll be equally satisfied by the same peace and quiet an early morning provides, and it’s simply a matter of shifting your personal time to the wee hours of the morning rather than late at night. The difference to your body is noticeable.

The Ideal Time to Wake Up

Wake up in conjunction with circadian rhythms if possible. Civil twilight is a great time to wake up because there will be enough light to see, the birds are chirping, and you still have time to catch the sunrise if you’re keen. Since this time varies by the time of year, it may be more feasible during some seasons than others. Give yourself an hour and a half before you have to be out the door.

3. Scrape Your Tongue

Taking time to scrape your tongue is one morning routine you won’t want to give up once you start it. It helps get rid of morning breath, and also is in line with the rejuvenation process you need to do to make the transition from sleep to wakefulness each day.

As a bonus you’ll be able to taste your food better without the film that’s on your tongue even after brushing your teeth.

The Right Scraper

Some toothbrushes come with a built-in scraper on the back of the head. If yours doesn’t have one you’ll want to invest in one. You can find some that are literally just a plastic triangle-shaped scraper, and others that feature special bristles that are designed to get into the grooves of your tongue. You can also go with the type that is stainless steel and U-shaped to get the job done.

4. Do a Stretching Routine

Here’s a great 5 minute stretch that you can do in the morning to wake your muscles up and get them ready for the day ahead. You should always modify any workout to your own abilities, and search until you find one that resonates with you.

You can also use this time to do a yoga routine, or an exercise routine, if you feel so inclined or are trying to lose weight. However, if you currently aren’t exercising regularly we recommend starting off with just some morning stretches until that becomes a habit, and then transitioning into yoga and other exercises when you organically start to feel like you could do more than just stretch.

How Long Do I Have to Stretch?

When first starting out it doesn’t matter how long you stretch, just as long as you do it. If you only have a few minutes for it, just do a few minutes. You’ll find that as you develop the habit, you’ll end up stretching for longer periods of time, and it will naturally expand on its own without the need to force yourself to do it for a set time.

5. Rebound 100 Times

Rebounding on a mini-trampoline is the perfect morning exercise. It’s zero impact, and perfect for any physical fitness level. You don’t even have to get any air on it for it to be effective. Just lightly bouncing on it is effective for stimulating lymph movement and drainage as well as helping your thyroid.

You can repeat this process a few times per day, whenever you feel like you need a pick-me-up. It helps keep you energized without the use of energy drinks or other sugary or caffeinated beverages.

Firms Up Your Whole Body

You’ll notice that when you first start bouncing you’re kind of going with the flow, but by the time you hit your 100th bounce your body has tightened up considerably, in a good way. This is working each muscle in your body, your leg muscles, core, and upper body. A great way to start the day, get your juices flowing, and just plain feel good!

6. Dry Brush Your Body

Dry brushing the body is an Ayurvedic practice that helps improve your circulation and slough off dead skin cells.

Brushing towards your heart is essential, and you’ll want to start at your extremities and work your way in, covering all of your parts before hopping in the shower.

Dry brushing will help leave your skin feeling smoother, and you’ll notice the difference after you’ve dried off. Apply a moisturizer afterward to retain that suppleness.

Which Brush to Use?

Choose a brush that is good at exfoliating, but not one that is so rough you don’t look forward to using it. A dry loofah or other brush designed to scrub the skin works best. You don’t want it to be too soft on your skin or it won’t do the job, but if you opt for a softer brush you can apply more pressure so that it works.

7. Listen to Uplifting Music or Audiobook

Starting your morning with music you find beautiful, or a book you find inspirational or motivational, is the perfect way to set yourself up for success. It can give you something to look forward to in the morning, and sets you up with the right mindset to greet the day.

You can adjust your music for the type of day you want to have, whether you need something that gets you pumped for an action-packed day, or something more soothing so you can handle a stressful day.

The mind is hungry for new tidbits of information it can go to work on, and you should feed it every day, the same way you feed your body.

Choosing the Right Audio

Whether you pick a group of songs, or an audiobook that inspires you, is up to you. Choose your songs carefully though, as they can get stuck in your head, and if this sort of thing drives you crazy you might be better off listening to a book.

