My Abode in the Colours of Holi

Every festival has its own characteristics and charm. HOLI is one of them. I am basically from Odisha, where Holi is famous for Dola Purnima and Dola Yatra. On this occasion the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are worshiped. The idols are placed in a palanquin locally known as Bimana and is taken out in a procession around the main streets of the city. Then they are worshiped by devotees in most of the house from where they pass by. 

Holi used to be such a Vibrant, Wild, Messy and Adventurous festival. Every one of us has some childhood memories of Holi. Just love playing colours with family, friends and neighbours. As kids we (me and my elder brother) after all the repeated warnings of parents still used to play with all the synthetic colours. Now it is limited to only a formal Holika Dahan in the society where we stay and some family get together. 

Holi was just full of fun and I have clear images of
Holika Dahan a day before Holi,
so many delicious food and thandai,
preparing water balloons and potato stamp by writing Gadha (Donkey) on it,
not able to identify even your known one after playing with colours,
wasting extra gallons of water and time to remove the colours,
a day after Holi showing the after wash still colour full hands to friends in school and discussing who played more with colours this time,
colour coming out of hair still after 7 days of holi,
and many more...

Few pics of this Holi from my home...

Green Gram Fritters - Moong Ke Pakode

Hi there...
I am back with a popular Indian snack for your winter and rainy evenings. Green gram fritters...yes the popular Moong Ke Pakode. It can also be made using Yellow gram but Green gram is preferred at my place, as with skin it's healthier than the former one :) .

Ingredients :
1- Soaked Green Gram 1 & 1/2 cup
2- Gram Flour 1/2 cup
3- Chopped Onion 1 cup
4- Ginger 1 inch piece (Finely Chopped)
5- Green Chilies (According to your taste buds)
6- Salt (According to taste buds)
7- Carom Seeds (Ajwain) 1/2 teaspoon
8- Oil for Frying

Method

Step-1

Soak the green gram for 3 to 4 hours then wash it properly and coarsely grind it. After this mix all the ingredients except oil and make a dough. 

Step-2

Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Then fry the fritters in medium flame till golden brown. 

Step-3

Now it's ready, if you want sprinkle some chat masala on it and serve it with sauce or chutney of your choice. 

So enjoy this easy Indian snack :) . 

What's more required when it's raining outside... feeling chilled inside...loved one by your side...this in one hand and a cup of tea in the other :) .