In India, there are numerous festivals. Right from new year celebration, every month there is one or the other festival. And to add on it, there are one or more number of delicious food items to celebrate these festivals. So, in every household, people look forward to these dishes.
My mom used to be on toes in this routine, she still does. First of all, they know English as well as Marathi calendar, wherein they know which festivities is about to come soon. So their kitchens are ready and prepared. Name a festival and all required items are available. For us, it’s more of long holiday or Saturday Sunday thing than celebration. So, most of the festive cooking is done on a rest day, be it festival or not.
Not to think of, we seriously have a lot on list… Gudhi Padwa (गुढी पाडवा) marks the New Year in the Marathi calendar (Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada). Celebrated with a Gudhi (flag with kalash) outside homes, symbolizing victory and prosperity.
Ram Navami (राम नवमी), Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama in the month of Chaitra. Devotees fast, sing bhajans, and read the Ramayana.
Ashadhi Ekadashi (आषाढी एकादशी), A major festival in Pandharpur, dedicated to Lord Vitthal (Vithoba). Warkaris walk in palkhi processions chanting “Vitthal Vitthal”.
Nag Panchami (नाग पंचमी), Worship of snakes, celebrated in Shravan month. Women offer milk to snake idols or real snakes for blessings.
Raksha Bandhan / Narali Pournima (रक्षाबंधन / नारळी पौर्णिमा), Fisherfolk worship the sea and offer coconuts before the fishing season. Sisters tie rakhi to brothers for protection and love.
Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी), Celebrated in Bhadrapada month, worshipping Lord Ganesha.* Huge public pandals, aartis, and visarjan (immersion) ceremonies take place.
Kojagiri Pournima (कोजागिरी पौर्णिमा), Celebrated on the full moon of Ashwin month, honoring Goddess Lakshmi. People enjoy masala milk under the moonlight.
Diwali (दिवाळी), The festival of lights in Kartik month. Includes Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Poojan, Padwa, and Bhai Dooj.
Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांती), Marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn in Pausha month. People exchange tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets).
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