UdaipurBlog

When Comfort Food Calls, It’s Dal Baati Churma On The Menu!

Rajasthan is famous all over the world for its tradition and culture. it itself create their own identity on everyone’s heart. This land is the combination of culture, monuments and food. the land of ‘braves’ is not only famous for their war stories but also famous for their cuisine and spices. One of the dishes which is famous as Rajasthani food is dal baati churma. This dish is the part of every Rajasthani’s soul and the soul is undestroyable according to Hindu mythology and so is this recipe. Baatis are round balls of bread made of wheat flour which are cooked over coal or oven. After that, each second is counted as thousand years for the one who is craving for it and finally when it is cooked these beautiful brown balls are pushed into the pool of ghee before decorating it on the plate.

On the other hand, five different types of lentils are united i.e. urad, moong, chana, arhar, moth to make delicious ‘Panchmel dal’. Ghee is the key ingredient in this delicacy which is heated in a pan accompanied by cumin seeds until it’s spluttered then cloves cardamoms, asafoetida, turmeric powder, salt, garam masala, chopped tomatoes and red chillies completes tadka part of the cuisine. Then this gorgeous preparation is served to hungry people like me with spicy garlic and sweet guava chutney. The first bite reminded me of my grandmother whose last wish was to have dal baati and after having this I’m sure she died in peace.

Few bites and couples of tears later it was time to reveal the best part which surely is every part of the dish but slightly over-privileged because it’s sweet yes ladies and gentleman I’m talking about churma. While baatis were dissolving in my mouth with the memories of my grandmother few of baaties were abducted by the chefs and was crumbled and poured with ghee and powdered jaggery. Here comes the best part of the love story when spiciness meets up its love sweetness in my mouth where even I started falling for churma and I prayed it should never go out of stock in my plate.

So where did Baati really originate? This little wheat globe made of wheat, ghee and camel milk was first mentioned during the time of Bappa Rawal the founder of the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan and then spread across the northern region.

It is believed that the Rajput soldiers would break the dough into chunks and leave it buried under thin layers of sand to bake under the sun. On their return from the battlefield, they would dig out the perfectly baked baatis that was then slathered with ghee and consumed with curd made from goat or camel milk. It was later, when traders from the Gupta Empire settled in Mewar, that the combination of dal and Baati became popular – Panchmel Dal was a much-loved favourite in the royal court of the Guptas.

Churma, on the other hand, is believed to have been invented when a cook of Mewar’s Guhilot clan accidentally poured sugarcane juice into some baatis. Realising that it had made the baati softer, the women of the clan started dunking the battis in sweet water (made from sugarcane or jaggery) in an attempt to keep the baatis soft and fresh for their husbands. This eventually evolved into churma,  a sweetened and cardamom-flavoured mix of crushed baati.

The history remains and for sure this traditional recipe is preciously taken forward and beautifully updated and craze for this cuisine isn’t limited to Rajasthan but in other parts of the country as well developing the taste buds for this. Also, this isn’t going easy on your pocket but who cares when you are getting gold and platinum served on your plate. We are proud to say that we live in a country where tradition can be tasted.

Already savouring the delicious taste of dal, baati and churma? Do  review us at udaipurblog.com.

FESTIVALS OF UDAIPUR

Colors, Frills, Fancies and Lights

Udaipur is a land of celebrations. Its people dress up most colorfully, to reimburse for the somber complexions of barren landscapes. It is a land where social customs are still governed by age-old traditions. It is only natural to see women in swirling skirts who spontaneously pull the veil over their faces at the sight of man.  The spirit of faith quintessential to Udaipur is delicately yet inseparably blended in its art, culture, music and dance. Whatever the occasion be, the spirit is marked with color, feasting, music, pageantry, fun and frolic. People from all walks of life partake in the festivals with great zeal. The ‘Mand’, a famous Mewari music form is sung by traditional singers during festivals.

