Diwali

Yagna from India says: “My favorite day is Deepavli. We burst crackers on the day. We go out and visit our relatives. We eat sweets and savories. We buy new clothes and wear. We give present to our kith and kin.”

On Tuesday October 28, 2008, over a billion people celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali. Diwali, or Deepavali, is a major Hindu holiday, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In India and Nepal, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival and is enjoyed by most, regardless of faith.

The great legend of Diwali explains that it is the homecoming of Lord Ram of Ayodhya, after a 14-year exile in the forest, after he defeated the evil and demonic Ravan. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Ram by lighting rows of lamps. “Deepawali” literally means rows of lamps. The third day of this holiday is celebrated across the globe as the “Festival of Lights,” where interestingly the lights signify victory of good over the evil, and uplifting of spiritual darkness within every human being. It is celebrated on the new moon day, or the fifteenth day, of the month Kartika. On the day of Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Some business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day. Celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness, Diwali is celebrated through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. Homes are lit up with oil lanterns and people take part in playing with sparklers, rockets, and fire crackers. The more noise the merrier.

Gulab Jamun Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bisquick
• 2 cup Carnation Powder
• 2 cup Water
• 1 1/2 cup Sugar
• 4 pods Cardamom Seeds
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 6-8 drops Rose Water
• 1/8 cup Yogurt
• 1/2 cup Milk
• Oil

Method

• Heat butter and pour in a bowl. Add bisquick, carnation powder and yogurt and blend together. Knead well adding milk if necessary.
• Make a smooth ball, cover and let rest for around 30 minutes. Make 12-14 small balls.
• Heat the water, add sugar, and bring to boil, add cardamom seeds and simmer.
• Boil, then simmer to reduce the water by half. Heat the oil until hot and fry the balls to a golden brown or until they are dark brown, almost black.
• Soak in sugar syrup for a few hours until they double in size
• Serve hot or cold
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Happy Diwali!