Breakfast, Paratha/Flatbread
Sanika Khadilkar
Aloo Paratha
Aloo Paratha

Festivals

Chaitra Gauri Haldi Kumkum Ceremony

Chaitra Gauri Haldi Kumkum

Chaitra is a first month of the Hindu calender. The first day of Chitra month is 'Gudhi Padwa' which is the Marathi new year. From the third day, Chaitra Gauri goddess (wife of Lord Shiva) is woshipped for one month. It is believed that the goddess Parvati visits her maternal home and stays there for a month. The haldi kumkum ceremony is performed during this one month. The raw mango drink and raw mango dal, or chutney, is the main menu for this ceremony. It is a perfect occassion for ladies and kids to get together and dress up in traditional attire.

Recipe for raw mango dal or Kairichi dal

Recipe for raw mango drink:

Preparations in progress...

Preparations in progress...

Haldi Kumkum

Decorations

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is an auscipious day and new year for Maharashtrian community. It marks the begining of spring. This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra according to Hindu Lunar calendar. It is also celebrated in other parts of India with different names like 'Ugadi' and 'Cheti Chand'.

Why Gudi Padwa is celebrated:

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe. So, Gudi is a symbol of Brahma's Flag. It also symbolizes Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Gudi represents the victory flag. Also, it is believed that Lord Rama returned to 'Ayodhya', his kingdom after completing 14 years of exile. In short, Gudi Padwa is the festival which brings prosperity, good luck and symbolizes victory over evil.

How do we host Gudi:

The important parts of Gudi are:

  • wooden stick
  • Bright colour cloth with brocade
  • Mango leaves or Neem Leaves
  • Flower Garland
  • Sugar candy garland which is also known as Gathi
  • Sliver or copper pot

A plated, bright colour cloth is tied to the wooden stick along with garlands, and leaves. A 'Swastika' symbol with 'Kumkum' (Vermilion) is drawn on the silver pot and it is placed in an inverted position. Gudi is hoasted outside the house in the early morning usually at the time of sunrise. Gudi is worshiped with 'Haldi Kumkum'. Houses are decorated with red and yellow marigold flowers and colourful rangolis. Maharashtrians usually wear traditional attire.

Sugar candy garland

Maharashtrian Traditional Saree and jewellery

Gudi Padwa Special Food:

Any festival is incomplete without a special desserts. There is a huge diversity in India and each community has its own special food prepared for festivals. In Maharashtra, On Gudi Padwa, usually 'Shrikhand-Puri' is prepared in Maharashtrian households. But there are some other desserts which are prepared in different regions of Maharashtra. Some of them are:

Here is my Gudi Padwa Thali:

Puri,Shrikhand,Tomato Saar,Masale bhaat,Koshimbir,Batata Bhaji, Varan-Bhat

Chaitra Gauri Haldi Kumkum:

Chaitra Gauri Haldi kumkum festival is celebrated from the third day after Gudi Padwa for a month. Here are some of the glimpses of my celebration:

https://www.forknscissors.com/recipes/chaitra-gauri-haldi-kumkum-ceremony