Sheetala Ashtami

The festival of Sheetala Ashtami falls on the eight day of Chaitra (March) month i.e. first month in Hindi calendar. As per conventional approach, the day is generally observed on the seventh day, but at many places it is celebrated on the eighth day of the month. It is believed that due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the Royal Family of Udaipur, the Sheetala Saptami is always conducted on the eight day, i.e. Ashtami. But this ritual is observed both on the day of Saptami as well as on Ashtami. This festival is celebrated with the belief that this would prevent people from the deadly epidemics. On this occasion, colorful processions are carried out from The City Palace to the temples for traditional rituals and worship of Goddess Sheetala. Food for this day is generally prepared a day earlier and the kitchen is generally kept closed on this day. The main food consists of curd and curd-based preparations.

Dashamata

Two days after Sheetala Ashtami, the women of Mewar observe the festival of Dashamata. On this day women deck up in traditional ornaments and clothes and adore Peepal Tree, from very early in the morning and the poojan activities stretched till afternoon. They relate the tale of Dashamata to each other and pray for heath and wealth of their family.

Gangaur and Mewar Festival

The spring season marks the beginning of famous Gangaur festival, in the month of Chaitra (April). This festival is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of goddess Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva and symbol of conjugal bliss and marital happiness, it lasts for 16 days. Women make various ornaments out of gram flour and decorate the alluring image of Isar and gauri which are so beautiful   that they appear like sheer gold. Groups of women dressed in hues of scarlet, green, yellow and purple can be seen carrying images in procession on the Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichola, with the town band playing. Horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle. Brilliantly clad women fill the area between the tripola to the steps of the ghat, admist the odor of rose and jasmine. Then the images are transferred to individual boats amidst much singing and celebration. After the religious part of the festival, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through dances, songs and other programs.

Raksha Bandhan

Rksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan (August). On this day women and girls tie a rakhi, a gold-trimmed silken bracelet, on the wrist of their brothers. They in turn promise to defend them and pledge to be by their side, whenever she needs them. It is believed that Emperor Humayun honored the Rakhi sent to him by Maharani Karnavati of Chittor and rescued the fort from the ruler of Gujrat for the Sisodias.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana i.e. the birth day of Natkhat Gopal. The Jagdish Mandir and Asthal Mandir are crowded with queues of devotees waiting eagerly to have a look of Lord Krishna. The most exciting event is “Matki Fod” at Jagdish Chowk.

Hariyali Amavasya

While the rains quench the thirst of the land and every tree turns a lush green, ever flower blooms in gay abandon. In the month of July-August a fair for men and women is held for two days at the banks of Sahelion-Ki-Bari and Fatehsagar. This fair started in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh. Shops displaying varied crafts and swings are put up; boating is organized by the municipal corporation. Women wear green colored dresses and join the festivals.

Teej 

When the rain comes down, spirits soar high in celebrations. Song and dance mark the gaiety of the Teej festival in the city. It is held every year during the Hindu month of Shravan and marks the advent of the monsoons. Religious significance of Teej festival lies in devotion of Goddess Parvati for her husband Lord Shiva. It was on this day that the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited with each other after hundreds of years.

On strolling through the streets, one will find sweet smell of “Ghevar” and “Malpuas”, these mouth watering dishes are special in Teej revels. Women clad in Lehariya and Green sarees visits Shiva temples with extreme devotion towards their husbands.

Navratri

Navratri is devoted to Goddess Shakti, It is celebrated with fervor and vehemence. This is festival of nine nights and the main highlight of the festivity is the folk dance called Garba. It is said that each day Goddess Durga manifests herself in different forms. People dress up in beautiful traditional attire and perform the Garba folk dance around the statue of Goddess Shakti till late midnight.

Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of India in different ways. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil i.e. the victory Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita and the battle fought between Rama and Ravana is enacted on stage and is known as Ramlila. These dramatic performances are quite admired and are witnessed by the capacity crowds day after day. On the tenth day of the festival huge effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers, stuffed with hundreds of firecrackers, are set afire. The festival is of special significance to the Rajputs. In the Palace the royal family performs Ashwa(horse) Puja and also worship their weapons and arms.

