Janmashtami

Today is Janmashtami or Sri krishna Jayanthi. This is an auspicious day where Lord krishna's birth is celebrated all over India. Mathura, the birth place of krishna has so much festivities going on this time.

Krishna is also known as "Makkan Chor" or butter thief! Mythology says that he loves butter, milk and poha or beaten rice flakes.

So the pooja offerings mainly includes all three plus a lots of snacks and savories. In the south "Cheedai" is very popular offering for Bhagwan. It is made both as a savory & sweet dish.

It's a belief that krishna as a baby is being born in each and every household. Following that belief, in the south we decorate the floor with kolams and draw baby feet from the front of the house to the pooja room.

Prayers and poojas are offered at dusk or night.

I had a day off today and with my parents help was able to do a small krishna pooja at our home.

I would like to share the recipe of Cheedai with you all!

Here is what you need:

2 cups Rice flour
1 tsp Urad dal flour
1 tsp daliya dal powder
1 tsp Channa dal
1 tsp Sesame seeds
1 tbsp butter
Salt to taste
1 cup water plus as needed
Oil to fry.

• Soak channa dal in a little bit of water for 10 mins.
• Roast the rice flour & urad dal flour till light pink or aromatic.
• Drain the channa dal.
• Add the channa dal, sesame seeds, butter, salt and mix into a dough by adding water little by little till it forms a dough similar to a cookie dough.
• Apply a little oil to your palm and take a pimch of the dough and roll in your palm lightly to form a small smooth ball.

• Finish rolling them and cover with a damp cloth.
• Heat oil in a pan and deep fry these balls till they are nice and golden.
• Be careful when you fry the first batch as some times they may pop and splash a little oil.