What can be easily classified as the most flamboyant and colorful festival of India, Holi is here again. Holi is one festival that epitomizes LIFE, celebration, harmony and joy all in one go. India is truly a land of festivals that are globally embraced, that bring people together. This festival especially is loved by young and old alike as it has a lot to offer. From colors to water games, sweets and music and even some legit dosage of BHAANG, Holi has every flavor for everybody.
In today's time celebrating holi means playing with colors and swaying to the beats of popular Bollywood tracks especially dedicated to Holi but the origins of this vivacious cultural mélange are entirely mythological. It goes back to the Vaishnav period where King Hiranakashyaps's son Prahlad emerged victorious over the evil plans of 'Holika' to kill him. The victory became a significant part of our history and came to be celebrated as HOLI.
WHAT TO EAT ON HOLI
Besides colors and celebrations, FOOD is a very significant part of any Indian Festival and as we talk of Holi, how can we not talk about the temptation of GUJIYAS. Gujiyas are sweet dumplings made of flour and stuffed with Khoya and other dry fruits. This sweet delight is then deep fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup to enhance its flavor. In case you are planning to try your own version of Gujiya in the kitchen here is a standard recipe to take inspiration from -
INGREDIENTS
For the dough:
- 2 cups refined flour
- 1 cup clarified butter
- Water to mix
For the filling:
- 1 cup khoya
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp green cardamom - powdered
- 1 Tbsp almonds - finely chopped
- Ghee for deep-frying
For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Method
1. Rub 1/4 cup ghee into the flour and knead into a stiff dough with water.
2. Leave to rest for at least half an hour.
For the filling:
3. Saute the khoya over medium heat till it looks slightly fried.
4. Take off the heat and when it cools, mix in the sugar, cardamom and almonds.
5. Shape the filling into ovals about 21 cm length and 1 cm thickness.
6. Make balls of the dough and roll out into 1 cm / 1/8 in thick rounds. Stuff them up with the filling and flap over. Seal the edges with your finger. You can use a fancy cutter too.
7. Make all the gujiyas in this way. Heat ghee in a kadahi. To check if the ghee is hot enough put a piece of dough in it. If it comes up at once, add as many gujiyas as fit in comfortably.
8. Turn them over and lower the heat to medium. Fry till golden brown on all sides.
9. Make sugar syrup by cooking water and sugar together, till one thread consistency.
10. Dip the gujiyas in it, lift and let dry on a plate.
Your Gujiya is Ready!
WHAT TO WEAR ON HOLI
Wearing white is considered a norm on Holi as it reflects all the colors of gulal that you will play with but you can also try bright colored chaniya cholis, kurtis and even prints to add to the bright vibes. This year since it's our very own heartthrob Alia who is dictating the style statements for Holi with her movie BADRINATH KI DULHANIYA slated to release around the same time, why not get inspired by her style in the movie?
Think Badhani, short kurtis and fitted pants, even ghagras like the yellow one she flaunts in the title track BADRI KI DULHANIYA. These styles are going to be extremely popular for Holi Dress up ideas and we at PEACHMODE have curated some of these especially for you. Don't forget to check out the HOLI SPECIAL COLLECTION for styles similar to Alia's BADRI KI DULHANIYA look.
