Happy Parent's Day !!

Wishing You all a very Happy Parent'sDay !!

We Turned "3" It's time to Celebrate!!

I am Happy today; very soon My blog turned three years.Happy to share this news and If I start remembering my past experiences of doing my bog with present ,it changed  me a lot in  thinking and searching about what to post,specials,devotional things etc.

This work of my sharing through blog to readers,friends,bloggers ,each and every one I am thankful to you all.My forgettable experiences with my blog is comments sent by and e-mail by followers ,friends etc;improved me not to stop updates,being kept busy in doing variety of recipes and waiting for the time to post.I made few friends through my blog and they supported me.

Anyhow,as I don't know about cooking much  before,now I am good in cooking and getting new ideas in preparing the recipes.

The Caption of my blog "Flavours Of India"....impressed me a lot and so started Journey not only with the recipes and everything I known in every aspect decided to update in my blog as an Indian about the things of India what I know.

Thanks a Lot to Google Search Engines and other Service providers for making my blog to be in the search.I want to continue the Divya's Cooking Journey Further and waiting to see how it reaches and takes me.

All my Love is to  my Children,as they allowed me to sit infront of the device ,So I am able to post and today I can see a lot of content in my blog and feel very happy for the work I did.They didn't disturbed me.Even though the work is done by me ;always good support in thinking and doing everything makes us more happier than waiting for the Success or result.

Finally,I thanks a Lot to my Family members and realtives as they helped in much in sharing their stories ,morals regarding the Festivals and Devotion.Through them I came to learn a lot of Devotional Songs ,Function songs,and many things which I didn't see in any other blog those Songs.

I wish  all the best to the Blog !!Happy Blogging.

Aashadam Specials Event Results!!

Hi Friends,First of all I am very happy as today is Guru Purnima,Vyasa Purnima.I wish you all a very Happy Guru Purnima ,Hope you might all seen the my previous post regarding Guru Purnima.

Today,I think and feel that because of my parents and the" Guru" who taught me education and made me learning everything of my goodness,I am able to know around me and all the things.

Parents are the First Guru to me.

Coming to the results of My blog Ist event on Aashadam Specials,I announced to my torrance friends by posting it on my facebook wall,I hoped that any one may come to share about this.As,I expect that every one re very busy with their daily schedule with children and no extra time to share it through mial,or phone call.Only I got from Kalyani and later I collected from people whom I met.But I have answers for the Event!!

Thank You So much for seeing my blog and for participation.

Here it goes........

I got an e-mail posting a picture of Indian Food from one of my Friend Kalyani.Thank you Kalyani for participating and sharing the picture of your recipes.She is the first person posted to mail.

She said that ,some friends are invited to her home for lunch.On the same day she seen the Event posted by me on blog.She sent her recipes with a picture.

The recipes are Pudina Pulav,Custard,Tomato Chutney,Fried Chips.Here is the Picture.

Next coming to my searches and queries asked by me to people who I met one aunty at the Victor park she shared her views with me ,but she was very happy after hearing about my blog event regarding the Topic.When I meet her next time I ask her name and mention it.But I remember she is the mother of Sirisha.Hope Torrance friends of Anza might be known her.

Here is  her description.

• In the month of Aashadam ,ladies will apply Mehendi leaves paste as wishing their future to be bright and good.(Muttaiduvu)
• Four sundays of Aashadam Month Ladies will eat Munagaaku pappu.
• During this month only Veda Vyasa Purnima,Guru Purnima,Puri Jaganath Rathayatra will be performed
• Hyderabad/Secunderabad celebrates a Bonala Panduga.
• Tholi ekadashi festival starts in this month indicating this is the FirstFestival.
• Newly married Couple will not go to their In-laws place as it indicates some symbol of bad.

From my apartment,I gathered some more information from respected old Woman.I called her Mamma garu.She helps me in clearing all my doubts regarding Devotion.I feel happy to meet and known the things which even I didn't known from my parents and In-laws too.

