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Best Traditional Dishes for a Vibrant Ugadi Festival

Ugadi, the South Indian New Year, is a vibrant festival with colours, customs, and a traditional feast. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, which focuses on resolutions, Ugadi celebrates a fresh start with a symphony of flavours. Dhanush Kumar writes about the unique dishes representing the hopes and aspirations for the year ahead.

Ugadi Pachadi

No Ugadi table is complete without the Ugadi Pachadi. This unique dish is a harmonious blend of six tastes- sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and astringent- signifying life’s inevitable mix of experiences. Each taste is carefully incorporated with ingredients like jaggery, neem flowers, raw mango, lentils, and salt. The resulting concoction is a flavourful reminder that life is a beautiful tapestry woven with joys, sorrows, triumphs, and challenges.

Sweet Beginnings

Ugadi is a time for optimism and new beginnings, reflected perfectly in the sweet dishes gracing the festival table. Puran Poli, a flatbread stuffed with a sweet lentil and jaggery filling, is a warm and comforting treat. Obbattu, another popular option, features flaky flatbreads enclosing a delightful mix of coconut, lentil paste, and jaggery. These melt-in-your-mouth delights symbolize the sweetness and hope we carry into the New Year.

Savoury Delights

The Ugadi menu doesn’t shy away from savoury elements, acknowledging the importance of resilience and strength. Pulihora, a tangy tamarind rice dish, is a vibrant and flavourful symbol of life’s zest. Mavinakayi Chitranna, a raw mango rice dish, adds a refreshing twist with its unique blend of sweet and savoury notes. These dishes, bursting with flavour, represent the challenges and triumphs that shape our lives.

Fritters

Ugadi festivities are incomplete without a generous helping of fried delicacies. Garelu or Vadas are crispy lentil fritters, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Punugulu, deep-friend balls made with rice flour and lentil stuffing, add a delightful textural contrast to the meal. These golden-hued fritters represent the blessings and bounty we hope to receive in the New Year.

A Sweet Ending

As the Ugadi feast draws to a close, a touch of sweetness lingers. Payasam, a creamy rice pudding flavoured with jaggery and nuts, symbolizes fulfilled desires and a happy life. Bellam Paramannam, a flat rice pudding with jaggery and ghee, adds a touch of richness to the finale. These sweet endings represent the hope for a year filled with joy and the fulfilment of our aspirants.

Conclusion

The Ugadi feast is more than just a meal. It is a cultural touchstone passed down through generations. Each dish embodies a philosophy, a reminder of life’s complexities and the beauty of embracing them all. As you savour these delectable dishes, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of tradition and the promise of a vibrant New Year.

March 19, 2024

festival, ugadi

From Rishikesh to Rameswaram: Spiritual Retreats for Gen Z

Many Gen Zs are turning inward in a world buzzing with digital noise, seeking solace and meaning beyond screens. India’s spiritual retreats offer a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary practices, providing the perfect escape for young souls yearning for connection, mindfulness, and adventure. From the serene banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh to the sacred shores of Rameswaram, Dhanush Kumar embarks on a transformative journey that resonates with the modern seeker. 1. Rishikesh- Yoga Capital of the world Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh is renowned for its yoga and meditation centres. Ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda offer immersive programs that blend ancient practices with modern needs. These retreats provide Gen Zs with tools to manage stress, enhance mindfulness, and foster deeper connection with themselves. Don’t miss: 2. Dharmshala-Tibetan Spirituality Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and offers a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Indian spirituality. Retreats here focus on meditation, compassion, and mindfulness, providing young travellers with a serene environment to explore inner peace amidst the majestic Himalayas. Don’t miss: 3. Varanasi- The Spiritual Heartbeat of India As one of the oldest living cities, Varanasi offers a profound spiritual experience. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti, exploring ancient temples, and participating in meditation sessions along the Ghats allow Gen Z travellers to immersive themselves in India’s rich spiritual heritage. Don’t miss: 4. Rameswaram- Sacred Shores and Soulful Reflections Located at the southern tip of India, Rameswaram is a significant pilgrimage site. The town’s tranquil beaches and historic temples provide a peaceful setting for introspection and spiritual growth, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves. Don’t miss: 5. Kanha Shanti Vanam- Modern Spiritual Oasis Situated near Hyderabad, Kanha Shanti Vanam is the headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute. This retreat

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UDAIPUR AND ALL THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT

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God’s Own Country Awaits: The Best Places to Visit in Kerala This Season

Edged by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east, Kerala is rightly called God’s Own Country. January and February are the best months to visit, offering pleasant weather and an escape from the state’s extreme heat and monsoon rains. From serene backwaters to lush hills, Kerala is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Join SAMBHAVI GAUTAM in discovering its breath taking landscapes, and you might just add Kerala to your travel bucket list. Kerala’s diverse attractions span from cultural landmarks to pristine natural beauty. This journey through the state begins in Ernakulam, centrally located, and extends south to Poovar Island, offering a seamless travel route. Each destination has been chosen for its accessibility, ensuring a convenient and enriching experience for every traveller. THINGS TO DO- (1-2 Days) 2) Alappuzha – The smallest district of Kerala, Alappuzha, known as “The Venice of the East,” is a perfect New Year getaway with its scenic network of canals, lagoons, and lakes. While there’s plenty to explore, creating a priority list will help you make the most of your experience. THINGS TO DO – (1 -2 days) Experience the splendid sight of the glowing sun passing through the calm waters of the Ashtamudi Lake which is the prominent attraction of the town. Asthamudi town signifies a total eight islands which jointly contribute to be a significant part of the wetland ecosystem in the area. The town is best for escaping the city rush during the vacations and experiencing the biodiversity featuring mangroves and avian species. THINGS TO DO – (1 DAY) Kovalam beach (95 kms from Ashtamudi towards south) If you love beaches and want to enjoy the sand and the sea, Varkala and Kovalam beaches are your spots! THINGS TO DO- (1 DAY) Located in Thiruvananthapuram

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Why Finland is the Happiest and Smartest Country

Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest and most intelligent countries in the world. It has been crowned the world’s happiest country in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report for several years in a row. Additionally, Finland is known for its outstanding education system, high literacy rates, and innovative thinking. The country’s unique combination of social policies, education system, work-life balance, and connection to nature contributes to its exceptional well-being and intellectual prowess. Hashtag Magazine explores the key factors that make Finland both the happiest and smartest country in the world. 1. The Finnish Education System: A Model of Excellence Finland’s education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. Unlike many countries that emphasize standardized testing and long school hours, Finland takes a different approach. Finnish students enjoy a relaxed and student-centric learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. A. Minimal Homework and No Standardized Tests One of the most striking aspects of Finnish education is the lack of standardized tests. Instead of relying on high-pressure exams, teachers assess students through continuous evaluation. This approach allows children to focus on deep learning rather than memorization. Additionally, Finnish students receive minimal homework, allowing them to have a better balance between academics and personal life. B. Highly Trained Teachers Teachers in Finland are respected professionals, much like doctors or lawyers. Becoming a teacher requires a master’s degree, and only the top graduates are selected for teaching positions. The rigorous training ensures that teachers are well-equipped to handle diverse learning needs and create an engaging classroom environment. C. Equal Opportunities for All Education in Finland is free, from preschool to university, ensuring equal access to learning regardless of socio-economic background. Schools do not compete with one another, and there are no rankings. Instead, the focus is