SIHI KOSAMBARI / KADALAI PARUPPU
SAKKARAI SUNDAL
Navaraatri is the time when the primordial female energy - Shakti - is celebrated with great devotional fervour through out India.
THIS IS A GLASS PAINTING OF GODDESS CHAMUNDESWARI DECORATING THE DOME OF THE BAND STAND IN A PARK AT MYSORE. THANK YOU GUHAN FOR THE BEAUTIFUL CLICK.
All the creations of Devi are represented by clay dolls and are arranged on decorative steps constructed for the purpose. This display of dolls during Navaraatri or Dasara is known as Kolu in Tamil and Bombe kooriso habba in Kannada .
THE LOVELY SKETCH OF NAVARAATRI KOLU IS SPECIALLY CREATED BY YOSEE FOR THIS POST.THANK YOU YOSEE.
Women and girl children are considered as personifications of Mother Goddess. They are revered and treated with a grand feast and taamboolam is offered to them.
Devi , Durga or Shakti is worshipped in the mornings on all the nine days. An auspious bath is given to the Goddess and She is anointed with sandal paste.She is then decked up with new clothes, garlands of flowers and ornaments. Flowers and vermilion are offered ( Archana) while chanting Her one thousand and eight names. Variety rice dishes like pongal, lime rice,tamarind rice and curd rice, lentil fritters (aama vadai) , and porridge ( paayasam ) are offered to her along with fruits, coconut and betel leaves and areca nuts. Finally lamps with wicks dipped in ghee ( Aarati ) are waved in front of her and the pooja is completed.
Evening times are more for social and cultural activities. Friends and relatives are invited for the evening Aarati. A little before 6 P.M. lamps are lit and sweet and savoury snacks are offered to Mother Goddess. The ladies sing and dance in praise of Devi and finally aarati is waved in front of Her.
Men and little boys are also treated with light refreshments. The women and girls considered as The Devi , are presented with a tray of Taamboolam consisting of betel leaves, areca nuts, a coconut, a small box of vermilion,a small packet of turmeric powder or turmeric sticks, a string of flowers, a small mirror, a comb, glass bangles and a blouse piece, which are considered as symbols of auspiciousness. The evening prasaadam is given to them in leaf cups ( donnais ) or paper cups along with the Taamboolam.
Here are a few ideas for the Navaraatri Giveaway Prasaadams starting with Sihi Kosambari.
INGREDIENTS
Bengal gram dal - 2 cups
Salt - 1/2 a pinch
Ghee - 2 tsps
Sugar - 6 tbsps
Cardamom powder - 1 pinch
Fresh coconut gratings - 6 tbsps
METHOD
1.Dry roast bengal gram dal on low flame till it gives out a pleasant aroma.
2. Switch off flame and add 4 cups of water and allow the roasted dal to soak in it for half an hour.
3. After half an hour switch on flame and cook the dal in the same water adding the salt till it becomes soft but not mushy.
4. Drain the dal and keep aside.
5. Heat ghee in a pan and add the cooked and drained dal and saute till dry.
6. Add 3 tbsps of sugar and stir till it melts and becomes dry again.
7. Allow to cool and then mix in the remaining sugar and cardamom powder.
8.Garnish with fresh coconut gratings.
