raksha bandhan festival

Festival time is the most enjoyable time for every Indian family. Every occasion is celebrated joyously together with the entire family. The festive time is the time when the entire place is lit up, and everyone enjoys the occasion. But no festival is complete without delicious items cooked by the ladies of the house. It is during these days that we share our meals with family and friends and have fun. And now it’s the season, for the most celebrated and cherished festivals of India and especially Maharashtra that are Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima.

Narali Bhat | Image Resource : erecipeguide.com

These festivals are celebrated with great pomp in Maharashtra, and various traditional dishes are cooked during this celebration period. One of the most delicious dishes that are cooked during these festivals is the ‘Narali Bhat’. This is a Maharashtrian recipe and is also known as Coconut rice. This dish is very simple to cook. All you need are the following ingredients.

A cup of Basmati Rice
Some shredded or grated coconut, should be fresh
A cup of sugar
Coconut milk and some unsalted butter
A few tablespoons of Pure Ghee
Salt, Cinnamon, Cloves, green Cardamom, all according to the quantity and spice you require.
Some dry fruits like Almond, raisins, etc.

Basmati Rice | Image Resource : healingtomato.com

Grated Coconut | Image Resource : youtube.com

Cup of Sugar | Image Resource : barefootkitchenwitch.com

Coconut milk | Image Resource : kitchen-apparel.com

Pure Ghee | Image Resource : dailyneedsmart.com

Salt | Image Resource : blogs.plos.org

Cinnamon | Image Resource : superhumancoach.com

Cloves | Image Resource : globalhealingcenter.com

Green Cardamom | Image Resource : onlyfoods.net

Almonds | Image Resource : natural-homeremedies-for-life.com

Raisins | Image Resource : planet-science.com

After you have all these ingredients ready, it is very easy to cook the dish. The first step is to wash the basmati rice. Then heat the ghee, add cardamom, a stick of cinnamon and 3 to 4 cloves. Add this to the rice and sauté. Then boil the coconut milk, add a pinch of salt and add some water. When it is boiled, add this mixture to the rice.

Mix well and let the rice heat on medium and let it get cooked for 10 minutes. Now take another pan and create a mixture of grated coconut, sugar and dry fruits. When this mixture starts to cook add some rice, some saffron for colour, and one or two tablespoons of ghee. Mix this mixture with the cooked rice lightly and put it to heat for some more 5 minutes. Let it cool and enjoy your yummy ‘Narali Rice’.

Ready Narali Rice | Image Resource : manjulaskitchen.com

Happy Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima | Image Resource : mykundali.com, kemmannu.com

I have many sisters; some first cousins and some I regard as. This relationship between brothers and sisters indeed is one which cannot be compared to any other relation in this world. Especially with the festival of rakhi round the corner, I am filled with great love and affection for my sisters. The fast paced life of Mumbai seems to have taken its toll on almost all relationships but with Indian festivals like this, I have an opportunity to spend some quality time with my family and especially with my sisters.

Raksha Bandhan Festival (रक्षा बंधन) | Image Resource : updatesnation.com

This full moon day in the shrawan month is celebrated the auspicious raksha bandhan festival. (रक्षा बंधन) I am suddenly going to be the centre of universe for my dear sisters! They would all come to my house in their respective suitable time and in the presence of the entire family, we have the ceremony. She would place a tika on my forehead, do an aarti and tie the humble albeit strong sentimental rakhi on my wrist. Although, we observe it every year but each year, this particular moment never stops being the most moving moment for me.

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The fun part begins now for my sisters treat me royally on this day. She would get me gifts and I would reciprocate with gifts too but wrapped in a promise that I would forever protect her from any harm in this world. All my favourite treats are bought and we have a great feast; all of us. My sister also prays for my well being and my fortune. This Hindu festival indeed brings the families together and amounts for some happy times.

The bond between brothers and sisters is something which is special for everyone. I may be in any part of the world yet come Raksha Bandhan and I am instantly reminded of my sisters. Likewise, they look forward to this day. For the women and girls, the festival of rakhi means frequenting some of the exclusive stores to look for amazing rakhis for their brothers and also buy for him presents. With the blessings of God and elders in the household, rakhi continues to be the most special day for brothers and sisters.