DIWALI – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
If you have only heard of one Hindu festival, it’s most likely Diwali. Even if the name is not familiar you may know it by what it celebrates: light. However there is more to it than just putting up lots of lights.
Diwali is celebrated in the autumn with the dates changing each year, according to the Indian lunar calendar. It is also widely celebrated by Indians around the world. Diwali dates back to ancient times in India and is believed to have evolved as a fusion of the many harvest festivals in the area.
Diwali is the festival of light, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Some historical references link it to an ancient legend with this theme. We really need such positivity during this time of the COVID pandemic
People often then decorate with rangoli, pictures made out of colored powder and sand usually made on the floor. Houses are lit up with candles and clay lamps both inside and out. It’s common to do a big clean up or renovation of both homes and offices in the run up to Diwali.
There are prayers, rituals and gift-giving to celebrate the festival. And naturally, there is food.
There are many different things that might be eaten during Diwali, but it is most known for the sweets.
To Celebrate the Festivities below is an Almond and Rose Kheer Diwali Recipe by Chef Avraj Singh Marwa
Almond and Rose Kheer Recipe:
No Indian festivity is complete without a traditional sweet treat and kheer makes for a perfect choice for every celebration! Here is a quick and easy kheer recipe with the goodness of almonds and refreshing rose flavour, which you can try at home.
Ingredients of Almond and Rose Kheer
- 2 Litre full fat milk
- 140 gms rice
- 30 gms sugar
- 30 grms almond flour
- 4 Rose water drops
- 10 gms dried rose petals
- 100 gms almonds
- 25 gms almond slivers
How to Make Almond and Rose Kheer
STEP 1: Soak the rice in water for about 20 minutes.
STEP 2: Heat milk in a heavy bottom pan. After a boil, reduce the heat and simmer till milk is reduced to half of the original volume.
STEP 3: Add the soaked rice after draining the water and cook on low heat till rice is cooked well and the mix thickens.
STEP 4: Add chopped almonds, almond flour and cook for further 20 mins on low heat till the kheer is thick and creamy, add sugar.
STEP 5: Set aside to cool. Once cool add rose water and mix. Refrigerate till serving
STEP 6: Roast some almond slivers in an oven for 180 degrees for 5 minutes, until golden brown. Garnish with slivers and dried rose petals before serving.
Happy Diwali!