With Gudi Padwa just a day away, The Guide gives you a checklist of items to prepare and savour, where to shop and enjoy seasonal festivities
Gudi Padwa, as the name suggests, marks the first day of the Maharashtrian new year (as per the lunar calendar). On Gudi Padwa, a Gudi is erected in front of the house, on the terrace or outside a window.
A traditional Gudiu00a0
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A Gudi is prepared by tying a cloth with brocade to a bamboo stick alongwith sugar crystals(gaathi), mango twigs, neem leaves and a garland of red flowers. A copper or silver pot is placed atop this in an inverted position. People wear new clothes and greet each other on this occasion.
One of the age-old traditions is to start the day eating bitter Neem leaves along with jaggery and tamarind.
Where to go and enjoy
A feast awaits you
Chef Sachin Joshi is all set with a special menu at Mystic Masala, Vivanta by Taj Blue Diamond. The special preparations will be served in a Thali that will feature traditional dishes such as Surlichi Wadi, Kothimbir Chi Wadi, Dhokla, Matki Chi Ussal, Bharleli Vangi, Cauliflower Mutter Rassa, Amrakhand, Gulab Jamun, Puri and Masala Bhat.
At: Mystic Masala, Koregaon Park.
Call: 66025555
Cultural activities galore
At Inorbit Mall, you can take part on the traditional cultural activities. Check out the 23-ft Gudi installation, watch a Lavni dance, take part in a Rangoli competition, learn Phetta tying, and take part in various contests and games. Plus, there will be a live performance by music band Moksh.
At: Inorbit mall, Nagar Road.
What to shop for
Buy gold jewellery
The festival of Gudi Padwa marks the advent of spring and is celebrated by exchanging gifts with family and friends. Keeping this in mind, Tara Jewellers has introduced a new collection of 22 carat gold with kundan, precious and semi-precious coloured stones and enameling. Using Goddess Laxmi as a motif of prosperity along with traditional motifs, the range is inspired from India’s history and culture. For this special occasion, you can avail of a special rate on making charges at Rs 199 per gram on gold jewellery, which is applicable for the month of April.
At: All Tara Jewellers outlets.
Buy gold jewellery
Orra’s anniversary celebration commences with the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa. According to the Hindu calendar, it’s considered the most auspicious day to purchase something precious. Get up to 25% off on diamond jewellery. Pick up 22 carat gold jewellery with up to 50% discount on the making charges. You can also get flat 50% discount on making charges of silver and gold bars and coins.
At: Orra, opposite Sun N’ Sand Hotel, Bund Garden Road.
What to eat
Gud Papdi
Courtesy Chef Milind Patel — Corporate Chef, O Hotel Pune & Goa
Ingredients
45 gm Whole Wheat Flour
20 gm Besan
40 gm Jaggery Grated
15 gm Poppy Seeds
10 gm Green Cardamom Powder
10 gm Grated Coconut
80 gm Desi Ghee
20 gm Almonds (Slivered)
Method
> Sprinkle the poppy seeds on a greased steel tray and Keep aside.
> Melt the ghee in a frying pan and keep it on a very low flame.
> Add the whole wheat flour and besan to the pan, stirring continuously till it turns golden brown in colour.
> Remove from the flame, cool slightly and add the jaggery, cardamom powder and coconut. Mix well.
> When the jaggery melts and the mixture is still warm, spread it into the greased tray. Spread it evenly; while the mixture is still warm, cut it into desired shape. Garnish with slivered almonds.
Shrikhandachi Vadi
Courtesy Chef Milind Patel — Corporate Chef, The O Hotel Pune and Goa
Ingredients
500 gm Slightly Sour Curd
500 gm Sugar
50 gm Almonds
50 gm Pistachio
50 gm Cashewnuts
Few Strands Saffron
5 gm Cardamom Powder
2 Pc Silver Leaves (Optional)
Method
> Tie curd in a muslin cloth and hang for four hours.
> Slice almonds, cashewnuts and pistachio finely.
> Take sugar, almonds, cashewnuts and hung curd in a heavy-bottomed pan and put on a slow flame stirring continuously till mixture becomes very thick and leaves the sides of the pan.
> Add saffron and cardamom powder, stir for a while and remove from pan.
> Level the above mixture in a greased thali and evenly spread pistachio on top.
> Decorate with silver leaves. Put it in the refrigerator to chill.
> Cut into a desired shape.
Blueberry Shrikhand
Courtesy Chef De Partie Sanil Chandran, Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre
Ingredients
1 cup yogurt or hung yogurt
4 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup blueberries pureedu00a0
Cardamom
Pista, Almond to garnish
Method
> Take the blueberries in a blender. Fresh or frozen can be used.
> Puree using very little liquid or no liquid.
> Take hung yogurt in a bowl.
> Add sugar and mix. Do a taste test and add sugar accordingly.
> Mix well until combined. Hand mix it using a whisk for that traditional touch.
> Add the blueberry puree.
> Add cardamom powder.
> Mix well again. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
> Top with nuts for garnish.
Notes
To get hung yogurt, take yogurt and place in a muslin cloth over a colander and let it drip overnight in the fridge. For one cup hung yogurt use four cups fat free yogurt.
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