DIWALI’S DAZZLING RAZZMATAZZ
As we close down on the countdown to Diwali, traditional meals will be set out in Surti homes to be relished with relatives and friends. While most Surti homes will have fixed meals as per festival of the day, here are some themes that you may add on, to make your festive feasts more fun.
Dhanteras-Diyas and Dhuns-As multi coloured rangolis and the glow from earthen lamps light up your abode, set out the table with floral rangolis with bhajans in the background to set the pious mood of this day.Coulourful flowers can be sourced from shops outside temples around town for an array of aromatic splendor, a perfect welcome to Goddess of wealth. Copperware can be used to serve-Kansar to be relished with sugar powder and ghee as a good omen, along with patra-stuffed aloccacia leaves, gourd and gram vegetable and Gujarati dal with rice.
Kalichaudus-Kajra and Quwalli-The night where kajal is made from lamps, calls for a kajrare gajrare night, get strings of fragrant mogra flowers for guests to wrap around their wrists and a surmadani at the entrance. Play recorded quawallis and lose your soul to the soulful rendering of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen as they lend nasal nuance to Amir Khusro.Karoake along with the maestros. Though tradition calls for a meal of Doodhpak, puri, Juwar wada, Kadhi-rice moli dal and stuffed aubergines with jacket potatoes, this is one night that tikkas and tandooris are savoured.
Diwali-Genda phool and Ghazals-The most important day of the Hindu calendar is meant to be celebrated in the traditional way. As marigolds add wealth to the decor, just the right time for Jagjit Chitra and Farida Khanum take you through a nostalgic journey of memories as you share gifts and game of cards with friends. Use khakhar pan and dadiyas to serve sheero puri batatavada.Set the table with a bright and kitschy organza runner or braided chattai mats. Keep a special menu and array of kiddy meals ready for the young guns. Go slow on the cracker front but has a blast bonding with family.
Bestu Varsh-Silverware and Symphony-Go ahead and use the fancy polished silverware and goblets that are otherwise stored away. As visitors do the rounds greeting saalmubarak, let Beethovan, Chopin and Mozart’s serene symphonies grace the occasion as a backdrop.Lapsi, kela methi bhajiyas, flower vatana and dal rice will be prepared in most Gujarati homes. Make a mixed mithai- chocolate platter to serve the eager guests. Line the drawing room with jasmine during the daytime to enhance the enchantment.
Bhai beej-Crystal and Classical-Bring out the rare crystal collection to lay out Undhiyu, ghooghras, basudi mungdal, kadhi and tuver vatana and turiyapatra. Play Hindustani classical instrumental or vocal. Let sitars, tablas and saarangis lend their wealth to the richness of your relationships. Add desi rose petals to white karoti rangolis.Plan the holidays ahead as you breathe in inscense sticks that atomize the air post the cracker corruption.
Tapi town tattle-Glow and growth.Saal Mubarak.