Maha Shivratri This Year 5 Easytocook Recipes For This Special Occasion

Maha Shivratri 2021 20 Recipes To Celebrate This Festival Recipes

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Table of Contents

1. What is Maha Shivratri?
2. Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
3. What are the Traditional Foods for Maha Shivratri?
4. Recipe 1: Sabudana Khichdi
5. Recipe 2: Bhang Thandai

What is Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri, also known as the "Great Night of Shiva," is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated annually in honor of the deity, marking the night of his marriage to Goddess Parvati. The festival falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagha, which usually corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar.

Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?

Maha Shivratri holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this auspicious night, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a divine dance that represents creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to seek blessings from Lord Shiva for health, wealth, and spiritual enlightenment. The festival is also associated with the legend of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean, where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged to save the universe.

What are the Traditional Foods for Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri is a day of fasting for many devotees. However, there are several delicious and nutritious foods that are traditionally prepared to break the fast and offer as prasad (divine offering) to Lord Shiva. These foods are considered sacred and are believed to please the deity. Some of the traditional foods prepared for Maha Shivratri include:

Recipe 1: Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting dish made with tapioca pearls, also known as sabudana. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that is commonly prepared during Maha Shivratri. To make Sabudana Khichdi, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely ground
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• A handful of curry leaves
• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste

To prepare Sabudana Khichdi:

1. Wash the sabudana under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the sabudana in enough water for 4-5 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked sabudana and keep it aside.
3. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
4. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until they turn golden brown.
5. Add the soaked sabudana, ground peanuts, and rock salt. Mix well.
6. Cook the khichdi on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sabudana pearls turn translucent and soft.
7. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious fasting dish.

Sabudana Khichdi is a light and nutritious dish that provides energy during the fasting period. It is often served with yogurt or a side of fresh fruits.

Recipe 2: Bhang Thandai

Bhang Thandai is a traditional Indian drink that is associated with the festivities of Maha Shivratri. It is a rich and creamy beverage made with a blend of nuts, spices, and milk. Bhang, a preparation made from cannabis leaves, is often added to Thandai to enhance its flavor and intoxicating effects. However, it is important to note that the consumption of bhang is illegal in many countries. To make Bhang Thandai without bhang, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon almonds, soaked and peeled
• 1 tablespoon pistachios, soaked and peeled
• 1 tablespoon cashews, soaked
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, soaked
• 1 teaspoon melon seeds, soaked
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon rose water
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

To prepare Bhang Thandai:

1. In a blender, add the soaked almonds, pistachios, cashews, poppy seeds, melon seeds, fennel seeds, and a little milk. Blend until you get a smooth paste.
2. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk. Add the blended nut paste and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Add cardamom powder, rose water, and honey or sugar. Mix well.
5. Strain the Thandai to remove any coarse particles.
6. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing Bhang Thandai.

Bhang Thandai is a traditional drink that is believed to have cooling properties. It is often served during Maha Shivratri to beat the heat and provide a refreshing respite from the fasting rituals.

Conclusion

Maha Shivratri is a festival that celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a time when devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and indulge in traditional foods to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Traditional foods like Sabudana Khichdi and Bhang Thandai hold great significance during this festival and are enjoyed by people of all ages. These recipes not only provide sustenance during the fasting period but also add a touch of flavor and joy to the celebrations. So, whether you are fasting or simply looking to explore the culinary traditions of Maha Shivratri, do try these delicious recipes and immerse yourself in the festive spirit.