Tag: Indian festivals

Special Occasion

Dhanteras 2025: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and New Beginnings

Tanisha Cardozo

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with deep cultural significance across India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious day sets the tone for joy, gratitude, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on October 28.

The word Dhanteras is derived from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day. As per Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality). This mythological origin gives Dhanteras a dual significance: it is a celebration not only of material wealth but also of health, well-being, and spiritual balance.

One of the most beloved traditions of Dhanteras is the purchase of precious items—typically gold, silver, and new utensils. It is widely believed that buying these items on this day invites prosperity and good fortune into one’s life. Homes and businesses are cleaned thoroughly and adorned with rangolis, marigold flowers, and earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and good luck.

As evening falls, families across the country perform Dhanvantari Puja or Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, flowers, and lamps while praying for both financial prosperity and good health. In recent years, National Ayurveda Day is also celebrated on Dhanteras in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, recognizing India’s traditional medical systems and promoting holistic well-being.

In the modern era, Dhanteras has evolved beyond its traditional rituals. While many still invest in jewellery and utensils, others are choosing to invest in health insurance, digital gold, electronics, or even wellness experiences. This reflects a shift in how people perceive “wealth”—as something that encompasses financial security, physical health, and mental peace.

At its core, Dhanteras is a reminder to begin the Diwali season with gratitude, intention, and positivity. Whether it’s through lighting your first diya or reflecting quietly on your blessings, the day invites you to realign with the values of abundance—not just in possessions, but in relationships, health, and hope.

As homes across India begin to glow with lights and anticipation, Dhanteras sets the spiritual and emotional foundation for the festive days to come. It’s a celebration of what we have, what we aspire for, and the deep belief that brighter days are always ahead.

Allycaral Kitchen

Celebrate Navratri 2025 with These 5 Delicious & Wholesome Fasting Foods

Tanisha Cardozo

Fasting during Navratri is more than a tradition—it’s a way to detox your body, renew your energy, and celebrate with purpose. But to stay truly active and healthy during the nine auspicious days, it’s important to eat right. Here are five fasting-friendly foods that not only taste great but also provide essential nutrition to keep you going strong.

🥗 1. Beetroot Salad: A Colorful Energy Booster

Beetroot salad is a refreshing, low-calorie fasting meal rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. Add grated cucumber, carrot, or radish for extra crunch. A dash of lemon juice enhances flavor and provides a vitamin C boost. Sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds or sprouts to elevate the protein and healthy fat content.

✅ High in fiber
✅ Packed with antioxidants
✅ Supports digestion

🌾 2. Buckwheat Paratha: Hearty and Wholesome

Buckwheat (kuttu) flour is a powerhouse grain that’s allowed during fasting. Use it to make soft, delicious parathas, best served with curd or a simple potato curry. Cooking it in desi ghee adds flavor and boosts nutrition.

✅ Gluten-free grain
✅ Keeps you full longer
✅ Rich in protein and fiber

🥔 3. Curd Potatoes: Classic Comfort

This simple dish combines boiled potatoes with cooling yogurt. The starch from the potatoes provides energy, while yogurt adds protein and beneficial probiotics. Season with fasting rock salt and herbs like coriander for a delightful taste.

✅ Excellent source of energy
✅ Aids digestion
✅ Cooling and satisfying

🍚 4. Sabudana Poha: Light Yet Filling

Sabudana (sago) is a staple during fasting. Sabudana Poha is made with soaked sago pearls, peanuts, ghee, and mild spices. It’s light on the stomach yet high in carbohydrates, making it a perfect breakfast or snack during fasts.

✅ Easily digestible
✅ High in carbs and good fats
✅ Ideal for an energy boost

🥜 5. Sabudana Tikki: Crispy, Nutritious Snacks

Sabudana Tikkis are made from sago, boiled potatoes, and crushed peanuts. These can be shallow-fried or baked, offering a crispy exterior and soft inside. They’re a flavorful and protein-rich fasting snack.

✅ Great for evening hunger pangs
✅ Crunchy and delicious
✅ Rich in protein and carbs

Navratri fasting is not just a religious practice; it’s a mindful way to cleanse and nourish your body. Including foods like curd potatoes, buckwheat paratha, sabudana snacks, and beetroot salad ensures you stay healthy, energetic, and festive throughout the nine days. Balance your meals, hydrate well, and enjoy the spirit of Navratri with wellness and vitality.

National

Artists and Artisans Bring Durga Puja 2025 Alive with Tradition, Art & Devotion

allycaralgoa

As the festive season begins, India is once again preparing for the grandeur of Durga Puja 2025, one of the country’s most celebrated festivals. In every corner, from bustling cities to quiet villages, artists and artisans are breathing life into traditions that have been cherished for generations.

