Diwali – The true meaningDiwali – The true meaningDiwali – The true meaningDiwali – The true meaning
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Diwali – The true meaning

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Anjula Devi | Authentic Indian Recipes | Healthy Indian Cuisine
Onions are nothing to cry over!
October 7, 2018
Anjula Devi | Authentic Indian Recipes | Healthy Indian Cuisine | Vada Pav
Vada Pav – Mumbai’s Street Food
October 7, 2018
Published by Anjula Devi
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Anjula Devi | Authentic Indian Recipes | Healthy Indian Cuisine | Diwali

Diwali, also called Deepavali and Divali, which literally means a “Row of Lights.” For Hindus, it is one of the most festive, popular and vibrant times of the year. It is a time filled with light and warmth; a time when Indians all over the world rejoice.

Most importantly, Diwali is a religious and spiritual occasion, when Indians gather with family and friends to offer prayers to Maha Lakshmi. Maha Lakshmi is a goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus pray to Lakshmi for peace and joy.

The story about Diwali is based around triumph over evil, righteousness over treachery, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness.

Humble feasts are prepared by housewives, aunts and friends gathered in the kitchen. These are incredibly diverse and include shakarparas (deep-fried sugar crisps with coconut powder and a hint of cardamom), lentil pakoras, sweet desserts like shrikhand (a chilled pudding made with homemade yogurt), yard long green beans which due to their length symbolise longevity.

 

Historical Background

There are many interpretations of the meaning of Diwali, its symbols, rituals, and the reasons for celebration. In the Ramayan, people learn of Lord Rama’s glorious and long-awaited return to his Kingdom of Ayodhya, after having been exiled for fourteen years in the forests. His devotees celebrated his return with joy and happiness, lighting diyas to welcome him back to his kingdom.

The true meaning of Diwali is the celebration of light, making a fresh start, and new beginnings.

Many people consider that Diwali marks the start of their new year, enabling them to make plans for a new start, a little like new year’s resolutions.

It’s very important just before Diwali that the house is cleaned. It has to be spotless. This is done so that you can sweep out any clutter. It is also a time for people to reflect and free their hearts of anything which has been troubling them or casting a shadow over their lives. It’s so that divine light can then shine throughout your home and your family.

Spiritually the most important part of Diwali is to worship Maha Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Prayers are said to her, asking her for her blessings. The pooja ritual is performed in the evening, when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans (religious songs) are sung in praise of the goddess.

And that my friends is the true meaning of Diwali.
Anjula

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FEMALE CHEF, AUTHOR AND MASTER OF INDIAN CUISINE

Female Chef Anjula Devi is best known for her extensive knowledge of spices, creating delicious authentic Indian cuisine. A respected food writer and author, Anjula started cooking with her father at the age of eight. At that time the ingredients for Indian cuisine were not as readily available as they are now and Anjula travelled on the number 207 bus with her father to Shepherd’s Bush Market where they would buy a selection of spices, fresh fish and Indian vegetables. ​​

ANJULA ON INSTA


Lunch today was a skinny stuffed eggy paratha. Fil
Lunch today was a skinny stuffed eggy paratha. Filled with asparagus, broccoli, fresh ginger, green chilli and tomatoes. I also added a hint of freshly ground cumin & coriander. I called it skinny because I use very little dough. The vegetables are also cooked for a very short amount of time so that you can get the value of all those nutrients. As always if you’d like me to do a full video let me know in the comments. 

#eggs #paratha #stuffed #lunch #lunchtime #eatwell #foodies #nofilter #lunchideas #vegetarian

New improved aloo gobi recipe coming your way soon
New improved aloo gobi recipe coming your way soon…

#improved #lovefood #vegan #veganfood #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianfood #nofilter #aloogobi #foodies

(This is not a paid advert. I simply love shouting
(This is not a paid advert. I simply love shouting about brands that deliver good quality foods) I am totally loving the Maize from @eurostar_foods Makes the best makki di roti, a famous iconic bread from the Punjab India. If you’d like to see full video please leave a comment below. 

#glutenfree #punjabi #punjab #glutenfree #vegan #vegetarian #maize #polenta #nofilter #foodies

Benefits for prepping onions this way…
1, flavou

Benefits for prepping onions this way…
1, flavour explosion 
2, easy
3, No tears
4, Huge time saver
5, bulk cooking
6, very little smell of onions in the house! Although I love the smell of roasted onions! 😂😂

#roasted #time #timesavers #miseenplace #tastyfood #indianfood #nomoretears @mychefskills #flavours #chefs #cooks

Apologies everyone for the delay in getting this r
Apologies everyone for the delay in getting this recipe to you. The recipe is now available just click the link in my bio. Enjoy 

#recipes #anjuladevirecipes #anjuladevi #chole #chickpeas #vegan #vegetarian #foodies #iconic

I think the excitement in my voice says it all….
I think the excitement in my voice says it all…..

I used very little flour as I still wanted all so amazing flavours to come through that you get from Chana masala. I added some extra caramelised onions and some fresh green chilli. The result even though they aren’t the best looking flatbreads - they are by far the tastiest flatbreads I’ve made to date.

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