Indian Army Day: 15th Jan 2013

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Tilgul + Haldi-kunku + Kites = Makar Sankrant

Makar Sankranti may be a day later than usual this year, but the mood in every Maharashtrian home is as upbeat as ever, with families gearing up to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season with traditional  fervour on Monday. Although the hectic pace of modern-day living has slowly brought in changes, the essence of the celebration is very much the same."The day" will begin with bathing in water sprinkled with sesame seeds. Lunch will consist of 'til gul' and 'gulaachi poli' holding pride of place on the table.

No doubt, the changing skyline of Mumbai, courtesy tall towers, and narrow compounds have dampened the thrill of kite-flying. The keen competitions where participants would erupt in loud cheers of 'Bo-kata!' each time a kite string was severed are now restricted to the few open maidans left in the city.Window displays in Dadar are adorned with black saris, for this is a rare moment when black is considered auspicious.

Keeping its theme in mind Abhishek Kapoor's forthcoming film 'Kai Po Che' will have a Makar Sankranti release Too.

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti til laddoos marks a delicious, mouth-watering advent of the New Year! Celebrate with vigour and enthusiasm, as i show how to make these crunchy sweets.

Recipe for til ladoos:

Ingredients:

• 1 small bowl of coarsely ground peanuts
• 1 cup jaggery
• 1 cup til (sesame seeds)
• 1 cup grated coconut
• Finely chopped cashews and almonds
• Cardamom powder for taste, some raisins and clarified butter (ghee)

Method:

• Roast the sesame seeds. Once they turn golden brown, transfer them into a bowl. 
• Roast the grated coconut and transfer into the same bowl. To this, add coarsely ground peanuts. 
• Add finely chopped cashews, almonds and raisins.
•  Put some cardamom powder, according to your taste. Mix everything well. 
• Finally, melt the jaggery with 1 tsp of ghee and add to this mixture. Mix well to make your ladoos.

तिळगुळ घ्या गोड गोड बोला!!
तुम्हाला आणि तुमच्या पूर्ण कुटुंबाला मकर संक्रांतीच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा…!

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