• Aashadam means every one says this month is not suitable for any good things to perform like Marriages,House Ceremony ,Functions etc.
• We celebrate the Veda Vyasa Purnima in this month ,the Guru Purnima describes the relationship between the master and the disciple.
• During this month ,newly married couple don't go to visit or stay at their in-laws place.
• This is performed for every one by the Hindhus as a tradition.
• Next is ladies will apply Mehendi leaves paste symbolise the Muttaiduvu.
• During this month rains start so no one will comes out for any Function if we perform ;so says Aashadam not suits for any good thing.
• Tholi  Ekadashi festival also comes during this month.
• Most of the insects starts coming out from the leaves and the starts eating the green leaves etc.
• So ,green leafy vegetables are avoided,next stomach pain comes mostly if potatoes,taro root,brinjal during this month.
• So these are vomitted.
• Chaturmas Vratam will starts from this month.
• Tholi Ekadashi festival symbolizes that it is a Fisrts Festival and soon one by one the festival starts with GuruPurnima,SravanaMasam,KrishnaAstami.
• Rakhi Purnima,Vinayaka Chavithi,Dasara,Diwali,Kartika Masam.
• My question to her was ,why some region of people take Pelala Pindi as prasadam on Tholi ekadashi day.She explains that how the pop corn sounds likie that all the bad thoughts in our mind should be gone away ,elachi indicates the good smell and gives the flavour and the jaggery itself indicates to be sweet.

Finally ,the answer and the things what I known about this Aashadam month from my child-hood to present was.

• Applying Mehendi leaves paste to hands and legs and comparing with friends ,saying that I get colorful husband if it gets bright and nice red color.
• Aashadam damaka and offers will be specially given at shopping malls.Later I understood as no one comes to purchase shop owners started selling all the old stock varieties by applying discounts.
• Also new stock for the coming Sravana Masam.
• Tholi Ekadashi festival comes as a First festival and eating Pelala Pindi as a Prasadam.Visiting to  a temple on that day.
• Next I known was Puri Jaganath ratha Yatra seeing on the Television Live cast.
• Guru Purnima,Vyasa Purnima comes in this month,describes to chant/Pray to our beloved Guru with respect.
• I believe Sri Shiridi Sai Baba as My guru and I obey him.Next is I met one Swamiji at Pileru in the year 2010 and I got Guropadesam from him on Guru purnima.He is my next Guru and I said about his teaching to some of my friends in the Torrance too.
• On Gurupurnima day I wish him and take his blessings .
• At vijayawada and some other temples Goddess will be decorated as  Saakhambari Avataram for 3days.
• Devotees will bring vegetables and fruits to temple and very nice decoration is done during this Aashadam month and full rush will be at temples.
• Today ,I decorated with few vegetables and fruits to Sri Lalitha Ammavaru and Sri Shiridi Sai baba.
• Some more interesting things I known is newly married couple are not allowed to be with their inlaws especially daughter-in-law should not stay with her mother-in-law house  and son-in-law also.
• Mehendi leaves paste will not show good color if a lady is applied at their Mother in laws place.I believe this as I experienced .
• Next all the flies will be seen more during this Aashadam Month.
• No festivals,Functions So everyone will be busy and punctual doing their daily activities with no other extra things kept in their mind.

Hope friends,the things which I am posting in this blog today you all may known .Thank You for Visiting my blog .

Here are the Photos taken by me at my home.

Finally I want to Thank You friends for your Likes and shares on my post in the Facebook.Sandy and Madhavi Suresh special thanks from me dear!!

GuruPurnima ,Vyasa Purnima 2013 is on July ,21.

Guru Purnima Story

The story of Guru Purnima celebration is related to Ved Vyasa,the author of the mahabharata and Brahma Sutras.He was born on this day to sage Parashara and a fisherman's daughter Satyavati.Hence,this day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima.He divided the Veda,namely Rig,Yajur,Sama and Atharva for easy understanding of people.Hence,he is revered as the Guru of all Gurus.All the prayers made to respective Gurus reach Vyasa on this day.The priceless gift of written Bhagavat Geeta is also a gift for the mankind from Veda Vyasa.

To celebrate the birthday of the supreme perceptors of all time,Guru Purnima is celebrated.

Guru Purnima Mantra

Amantra that is specilaly used on this day is:

"Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnuh Gururdevo Maheswaarah |

Guruh-Saakshat Parabrahma Tasmai Shrigurave Namah ||

Meaning:

 The Guruis Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva),veneration to the Guru who is parabrahman manifest.

The above written lines, fully describe the significance of a teacher in life of a person. The Purnima of Ashad Shukla Paksha is called Guru Purnima. It is also called Vyas Purnima. Tradition of celebrating this day is carried on since ancient days when students used to have education in Gurukul. This day, Pujan of teachers is performed. There are given special welcoming and respect. 

Person should wake up early in the morning and complete all his routine work like bathing etc. Then he should go to meet his teacher. Guru should be seated on a high pew and given respect. Money, fruits, flowers, clothes etc. should be donated, according to the capability of an individual. Worshipping teacher increases wisdom of an individual. 

