Kichadi

Avial (Malayalam: wikt:α┤àα┤╡α┤┐α┤»α┤▓α╡ìΓÇì; Tamil: α«àα«╡α«┐α«»α«▓α»ì, pronounced [a╩ïijal]) is a dish that has a unique place in typical Kerala as well as Tamil cuisine and Udupi cuisine. It is a thick mixture of vegetables, curd and coconut, seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves. Avial is considered an essential part of the Sadya, the Keralian vegetarian…

Pachadi (Telugu: α░¬α░Üα▒ìα░Üα░íα░┐, Malayalam: α┤¬α┤Üα╡ìα┤Üα┤ƒα┤┐) refers to a traditional South Indian side-dish. Broadly translated, it refers to food which has been pounded. The definition of the word ‘Pachadi’ is different among different South Indian regions. While in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, pachadi is a side-dish curry similar to the north Indian Raita, in Andhra Pradesh,…

Pickles (Hindi: αñåαñÜαñ╛αñ░, Urdu: ╪º┌å╪º╪▒) are made from certain individual varieties of vegetables and fruits that are chopped into small pieces and cooked in edible oils like sesame oil or brine with many different Indian and Pakistani spices like asafoetida, red chili powder, turmeric, fenugreek, and plenty of salt. Some regions also specialize in pickling…

The legend Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada (son of Hiranyakashyapa who was slain by Vishnu in his Narasimha Avatara). Prahlad, despite being an Asura, had great faith in Vishnu. Mahabali learned the act of love and devotion to Lord Vishnu as a child, from Prahlada. Mahabali conquers the three worlds Kashyapa had two wives,…

Onam (Malayalam: α┤ôα┤úα┤é) is a Hindu festival is also known as Vamana Jayanthi celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It falls during the month of Chingam (AugustΓÇôSeptember) and lasts for ten days starting on Atham and ending…

The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruvonam. The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of…