Diwali

Diwali is celebrated every year in October-November with great enthusiasm throughout the state. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama from exile after fourteen years. Homes are decorated, sweets are made and distributed and lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy and a castle in the sky. Diwali preparations begin almost fifteen days ahead of the festival. It is a five day festival and all the five days are symbolic and different gods and goddesses are worshipped and evoked for their blessings.

Makar Sakranti

After a long period of indolence on the festival front due to ‘malmas’, Udaipurites celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 14.  It is considered as a propitious occasion for charity and giving alms. Rice, ‘gud’ and clothes are gifted to people. That’s why right from early morning streets are full with people asking of alms. On this day people of every age group play sports such as sitoliya, Kite flying, mardari etc.

Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami initiates the spring festive cycle and heralds its summation that occurs with Holi. On this day goddess Saraswati is worshiped and hawan preceded the other events of the day. Women dress up in yellow and cook yellow colored eatables.

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year in reverence of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated every year in Maagha month of Hindu calendar. Hundreds of devotees worship god Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri. From a day before till the late evening Shiva temples in the city are charged with overflowing crowd of devotees. People go on foot to the Eklingji temple to worship and attend the pooja and aarti in the temple.

Holi

The beginning of the spring is s celebrated with the most colorful festival called holi in the month of Phalgun(March) The festival begins with a procession of elephants, horses, camels and folk dances. People generously splash colored water and powder (gulal) at each other. It is also an occasion to get rid of one’s inhibitions and reconcile.

With these festivals in mind, Udaipur is able to serve the best vibes to the people and tourists. Do provide your reviews us at udaipurblog.com.

Udaipur – A Timeless Tale of Beauty and Majesty

Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is a picturesque city city located in the southern part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Famous for its stunning lakes, royal palaces and vibrant culture, Udaipur is a popular tourist destination and holds a rich historical and cultural heritage.

HERE ARE SOME FAMOUS FACTS ABOUT UDAIPUR –

1. The city was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom.

2. Udaipur is referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ for its interconnected lakes and grand palaces.

3. Served as a shooting location for many Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters like Octopussy, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Udaipur has maintained its best position in these segments also.

4. One of the most romantic cities of India where destination weddings are popular, Udaipur has ensured that the city is able to create value among the tourists and people.

5. By making it to the Forbes list of 50 most spectacular destinations in the world for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, Udaipur is one such place where the overall population is contributing with all the efforts being made willingly.

6. The festivities and celebrations at Udaipur is a one stop destination where on large grounds the people and tourists are gathered. The women of city dress up in their finest colorful Rajasthani skirts called ghagra choli and participate in the different functions that are celebrate in Udaipur.

7. The lakes such as Ghanghor Ghat, Fatehsagar, Dudh Talai and many more are famous among many other lakes in the world. Tourists from different parts of the world ensure that they once in a week visit Udaipur and relish their bets times with friends and family.

8. There is one such annual art and craft gala meet up every year known as “Shilpgram”. It is one such aesthetic and beautiful place where the culture and tradition meets art. Many artists all around the world gather at Shilpgram to discover their inner crafts and display them for the locals and tourists.

9. Udaipur has also been favoured with the best souvenirs by far and such as for miniature paintings, hand block textiles, silver jewellery, leather accessories and many more!

10. Udaipur imbibes many romantic hotels which adds it having one of the best stay experiences for people and tourists. The luxury and leisure experience served by most romantic city Udaipur has heart of all the tourists and has made it to rank number one among other cities.

11. The temperatures of Udaipur are best known to travel during the summers and monsoons. The maximum temperature of Udaipur is maintained as – 45°C / 113°F. And on the opposite minimum temperature of Udaipur is – 5°C / 41°F.

By these famous facts about Udaipur, it is delight to watch how meaningfully the city is serving its best and is favourable for everyone to visit for its extravagant beauty and landscapes!

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