{"id":185938,"date":"2023-11-13T12:26:17","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T12:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indiansapidnews.com\/?p=185938"},"modified":"2023-11-13T12:26:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T12:26:17","slug":"my-maas-diwalis-in-uttarakhand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indiansapidnews.com\/celebrity\/my-maas-diwalis-in-uttarakhand\/","title":{"rendered":"My Maa’s Diwalis in Uttarakhand"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the bustling city of Mumbai, where air quality ranges from poor to hazardous, my Maa’s face lights up at the mere mention of gaonwali<\/em> Diwali.<\/p>\n

It’s a journey that transports her back to the snow-clad mountains of Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, where the air is crisp, and the celebrations resonate with the beauty of tradition.<\/p>\n

For my mother, Diwali in Uttarakhand isn’t just a festival; it’s a cascade of memories that winds its way through Choti<\/em> (small), Badi<\/em>, and Egas<\/em> (Ekadashi, 11 days after Diwali) Bagwal<\/em> celebrations.<\/p>\n

The magic begins with Choti<\/em> Diwali, she narrates with a gleam in her eyes. It is a day dedicated to their cherished cattle. Mornings were spent in the quest for flowers, crafting delicate garlands that adorn the animals.<\/p>\n

She recounts, with child-like glee, how the elders pleaded for a few blooms for their own puja<\/em>. While the elders prepare a feast of sweetened rice, kheer<\/em>, puri<\/em>s, and dal<\/em>, my Maa eagerly anticipated the highlight of Diwali — Gulgule! Those sweet treats melted in their mouths, creating moments of pure joy.<\/p>\n

Generosity is woven into the fabric of Diwali in Uttarakhand. Puri<\/em> production was a grand affair, as they prepared not only for their own celebration, but also to share with relatives and neighbouring villages that weren’t partaking in the festivities. Families in mourning, following a local tradition, refrained from deep-fried items for a year, making the sharing of pur<\/em> is and Gulgules a gesture of compassion.<\/p>\n

The festivities continued with the preparation of pinda<\/em>, a ball made from various millet and lentil flours, dedicated to the well-being of the cattle. Garlands of flowers adorned their noble companions, their horns gently massaged with oil, and the pinda<\/em> offered as a token of gratitude.<\/p>\n

In pre-1990s Uttarakhand, Diwali wasn’t about lamps and firecrackers. Mustard oil, a precious commodity, was reserved for cooking and personal use. Instead, the warm glow came from torches made of chir pine bark, illuminating the hillsides.<\/p>\n

As night fell, the villagers gathered at the panchayat chowk for the spirited game of Bhailu<\/em>. Tied together with a dried creeper, inner shavings of the pine tree transformed into a fiery spectacle. Fire dances on the rope as men and women compete joyously to see who can spin it the longest, the flames casting shadows against the dark mountain backdrop.<\/p>\n

The tradition of Bhailu<\/em> has woven itself into the cultural tapestry of Uttarakhand for centuries.<\/p>\n

Diwali in Uttarakhand resonates with more than just visual beauty; it echoes with the soulful tunes of traditional songs and the rhythmic beats of group folk dances like Jhumeila<\/em> and Chaufula.<\/em> Each step seems to sync with the pulse of the hills, creating a symphony that reverberates through the valleys.<\/p>\n

For my Maa, thousands of miles away in Mumbai, these memories bring solace. Though physically distant, the spirit of gaonwali<\/em> Diwali keeps her connected to the mystic hills of Uttarakhand, painting a vivid tapestry of love, laughter, and longing.<\/p>\n

Here is her recipe of Gulgule. After living in Mumbai for 40 years my Maa has modified the recipe with ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 2 mashed bananas<\/p>\n

Gulgule
<\/strong><\/p>\n

Serves: 5-6<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n