Lord Sri Krishna ended the atrocities of the demon Narakasura on this day and rescued the 16000 damsels who were captives of the asura and married them. This is a symbolic story which tells us that the Supreme Power, rescues mankind tormented by the worldly bondage, dispels ignorance or darkness, and leads mankind to supreme bliss and enlightenment.
Photo of fireworks over Chamundi Hills, Mysore, by Guggi Subramanyan
This is a happy occasion for every one to move forward from darkness to light, and to spread happiness all around. Festivities begin with cleaning and decorating of the house the previous day. The huge cauldrons used for heating water for the sacred bath, is scrubbed well. It is then decorated with turmeric powder and kumkum (vermillion powder). The sacred River Ganga is supposed to descend into the bath water on the eve of the festival. It is customary to greet people by enquiring them if they have had their Ganga Snaanam (Ganges Bath) on the Deepavali day.
After the neeru tumbuva habba (festival of water filling) a 
decorated wooden plank (manae) is placed in front of the decorated alter. New clothes which have to be worn after the Ganga Snaanam is neatly piled up on it. A big bowl of Gingelly oil (sesame oil) warmed up with a little Omam (Thymol, Ajwain) is also placed on one side. Just like Ganga is in the bath water, Goddess Lakshmi is supposed to reside in the oil. All the family members wake up well before dawn. The eldest lady of the family performs the 'ennae shastra' – by applying the sacred oil on the head, for all family members. After good oil bath, elders present the family members and all dependants with the new clothes and bless them.
Now is the time for the Deepawali Marundu or Lehiyam. At least ¼ teaspoon of this marundu (medicine) has to be swallowed by every one before binging on the elaborate sweet spread. This marundu contains all the ingredients to protect one from colds and coughs, indigestion and biliousness. One of my best friends is so fond of this marundu, that she relishes only this, and refuses to eat any other Deepawali sweet.
Here is the recipe for the DEEPWALI MARUNDU before you go to burst the first cracker. . .
INGREDIENTS:
Omam (thymol) - 2 tbsps
Coriander seeds – 2 tbsps
Black pepper – 2 tbsps
Cumin seeds – 2 tbsps
Dry or fresh ginger – to make 2 tbsps
Cardamom -2
Ghee – 4 tbsps
METHOD:
1. Warm up all the ingredients so that they can be ground into a fine powder. Roasting is not necessary.
2. Powder all the ingredients as fine as possible.
3. Add water and make it into a paste.
4. Measure the paste, and take twice the quantity of palm jaggery or plain jaggery
5. Cook the paste with jaggery till it becomes slushy, and add little ghee.
6. Cook until soft ball stage and add the remaining ghee.
7. Blend well and switch off flame.
8. When cooled, store in a clean dry bottle.
The Lehiyam or Marundu should be like a thick paste. Over cooking makes it hard. If that happens, it can be cut into small pieces and stored. Any which way, it retains its medicinal value!
WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE DEEPAWALI!
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This post goes to JFI Nov '08 Festival Treats hosted by Srivalli of Cooking 4 all Seasons.