8. Green Smoothie Time

Now that we’ve woken up with the sun, brushed our teeth and scraped our tongue, rehydrated, stretched, rebounded, dry brushed the skin, showered while listening to pleasing music, it’s time to nourish the body with a refreshing green smoothie.

The green part of the smoothie is what’s really going to help boost your energy levels this morning. That’s because it will likely be spinach, kale, or some other leafy green providing phytonutrients, fiber, and minerals. Set a timer for 30 minutes after you drink it and notice how much better you feel.

Finding A Great Green Smoothie Recipe

Check out our list of amazing healthy smoothie recipes and pick the one that sounds most appealing to your morning palate. Just about any non-green smoothie can be made green with the addition of spinach or kale.

9. Meditate for a Few Minutes

Right now you should be in a really happy place, a green smoothie coursing through your digestive system, and all of the helpful things you’ve done should all be having a cumulative effect. There’s no better time to sit and clear your mind for a few minutes.

There’s also no right way to meditate, so if you’ve tried specific methods and didn’t really like it, it’s time to develop your own personal style. Choose a position that you find comfortable, and decide if you’d like music or not. Just sitting and listening to the silence can be enough for most.

Why Just a Few Minutes?

You don’t need to go into a trance or spend an hour in the lotus position to meditate. You can get the benefits from just a few minutes and you’ll see a marked improvement in the upward trend your days start to take. We’re being intentionally vague here because “a few” can mean whatever it means to you, and however you feel in the moment (or what the clock allows in the morning).

10. Smile at Yourself in the Mirror for 30 Seconds

This is a can’t-miss way to boost your self esteem, and once you get into the habit you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it. It’s basically just a matter of designating some time as true “me time” and seeing a happy you reflected back in the mirror.

This works on a number of different levels, but at the core is the ability it gives you to talk right to the bigger part of yourself, the part that is running in the background and getting the important things done.

Make sure you’re smiling, it doesn’t have to be a big goofy grin, just the hint of a smile works, like you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve and you’re ready to show the world what you can do. You’ll be surprised at the positive thoughts this exercise inspires.

Morning Validation

What you’re doing here is basically checking in with yourself, giving yourself that look of determination that you’ll need to make it through the day and accomplish all of your goals. No matter what happens the rest of the day, you’ve at least said hello to that deeper part of yourself and given words of encouragement.

11. Write Out Your Top 3 for the Day

If you lead a busy life chances are things fall through the cracks on a daily basis. To help stop this from happening you should list the three things you really want to get done today, and above all else, make sure they get done.

Once you establish the habit of getting the most important three things of the day done, you’ll be able to build up confidence and go for bigger and bigger things. A funny thing also happens, all of the smaller stuff that you thought needed to get done either does get done without being on your list of three, or fades away because it wasn’t that important to begin with.

Just 3, No More No Less

WORLD TRADE PARK JAIPUR

DESCRIPTION

WTP or World Trade Park Jaipur is the new Found attraction of the Royal Pink City, Jaipur. Though everybody loves the royal Historic Jaipur but still if you want to have the experience of something less historic, more modern, then WTP is the best choice for you.

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Attractions

Situated in Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, the famous tourist attraction World Trade Park Jaipur was inaugurated by the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan who was the investor too. The construction of World Trade Park Jaipur is worth Rs. 350 Crores. The perfectly developed building took two years for its development in Pink City. The building is implicit two different bloacks one in North and an alternate in South joined by a city street. These two pieces are between associated by a bridge which has restaurants.

World Trade Park Jaipur provides the best facilities for office meetings, entertainment, shopping and much more. Inside of the building looks breath taking beautiful. It has separate corridors for conference meetings, hotels, clubs, multiplexes, shopping centres, theatres and many more.

The place consists the one stop for all the popular brands. The famous Zara Showroom has gained a new look in World Trade Park Jaipur that makes Shopping freaks go crazy. World Trade Park Jaipur introduces for the first time in the world in which 24 projectors created a single image on the roof allowing choice of ambiance in the area. No doubt, WTP has been honored with the mall of the year award and best architect of the year by BCI India.

The south block of WTP is specially popular among shopping freaks. A huge variety of all national and international brands showrooms are present. Ranging from handicrafts and textiles, gems and jewellery, everything is present here. Every weekend aprox 35000 visitors spend their quality time here. Visitors are brought to a worldwide tour in the Fantasy World of Mega mall where the visitor can visit different countries of the world.