India is an ancient and traditional country. Here, Guru is worshipped before God. On Guru Purnima, teacher is given respect and their blessing are taken by offering them Guru Dakshina.

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyas Purnima. On this occasion Vyaso Narayana, the Guru of world is worshiped. Hence, this day of Guru Puja is called Vyas Puja. In order to walk on the path of knowledge and goodness in life, it is must to have a teacher.

Guru Purnima Utsav

On Guru Purnima, birthday of Maharishsi Vyas is celebrated in whole with full excitement. It is considered auspicious to worship Guru and have their blessings on this day. By the blessings of Guru, a person leads his life on a spiritual path.

The relationship between Master and disciple is purely a spiritual connection which is not effected by their ages. This relationship of devotion is based on maturity and manhood. Student should always have a feeling that by the guidance of master, he will have a spiritual growth and teacher should think to do the mental welfare of his disciple. 

Guru Puja is a day of bowing to the spiritual connection between teacher and student. If teacher would not have told about the significance of becoming a human and the made them have the knowledge of soul, then no one would have had the vision of soul.

Guru Purnima Agricultural Importance

On the day of Guru Purnima that is Vyas Purnima, natures air test is taken. It is useful for agricultural  and gardening work during monsoon. Vyas Purnima is considered favorable for air test. This day, prediction is made for the new crops by testing monsoon. And, drought and flood condition for the next 4 months is forecasted. India is country of agriculture. Hence, this day becomes more significant.

Maharishi Vyas Jayanti Mela

Maharishi Vyas composed the great Granth, Mahabharata. Additionally, he wrote 18 Puranas, Srimad Bhagwat, Brahma Sutra, Mimansa etc. He was the son of Rishi Parashar, father of astrology. Srimad Bhagwat Geeta is a part of Mahabharata. On this occasion of Guru Purnima, fair are organised in many parts of the country.

Guru Purnima Importance

Guru is given a higher position then God, because of his qualities and qualification. Guru is called Brahma. Teacher gives a new birth to his students. Guru is true Mahadev because he forgives all flaws done by his disciple.

In India, Guru is given spiritual, religious and political significance. During the times of trouble, teachers have shown a new path to this nation. They do not just a teacher but, they tell a person that how to come out from any kind of problem and danger. 

Guru takes an individual to light from darkness. In simple words, he can be called the mass of knowledge.

Things To Do on Guru Purnima

There are offerings made to the Guru believing that Guru alone can show the path to truth.

• All aspirants awake at Brahmamuhurta (early in the morning) and chant prayers to respect their Guru.
• During the day,the worship of the Guru's Feet should be done.
• Sadhus and Sannyasins should be given food.
• Devout disciples fast and spend the whole day in prayer.
• One should meditate upon their Guru's Form.
• Floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given to honor the cosmic Satguru Ved Vyasa.

Please try to see the following Links to know more information about Ved Vyasa .

This one I got from Eenadu telugu News paper ---Antaryaami.

Tholi Ekadashi 2013 ....Happy Tholi Ekadashi Wishes to all !!

Toli Ekadasi is the name given to the Ekadashi observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Ashada or Ashara Masam (June – July) in Andhra Pradesh and by Telugu speaking community around the world.

In 2013, the date of Toli Ekadashi date in Telugu calendar is on July 19  Friday. This Ekadashi is also known as Deva Shayani Ekadasi or Hari Sayani Ekadashi and the Chatur Mas Vrat (four holy months in Hinduism) begins from the day. The night time of Devas begins on this day and it believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep from the day.

The fast is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu. The fast is broken on the Dwadashi day by eating fruits.

It is popularly believed that by praying and observing Toli Ekadashi will help in a person from redemption of sins. All the normal fasting rules associated with Ekadashi fasting is observed on Toli Ekadasi day.

The day is of great significance to the farming community as they begin to sow seeds after the first rains on Toli Ekadasi day.

Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.

When to start Ekadasi Fasting?

Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.

Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method

Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi

Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer

1. A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
2. Fruits
3. Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
4. Yellow bananas and other normal puja items

Observance

• Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
• Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
• Pray or meditate for few minutes.

If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.

Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.

Ekadasi Fasting

• Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
• If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
• Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.
• Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day. (What food can be eaten on Ekadasi for those observing partial fast?)
• Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.

Afternoon,Take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Evening Prayers

Take a bath in the evening.

Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu

Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.

Prayers for Ekadashi or Click here (Contains prayers,prasadam)

• Vishnu Ashotharam
• Vishnu Sahasranamam
• Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana

Or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna

No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at Night

Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at night

Next Day Morning

The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.

