Ramblings Only

Highlights

Full fledged cooking all through the weekend. It started off with an elaborate plan, but slowly as time progressed and stomachs started grumbling, postponed a bunch of items to be made to the next day.

Made Kesari for the first time. I made two batches, the first batch being just rava and sugar and kesari powder, and the second batch drenched with ghee and cashews and raisins. Friends who came to visit us named them sumaar kesari and super kesari. They liked the sumaar kesari also, hence saving me the trouble of dumping the stuff in the trash, instead went into their stomachs. :--D

Attempted to make Medhu Vadas. I followed the instructions at the back of the instant mix packet, but somehow the consistency of the mixture did not allow me to make the medhu vada with a hole in the middle. How the heck do they put the hole in the middle and how the heck do they manage to drop it as such in boiling oil. Its still a mystery to me. Also realized we couldnt take too much oil, or stuff drenched in oil.

Got small diyas, the authentic clay ones, no jing bang colored ones, and lighted them in the night, with the oil and thiri and all that. The patio looked so beautiful. This was not originally in my Diwali agenda, but I got an email forward stating the reason behind lighting the diyas. I was inspired. Here is a gist of it.

"The message of Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya (from darkness unto light) is given through the festival of Deepawali to all peoples of the world. During the night of Deepawali the myriads of little clay lamps (diyas) seem to silently send forth Deepawali messages: Come let us remove darkness from the face of the earth. This is not the work to be done by one dia or by one individual. It requires collective effort. In the diffusion of light the question of high and low is forgotten. This is the lesson taught by both small and big diyas

The second message of the burning diyas is to destroy the difference between rich and poor- the destruction of discrimination based on poverty and wealth. The burning dia, whether in a palatial bungalow or in a grass hut, is a symbol of this unity. The wall of separation based on economic status cannot prevent the penetration and spread of the light of the dia.

The third message of the burning diyas of Deepawali is to kindle the extinguished lights of our neighbours. Let us find out what is needed- whether there is a shortage of wick or oil- and just by a little help the neighbour's lamps can be lit. One dia can light several others. A little charity can bring joy to countless others.

The lights of Deepavali are displayed at the entrance doors, by the walls of houses, in the streets and lanes. This means that the inner spiritual light of the individual must be reflected outside. Passersby may thereby be prevented from stumbling on their way to reach their destination."

Actually that is the whole forward, I couldnt leave much out of it.

Went to the temple all dressed up. I wish I were just a little thinner, to have been able to fit into my blouses, from wedding days, I would have worn my wedding saree, but that has to wait. We were a little too late so the yummy prasadham got over by the time we reached the head of the line. :--( That was a big bummer.

Made vermicilli paayasam on Sunday for lunch. This also came out pretty decently. But after lunch everyone was so full, no one had space for dessert! So packed whatever was left for brother and DH to share with their friends. DH's friends had some today at lunch and it seems all of them said it was Yummy. :--) I am obviously very happy.

All in all it was probably the best Diwali away from home. From visiting families where I could get osi yummy food for occasion, I am happy my home has become one such place where others can come for good food :--)

Deliberately turned down potluck invites. Wanted the day to be as close to how it would be at home.

There are a few things I missed:

Waking up to the sound of Laxmi vedis.
Looking out at the smoke filled streets.
The vedi paper filled roads, waiting to be cleaned.
Spotting rockets in the sky and watching them burst.
Extremely delicious sweets from all neighbours in huge plates.
Watching TV programmes all day one after the other, with a Crazy Mohan show and a Kushboo Petti, and a Patti Mandram.

We crossed our 18 month - 1.5 yrs of wedding milestone on Sunday. DH still likes to watch me sleep, so I am happy. :--)

Have a good week everyone!