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How to Reach : One can easily reach here by any modes of public transport

Timing : 10.00 am to 11.00 pm

The recreation center guarantees to make it a center for occasions and various types of exercises which will in exchange offer help to the tourism. With the opening of world exchange park, now in the city new measurements like amusement tourism, business tourism and instructive tourism will be pushed.

6 incredible places to visit during Diwali!

Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. This festival of lights symbolizes several things, like the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair and so on. Before Diwali, there is a clean-up drive at almost everybody’s homes, all over India and during the 5-day festival, there are numerous rituals that are performed, each unique in its own way. Diwali is celebrated in the honor of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana who returned to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Diwali celebrations differ all over the country. While lighting lamps and bursting crackers form the main part of the festivities, there is much more to this festival. Here’s a list of places that one should visit to catch the celebrations during Diwali in India.

1. Jaipur: To understand the celebrations of Diwali in Jaipur, one has to experience it. The pink city is adorned in varied colours and the lights that will greet you will be like none that you have seen before. Apart from the houses being decked up, the entire markets are decorated with lights. One can also see musicians on the streets of the city. The markets here sell over a thousand types of earthen lamps in many shapes, sizes and colours. The decked up markets are flooded with traditional clothes and handicrafts. What more, the best illuminated market wins a prize. Apart from a feast to the eyes, you can treat your palate to delicious sweets and food items.

2. Varanasi: Varanasi, also known as Banaras is considered as one of the holiest cities in India. It is always abuzz with some kind of celebrations, and Diwali in Varanasi is something that one shouldn’t miss. On the occasion of Diwali, all the Ghats in Varanasi are lit up with thousands of diyas, and the mesmerising view certainly earns Varanasi the title of ‘City of Lights’ in Diwali. Fireworks can be seen and heard all night long and to truly be a part of it, one should rent a hotel near the riverside. The Special Ganga Aarti on the illuminated ghats is a different experience altogether.

3. Kolkata: Kolkata has its own style of celebrating Diwali. Kali Puja coincides with the festival of Diwali. Goddess Kali is worshipped on this occasion and you will get to witness unique offerings made to her during this fest. Apart from sweets and flowers, fish, meat and even a buffalo calf is offered to the Goddess. The city is lit up with lamps, bulbs and candles all over. A dazzling show of fireworks is a part of the celebrations too. Kolkata, also known as the city of joy, lives up to its name during Diwali.

4. Amritsar: A Punjabi adage goes ‘Dal Roti Ghar Di Diwali Amritsar Di. (There’s nothing like homemade food and Diwali in Amritsar.’ This is indeed true. Diwali here, coincides with the celebrations of Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival. It marks the return of Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who freed himself and Hindu Kings from the prison of Islamic ruler Jahangir and arrived at the Golden temple in 1619. The Golden temple glitters even more as it is draped in lights and the lake is lighted up with countless oil lamps and candles. Fireworks and festivities during Diwali in Amritsar is certainly a memorable experience.

5. Goa: Diwali in Goa and its surrounding areas begins on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. While cleaning the houses is a norm all over, people decorate their front doors and windows with kandeels (lanterns). Paper made scary-looking effigies of Narakasura, filled with grass and firecrackers, symbolising evil are made on Naraka Chaturdashi, and then burnt down around four in the morning the next day. While you can observe the traditions in Goa, you can also enjoy a vacation by visiting the beaches and casinos in Goa.

6. Kovalam: Kovalam in Kerala has made it to the list not coz of the fervor of Diwali here, but because Diwali is not a major festival at this destination. While the entire nation participates in the celebration of the festival of lights, celebrations in Kerala are low key. So if you want an escape from the hustle bustle of Diwali celebrations, Kovalam is certainly the place to be. As celebrations are on a very low scale, you can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the location.

As mentioned earlier, Diwali celebrations differ in different parts of the country, and of course there are many more places that you could visit apart from these popular ones. Feel free to tell us where you’d rather celebrate Diwali this year!

Durga Puja 2015: 10 Delicious Dishes You Must Eat During the Festival

Durga Puja – a festival of shakti, good over evil, friends, relatives, and food. And some more food. Yes, as much as we are devoted to the Goddess offering her our prayers, and some of us even going vegetarian for those five auspicious days, but when it comes to the food, it's almost as if we save our annual appetite for those precious few moments.