The festival’s preparations are as enchanting as the celebrations themselves. Skilled artisans delicately craft idols of Goddess Durga, each stroke of their brush adding expression and grace. The most sacred moment comes when the eyes of the Goddess are painted — a ritual known as Chokku Daan, believed to awaken the deity.

Simultaneously, teams of craftsmen and designers are busy constructing elaborate pandals — temporary structures that often rival architectural marvels. These pandals are more than worship spaces; they are cultural showcases blending mythology, art, and innovation.

Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is a symbol of devotion, creativity, and community spirit. Families, neighborhoods, and entire cities come together, weaving a tapestry of faith, art, and tradition. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival continues to inspire millions, transcending boundaries of region and religion.

This year, as the artisans give their final touches, the anticipation grows for days filled with music, rituals, food, and vibrant processions — all in honor of Goddess Durga’s victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja 2025 is not just a celebration. It is living art, faith in motion, and India’s cultural heartbeat.

Entertainment

Indian Actress Sameera Reddy Celebrates Lord Ganesh Utsav at Sardesai Home in Savoi Verem

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy, known for her grounded presence and love for tradition, was seen joyfully celebrating Ganesh Utsav with her husband Akshai Varde at the Sardesai family residence in Savoi Verem. The event, held yesterday, marked the welcoming of Lord Ganesha’s Mangal-Murti into the home with great devotion and festive spirit.

The couple participated wholeheartedly in the rituals, showcasing a beautiful union of faith and festivity. Known for being spiritual and family-oriented, Sameera and Akshai were seen fully immersed in the celebrations, highlighting the enduring beauty of Indian cultural traditions even among today’s public figures.

The home was adorned with floral decorations, devotional music, and the unmistakable energy that comes with the presence of Lord Ganesha. Guests and well-wishers gathered to offer prayers, perform the aarti, and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.

This event underscores the strong cultural connection many celebrities maintain, using their platforms not only to celebrate but also to inspire. As the Mangal-Murti graced the Sardesai home, the celebration became more than just a festival — it became a moment of unity, joy, and spiritual reaffirmation.

Allycaral Kitchen

Ukdiche Modak: A Sacred Sweet for Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

Tanisha Cardozo

Recipe by Sakshi Aiwale

As the beats of dhol echo through the streets and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” fill the air, kitchens across Maharashtra begin their most cherished ritual of Ganesh Chaturthi — making Ukdiche Modak.

A delicacy deeply embedded in Maharashtrian tradition, Ukdiche Modak is a soft, steamed sweet dumpling made as Naivedya (offering) to Lord Ganesha, who is believed to have a special fondness for this treat.

What Makes It Special?

The term “Ukdiche” translates to “steamed,” and Modak means “sweet dumpling.” This divine preparation features a delicate rice flour shell that encases a gooey, flavorful mixture of freshly grated coconut and jaggery, often flavored with cardamom and enriched with poppy seeds or dry fruits.

Making modaks is more than cooking — it’s an act of devotion, a family ritual, and a prayer in the form of food.

🧾 Ingredients (Makes 10–12 Modaks)

For the outer dough:

  • Rice flour – 1 cup
  • Water – 1¼ cups
  • Ghee – 1 tsp
  • Salt – a pinch

For the filling (Saran):

  • Grated fresh coconut – 1 cup
  • Grated jaggery – ¾ cup
  • Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
  • Poppy seeds (optional) – 1 tsp
  • Cashews or raisins (optional) – a few pieces

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps

Step 1: The Filling (Saran)

  • Heat a pan and toast the grated coconut.
  • Add jaggery and stir until melted and combined.
  • Mix in cardamom and optional ingredients.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: The Dough

  • In a pan, bring water, salt, and ghee to boil.
  • Add rice flour slowly while stirring.
  • Mix well, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes.
  • Transfer to a plate and knead into a soft, smooth dough while warm.

Step 3: Shaping the Modaks

  • Grease palms with ghee.
  • Form small cups from dough balls.
  • Fill with 1–2 tsp of filling, pinch to close at the top in a modak shape.

Step 4: Steaming

  • Place on a greased plate or banana leaf in a steamer.
  • Steam for 10–12 minutes.
  • Brush with ghee before serving.

🍽️ Serving the Modaks

Serve warm after offering them to Lord Ganesha. The soft rice shell and warm, melt-in-the-mouth filling make it a divine experience. Best enjoyed fresh with family during the pooja.

🌸 More Than Just a Sweet

Ukdiche Modak is a culinary embodiment of faith and celebration. It connects generations through the shared joy of preparation and prayer. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the aroma of steamed modaks becomes a signal of joy, togetherness, and blessings.

May your modaks be soft, your fillings be sweet, and your home be filled with the divine presence of Bappa this festive season.