Indian Wednesday: Food and Festivals!

Indian Wednesday: Food and Festivals!

Food brings a community together and allows people to connect through various flavors and delicacies. Other than that, a celebration is the best excuse to eat all you can. Numerous celebrations and festivals from India are enriched with mouth-watering sweets and savory meals. Here are a few Indian dishes to try in celebration for Indian Wednesday this International Week!

1. Biryani + Durga Puja

Image from Sand in my Suitcase (2022 Sand In My Suitcase n.d)

Biryani is a classic Indian dish brought from Persia to India. It consists of rice and meat or vegetables that are prepared separately, then combined and slow-cooked in the oven to create this aromatic “dry dish”. Basmati rice is typically used to pair, and the meat – either goat, chicken or mutton – is usually marinated first in yogurt. A variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom add a delicate flavor.

Image from PTI (n.d) 

Biryani is an extremely versatile dish that is served in a variety of festivals in India, notably in Durga Puja. Durga Puja is an important festival in the religion of Hinduism as it celebrates the triumph of the goddess, Durga, over Mahishasura, the demon king. This festival is observed in Bengal, Assam, and other eastern states in India. Occurring during the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, Kolkata Style Biryani is typically served and eaten at the festival. 

2. Tikka Masala + Holi 

Image from Sand in my Suitcase (2022 Sand In My Suitcase n.d)

One of the most popular Indian dishes is Tikka Masala. Tikka Masala is an Indian dish that consists of chunks of meat, which is typically chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices such as: coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves and black pepper. The meat is then roasted over charcoal in a tandoor oven. The meat is then mixed with a creamy orange-colored tomato sauce with paprika and red chili. Tikka masala is a good choice for those who can’t handle hot spices, as its curry is mild.

Image from Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images (2022) 

Holi, better known as the festival of colors, not only celebrates good winning over evil but also the diversity of Indian cuisine. Chicken Tikka Masala is eaten along with several other traditional Indian dishes. Holi is a Hindu festival that commemorates the arrival of spring and is usually enjoyed by worshippers of the god, Krishna. It is celebrated in north India on the full-moon day of Phalguna. During the festival, people throw colored powders and water on each other, making everyone look as colorful and vibrant as possible.  

3. Gulab Jamun + Diwali 

Image from Sand in my Suitcase (2022 Sand In My Suitcase n.d)

To finish a course of meal, you will of course need something sweet and delicious to finish off Indian Wednesday. Gulab jamun is a popular Indian dessert that is based on two flavors: gulab and jamun. Gulab which means rose, and jamun which refers to purple jamun berries, which are similar to blueberries. This dessert makes use of milk solids and flour, consisting of small doughy balls soaked in rose water and green cardamom. Almost like Indian versions of munchkins soaked with enticing flavors. 

Image from Unsplash (2021)

Gulab Jamun is a staple dessert in India and no festival would be complete without it. Diwali is no exception. A major festival in India and several religions including Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, Diwali lasts for a total of five days. It is meant to symbolize light defeating darkness. The festival involves praising the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, or Kali, a Bengal goddess. However the reasons Diwali is celebrated varies from region to region. For example, some see Diwali as Lakshmi’s birthday while others see it as a celebration of the defeat of the demon, Narakasura. In Hindu households, Diwali traditions include lighting diyas (small oil lamps), giving each other gifts, and watching the fireworks.

As we celebrate Indian Wednesday today, it is essential to recognize the richness and magnificence involved in India’s cuisine and festivities. Indian culture has brought together so many communities and we are so happy to highlight this in today’s article. We hope you enjoyed learning about these lovely dishes and learned a bit more about India’s traditions! 


Article by Bella F. (G11) & Naoki K. (G12); Feature Image by Marianne G. (G11)

The views expressed in this article represent the personal views of the author and should not be taken to represent the views of Dragon’s Print and Cebu International School.


Sources:

Biryani By Kilo – Best Biryani Home Delivery. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://biryanibykilo.com/blog-biryani-is-the-feast-for-every-festive-occasion 

Diwali | Definition & Facts. (2022, August 24). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival 

Durga Puja | Festival, Traditions, & Facts. (2022, October 6). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Durga-Puja 

George, J. and. (2022, September 26). The 23 most popular Indian dishes you should try. Sand In My Suitcase. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://sandinmysuitcase.com/popular-indian-dishes/  

Holi | Definition, Holiday, Story, & Facts. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Holi

Holi: The Festival of Colors. (2021, January 13). sidechef.com. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://www.sidechef.com/articles/176/holi-the-festival-of-colors/ 

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