Entire India is ready for Dasara aka Navratri. In Southern states, it is celebrated as Dasara, celebrating Rama’s victory over Ravana. It is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. As epic Ramayana describes the story of Rama. Rama was the prince of the Ayodhya kingdom banished into the forest by his step mother’s wish. While in the forest, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Rama, assisted by an army of monkeys and Lakshmana, attacked Lanka to rescue her. The fierce battle went on for days between the two armies. It was difficult for Rama to kill powerful, compelling mighty Ravana. So he prayed for nine days to nine different avatars of goddess Durga and grew strength to defeat Ravana.
Archives for September 2017
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Onam
Onam is celebrated in the state of Kerala, in southern India. Onam is a 10-day harvest festival, also welcoming of the great King Mahabali. It’s a festival of rich in tradition, culture, food, rituals, and heritage. Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar – state of Kerala, India. Though the important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam) in 2017 is on September 4, the festival starts 10 days before Thiru Onam, on Atham (August 25).
In the state of Kerala, India, Onam is a high spirited festival. Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kottayam cities burst with colors, pookalam, the flower arrangements, prayers, traditional dance, music, and procession.
Spicy Chinese yam stir fry
Chines yam, though native to China, it is widely cooked in Japan, Korea, Vietnam. Chinese yam can be eaten raw, baked, fried and in soups. In its raw form, it is bland. Chinese yam is used in Chinese herbal medicine, traditionally to treat disorders related to the stomach, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. You will not find Chinese yam often in western countries. Do not miss if you find them. I published a home-made spice powder recipe earlier which instantly makes any dish flavorful and tasty. I used that spice powder. If you don’t have it, you can replace with salt, chili powder, coriander powder and grated coconut.
Stir fry is a way to pan-fry vegetables in a small amount of fat. Though they are completely cooked, vegetables remain firm and healthy. Stir fried vegetables is a quick, healthy and colorful dish that can be added to lunch or dinner or even served à la carte.