My past experiences from my childhood regarding this festival was applying mehendi leaves paste on palms of hands and legs previous day.

Having a head bath,Wearing new clothes,praying god,visit to a temple,having Pelala Pindi as Prasadam.

The story in brief was known when I got married and the google search Engine and many other blogs regarding Hinduism and it's festivals helped me to know the importance of festivals etc.So that as a reader ,I am able to post the content what I knew.

So friends,enjoy the Festival day by chanting Mantras .Have a wonderful festival  with all ur Family.

Finally I wish you all my friends with a very Happy Tholi Ekadashi !!

Here you can find the few links about this Festival in Telugu .I like those to share ,Have a Wonderful look friends(Telugu Lovers) to this .

http://mana-samskruthi.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post.html

http://durgeswara.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_3803.html

http://eenadu.net/Editorial/Antaryamiinner.aspx?qry=180713anta

Welcome to Share about Aashadamaasam Specials!!(My blog's 1st Event)

Hi Friends,Divya's Cooking Journey invites you all my friends,blog readers,followers each and every one who likes to see my blog to participate in an Event called "Aashadam Specials".

Nothing to worry simply you can participate this simply by sharing through your mails to divyascookingjourney blog.I include your sharings by your names.This Event is conducting why because ,when I was a non-blogger I shared my recipes through mails to some other blogs without expecting any thing from them simply sharing my things ,interests regarding to the event.

In this part,I really want to appreciate Charitha Kollipara (Jo).She is my blogger friend,later we became too close .She gave many ideas regarding the blog work.

So Friends,this is the month called "Aashadamasam" many things will be there about this month.Whatever it may be you can e-mail to ksikhakolli@gmail.com.No special rules friends to participate like adding my link for the bloggers etc.

Feel free to mail us about your views and opinions.

My main idea was bringing the people ideas and thoughts shared by them through my blog.

One non-blogger from Tirupati her name is Sasi ,asked me can you give some space to friends like her to share in my blog.So now got an idea to help/use it like this.

But friends no competition like winners.All are well appreciated.So hurry friends to participate.Soon I post about this event on Monday (7/22/2013).Feel free.

One important thing is mention your name and mail Id properly .

This event starts from now onwards i.e;7/15/2013(Monday) to 7/17/2013.(Wednesday)

Ghee & Dal Rasam

This is a very simple and easy Rasam for children.Try this  and no need of adding tomatoes or any  instant or homemade rasam powder also.Adding of Ghee to the seasoning tastes good; Hope Friends you all may like it.

Ingredients:

• Kandipappu/Toor dal-1/4 cup boiled
• salt to taste
• Turmeric powder- a pinch
• Red chilly- 1 no
• Mustard & Cumin seeds- 1/2tsp
• Curryleaves- few
• Ghee-1/2tbsp
• Hing/Asafoetida-a pinch

Cooking Method:

• Clean the Toor dal /Kandiappu and let it cook with water in  a pressure cooker for 4 whistles.
• Mash the Dal with the spoon.
• Heat a vessel with Ghee and add the seasoning.
• Add the Mashed dal along with water.
• Add salt and turmeric powder.
• Mix well and let it boil for few minutes.
• When the Dal rasam starts rises switch off the flame.
• Serve it with rice!! Enjoy the taste!!

Baby Potato,Carrot & Green Beans Curry (Colorful Curry For Kids)

The combination of Baby Potatoes,Carrot and Green Beans tastes good and also attracts for the Children   with all the colors ;also while serving them.I liked this recipe .Hope you might also like this.Here goes the recipe.

Ingridients:

• Baby Potatoes - 10 no
• Green Beans- 1/2 cup chopped
• Carrot-1 small chopped
• Salt to taste
• Turmeric- a pinch
• Red Chilli powder-1/2tsp
• Onion- 1 small chopped
• Oil-1tsp
• Curryleaves-3no
• Cilantro/Kothimeer- few to garnish

Method:

• Clean the Baby potatoes,carrot and Green beans well under water.
• Chop well the green beans and carrot.
• Steam cook the beans,carrot and baby potatoes.
• I cooked by adding salt in a vessel without water for 1 whistle in the pressure cooker.
• Add oil in to the pan.
• Heat it and add cumin,mustard seeds,curry leaves,turmeric and finally add the chopped onions.
• Cook it well.
• Now add the cooked Baby potatoes,carrot and Green beans.(baby potatoes peel off is optional)
• Add salt and red chilli powder and mix them well.
• Finally add fresh Cilantro leaves .
• Serve it along with a rice or roti or Chapati.
• Enjoy it!!