If you're in Kolkata, you cannot miss the quintessential bhog that comprises the famouskhichdi, the recipe of which can never be replicated any other time. It is usually served along with a few vegetables, a fried item (potato, brinjal, pumpkin), a mishti (sweet), and even chutneys. Back in the old days, the local boys would either come and deliver these delicious packages to your house, in a large earthen bowl, or you could walk over to your neighbourhood pandal and eat with everyone - almost like a wedding feast, only vegetarian.



So what should you be eating during Durga Puja? There is no definite answer, because technically we eat just about everything, but then again there are a few things that become almost imperative.

1. Kathi Rolls

Okay, so a fat greasy mutton roll (or even chicken) is a must on at least two out of the five days. Or even three. And honestly, a 100 per cent Kolkata Kathi Roll is hard to find here, no matter what anyone says. However, during the puja, pandals such as the one near Bethany School in Koramangala, or the one organised by the Bengali Association manage to source some of the best rolls that are available at these tiny kiosks.

2. Phuchka

No, there is no rule. We can eat phuchkasevery day. But somehow around this time, we have a moral responsibility towards it. These delicious goodies taste better, and spicier. Don't ask me why.
  

3. Kolkata Biryani

If you haven't eaten biryani for lunch or dinner at least a couple of times, you're really not feeling it. A good Mutton Biryani (Kolkata-style mind you) complete with a chunky potato is a must. And if you don't eat mutton, even a Chicken Biryani is acceptable. The grains have to be long and separate, and have that yellow tinge without fail. Where in Bangalore do you get this biryani? At the puja pandals of course.

4. Chops

No, we aren't talking about lamb or pork chops. These crumb-fried oblong cutlets are one of our favourite evening snacks. It could be made with vegetables (with beet root playing a big role), potatoes, chicken, fish, or mutton keema. Normally, a sprinkle of chaat masalaover the chops is a must. And this is the time when tomato sauce and chilli sauce become very popular - as dips of course.
  

5. Luchi and Mangsho

Little and plump puris made with refined flour, to be eaten with Kosha Mangsho (mutton), is as important a part of the puja tradition as offering the morning prayers. To be honest, we'd eat this on any day. I've found most food stalls at puja pandals not being able to perfect the luchis; it cannot be large and brown. But if you try some of the Bengali restaurants such as Oh! Calcutta or Esplanade, you might get something close to what our grandmothers would make.

6. Mishti

A Bengali festival has to begin and end with sweets. It's the unwritten code of the brotherhood. There's rosogolla, sandesh, mishti doi, and a dozen other kinds of sweets to choose from - and we must try them all (okay maybe not all) during the puja. No bhog is complete without one, and no evening feast is either. Fortunately, there are quite a few sweet shops in the city that sell decent Bengali sweets. Check out Banchharam and KC Das.
  

7. Mishti Pulao

I am not sure whether it's readily available at the puja food stalls in Bangalore, but the delicious Misthi Pulao (sweet pulao), ideally had with a fish curry of sorts, is something worth trying. Typically made with small grained fragrant rice (usually Gobindo bhog), further sweetened with sugar and raisins, and spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, javitri, saffron, etc, it is an absolute treat. You'd probably do best by ordering in from a Bengali restaurant.

8. Chowmein

There is no way to explain this. We love our Chinese, and one trip to Tangra in Kolkata is sort of must during the puja. In Bengaluru, there is no dearth of eating noodles, or rather the chowmein, and chicken is our favourite kind. Bangalore Mandarin, Kim Lee, Beijing Bites, Wang's Kitchen, Chung's and Chung Wah are only a few of the places where you can dig into the oily Indian chowmein.
  

9. Ghugni

This is street food, made with dried yellow or white peas, and is spicy and sweet at the same time. It resembles the masala of a Masala Puri, but only thicker. A sprinkle of chaat masala on top makes it delicious. You eat it just like that, and follow it up with another bowl of it.

10. Samosa and Jalebis

It's a combination to beat plenty of other combinations. The samosa or rather the shingara(made with potatoes and peas), and the decadently sweet jalebis are available in almost all the food stalls in the puja pandals, as well as the sweet shops in the city.
  

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