DUSSEHRA, ALSO CALLED VIJAYA Dashami, is one of the most joyous festivals in India, celebrating Shri Ram's victory over the demon king Ravana. Another narrative associates the festivities with commemorating Goddess Chandi's killing of an oppressive demon. It is celebrated enthusiastically and marks the advent of the season of festive feasting that continues till the New Year. The menu comprises traditional sweets and savouries as well as specialities that are treated as culinary heirlooms.
Banaras, a city famous for its Ramlila, is also known for its malai (clotted cream) based sweets, such as malaiyyo, a lighter soufflé confection, and malai ka pooda, made from a paper-thin sheet of clotted cream packed with dried fruits and nuts and just a few crystals of mishri.
The halwais of Lucknow, who once catered to finicky nawabs, trace their roots to Banaras. Ram Asrey's family takes pride in refining the malai sweets to a sublime level, claiming the creation of the balai ki gilory (balai is the term used for malai in Lucknow). Almost impossible to prepare at home, they are only bought from the legendary halwai shops.
Parwal ki mithai is another unusual sweet. The wax gourd is lightly scraped and blanched carefully, then packed with sweetened, crumbled chhena (curd cheese). Nowadays, most halwais use a filling of mawa, rendering the sweets heavier.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?
Love The Himalayas, But Worried About Its Future? Hear From Three Experts On The Future Of The Region And How It Can Be Protected
EATING MINDFULLY
SUNITA NARAIN FROM THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK WHICH COMBINES THE JOYS OF EATING WITH CARE FOR THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WHO TILL THEM
The Jewels Of Costa Rica
A Long-time Birdwatcher Describes His Travels To The Lush Rainforests Of Costa Rica
WINGED WONDERS
The story of migrating birds is the story of a promise to return, flying thousands of miles beset with dangers.
THE LOOMINARIES
THE ROLE OF THE GREAT REVIVALISTS WHO GAVE INDIA'S TEXTILES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE CANNOT BE STATED ENOUGH. WE TRACE THEIR CELEBRATED LEGACY
KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT
FROM REVIVING TRADITIONAL WEAVES TO CONTEMPORISING THEM WITH MODERN SILHOUETTES, THESE DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE LOOM TURNING WITH A FRESH TAKE ON HERITAGE TEXTILES
SONGS OF THE SOIL
WITH INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FACING THE WRATH OF FAST FASHION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE RALLYING TO REVIVE AND PRESERVE THESE PRECIOUS WEAVES
CRAFT CRUSADER
THROUGH HER TEXTILE EXPLORATIONS ACROSS INDIA, DR PRITHA DASMAHAPATRA HAS BEEN PRESERVING ANCIENT CRAFTS, EMPOWERING ARTISANS, AND INSPIRING TRAVELLERS TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HYPERLOCAL EXPERIENCES
ON THE GRID
THE VIBRANT MADRAS CHECKS, NATIVE TO SOUTHEASTERN INDIA, HAS NOT JUST TRANSCENDED BORDERS BUT ALSO TRADITIONS AND STYLES
GOLDEN SILK
THE PROPERTIES THAT MAKE MUGA SILK UNIQUE COULD SEE IT BEING USED IN THE BIOFUELS AND MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE