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India is a land of varied cultures and different types of mouth-watering cuisines. The country boasts of a plethora of delicacies that each cuisine offers. Indian food can be described as a riot flavors since each region and culture have their own taste. With that being said, the state of Maharashtra offers a wide range of sweet and savory dishes with unique tastes to make your taste buds dance. But let’s take a small detour to learn briefly about the state’s history.

The state of Maharashtra has a very rich history and it first appeared in a seventh-century inscription in a Chinese traveler’s account. According to him, the name of the state derives from Maharathi (great chariot driver), referring to a skillful fighting force. Fast forward a few years later, Muslim dynasties ruled over Maharashtra, and the state was divided into several factions. However, a great leader named Shivaji Bhosale rose to the occasion and built a Maratha empire lasting for years and ushered in a new era for the people. Maharashtrian cuisine’s distinction increased in the 17th century. The delicacies prepared in the royal kitchens were an exquisite experience and every meal included a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies balancing each other.

What delicacies come to your mind when you think of Maharashtrian cuisine? Vada Pav? Pav Bhaji? Almost every day, we indulge ourselves in some of the irresistible and inexhaustible variety of street foods that this state has to offer. Maharashtra not only consists of beautiful beaches and forts but also an abundance of exotic delicacies with unique tastes.

Maharashtra’s regional diversity elaborates into different parts- Konkan, Desh, Khandesh, Marathwada, and Vidarbha. The Konkan region is a coastal region and consists of cities like Raigad, Thane, Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Konkani cuisine is diverse and consists of ‘sub-cuisines’ like Malvani and Saraswat Brahmin, where seafood with some steamed rice is a heavenly combination.

Inwards to Konkan, the Desh region includes Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur, and this region formed the basis of the Maratha empire. Spicy and richness are the two characteristics to describe the cuisine from this region.

The Khandesh region comes to the North of the Desh region comprising Nashik, Jalgaon, and Ahmednagar. The food here is influenced by the neighboring states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Moving inland comes Marathwada; a hot and arid region where sun-drying vegetables is a common practice. The region includes Nanded, Beed, Latur, Jalna, Aurangabad, and other neighboring states.

The north-east region of Maharashtra is the Vidarbha region which includes Nagpur, Amravati, Chandrapur, Akola, and Bhandara. Although a part of Maharashtra, its cuisine is affected by Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and Telangana. This region’s culinary special is the Saoji cuisine, practiced by the Halba Kosti tribe. It involves spicy mutton and chicken curries which have a unique flavour and an authentic blend of homemade spices. A must-try here people!!

The state’s culture has numerous unique delicacies, some of which are popular and some are very rare. One of the homeliest dishes is the Amti. Made of Toor dal, it also consists of tamarind, jaggery, and coconut providing the dish a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavour. Another such dish is Bharli Vangi (stuffed eggplant). The stuffing consists of coconut, peanuts, tamarind, onions, and a unique masala to give it a mouth-watering taste. Usal is also a popular curry dish in Maharashtra which is prepared with a variety of sprouted beans. A quintessential comfort dish is the Metkut bhaat, where Metkut is a fine powder consisting lentils, grains, and spices, and is found in almost all Marathi households.

Maharashtrian cuisine comes with a great selection of snacks and have satisfied many bellies in this state and the country. Pav Bhaji and Vada Pav’s monarchy in the fast-food sector has attracted a crowd from beyond the borders of this country. Pav Bhaji involves mixed veggies cooked in butter and a unique blend of spices, partnered with bread. The name Vada Pav stimulates a drooling reaction from all Mumbaikars as it’s The dish of this metropolitan city. Deep-fried fritters consisting of spiced and mashed potatoes placed inside a split pav with some zesty chutney!! Mmmmmmmm!!

Misal Pav is also a popular delicacy consisting of spicy curry made of sprouted beans topped with chopped onions, cilantro, farsan for some crunch, and a dash of lemon juice. Another MUST-TRY dish in Maharashtra is Poha. This breakfast dish originates from this state and consists of flattened rice flakes tempered with oil, curry leaves, onions, mustard seeds, and peanuts. Looking for a snack while fasting? Sabudana Khichdi comes to the rescue. Consisting of tapioca pearls, it’s tossed in with potatoes, peanuts, and selected herbs. Monsoon season indicates the arrival of Alu Vadi which is made of Colocasia leaves. Covered with gram flour, they are steamed and fried to give it that perfect crispiness!! My god writing all this is making me hungry!! What about you?

In Maharashtra, the Kolhapuri cuisine is the epitome of non-vegetarian delicacies. Rich with spicy rassa (a type of gravy), it acquaints us with the royal Maratha kitchens. Meat, mostly mutton, is an integral part of any Kolhapuri meal. The unique taste and richness of their dishes come from a blend of spices known as kanda-lasun masala (onion-garlic). Pandhra (White) and Tambda (Red) rassa originate in this region to tease one’s tastebuds. Lavangi, a special variant of the red chilli, is native to this region and is bound to make your mouth numb. Whoo, that’s a lot of spicy!!

There are various selection dilemmas when it comes to authentic Maharashtrian desserts. The most popular desserts in Maharashtra are Modaks and Puran Poli. Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a combination of jaggery and Bengal gram. Ukadiche modak, favourite delicacy of Lord Ganesha, is basically sweet dumplings consisting of a mixture of coconut and jaggery. Modaks gain high demand during the Ganesh chaturthi festival, one of the biggest festivals in Maharashtra.

Dairy-based desserts include Shrikhand and Basundi. Shrikhand consists of hung curd sweetened using powdered sugar. Basundi is a sweet treat, which consists of thickened milk combined with cardamom, nutmeg, and dry fruits. Let your taste buds dance with these sweets!!

Well, all these delicacies have left all of us salivating. So, which is your favourite delicacy and which will you try first? You can explore our website as well to experience these delicacies at the comfort of your home!!

“Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food!!” A quote to remember when you are handling your food. We enjoy different delicacies with our loved ones and like to explore new types of cuisines. But does anyone pay attention to the safety of ingredients?

Food is a necessity for all living beings in this world. However, ‘food safety’ is a critical stage in guaranteeing that food stays safe at every stage of the food chain. Access to a good chunk of hygienic food is key to maintaining a long life and promoting good health. It’s estimated that there are about 600 million cases of food-related diseases every year. Unsafe food poses a grave threat to human health as illnesses are usually infectious or toxic in nature. These are often caused by different types of bacteria, viruses, or chemical substances and enter the body through various means.

Hence, to reduce food-related illnesses, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations facilitated the observance of World Food Safety Day on 7th June. The year 2018 saw the first year for World Food Safety Day in an effort to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.

With governments, producers, and consumers sharing the responsibility for food safety, everyone plays a vital role in ensuring the reach of hygienic food from farm to table. Member states of the WHO also participate in food safety drives and raise awareness in other countries, which face food-related issues.

Five steps that call for action, laid out by WHO, in every country are-

1. Ensure It’s Safe- Governing bodies should ensure hygienic food for everyone

2. Grow It Safe- Farmers and food producers need to adopt good practices for healthy crops

3. Keep It Safe- Businesses should ensure safe storage of food products

4. Know What’s Safe- Customers should be aware of safe and healthy food products

5. Team Up For Food Safety- Everyone should work together to ensure the safety of our food products.

In India, the first World Food Safety Day was celebrated on 6th June and was kicked-off at the FSSAI headquarters to commend the remarkable work of food businesses and individuals to promote food safety. Awareness for food safety has risen in recent times and everyone strives to procure safe and hygienic food. Foodborne diseases are gradually decreasing and we will be able to tackle this situation in the near future.

In recent times, following a particular diet has gained a lot of popularity and people are forgetting about certain health repercussions of not eating fresh and home-made food. Skipping certain meals, restricting certain types of foods, not eating past a certain time, etc. are some of the few ‘dieting myths’ that people follow. To stay healthy, enjoy some treats in between and make sure you eat freshly prepared food. Even FSSAI and local doctors promote eating freshly cooked food.

We at Nativ Chefs believe exactly that. Our home-cooks make sure to get fresh ingredients from the market and sanitize fruits and veggies without losing their taste and benefits. We make sure to provide you the authentic taste without compromising on food safety!! So, from everyone at Nativ Chefs, we hope you all are staying healthy and ensuring safe food for your loved ones!!

Pack up all your winter wear and store it on a shelf, ‘cause it’s time to relish on some cool delicacies that will help you beat the heat. ‘Summer’, the name itself brings a mental picture of air-conditioners on full blast and everyone sipping on some cool drinks!!

It’s a torturous season with the scorching heat and electric bills shot sky high!! With the mercury level rising, the atmosphere drains us out completely. This results in it ruining our appetite and makes our body prone to dehydration. During this blistering season, our lifestyle helps us maintain our body’s equilibrium. Eating and drinking right is the first step to having a cool-headed summer!!

Keep your demons at bay by enjoying these summer-perfect foods at the comfort of your home because who’s going outside in the glaring heat?!

Beginning the list with a festive drink, Thandai, we all relish on this drink during Holi. But it’s an amazing drink with great taste and keeps your body cool during the summers. With the help of a special Thandai masala, some dry fruits, and cold milk, it will help your body maintain its temperature. Enjoy this drink straight out of the fridge with your friends and family.

A summer special fruit that almost everyone loves is Mango!! The name itself brings joy and hallucinations of enjoying that ‘aamras‘. Quoting Rujuta Diwekar, Mango is a combination of fiber, antioxidants, and many other nutrients!! Mango, as a flavour, also elevates certain dishes like cakes, milkshakes, and many others.

Aam Panna is an Indian drink which has heat resistant properties. Also known as Aam Jhora, it’s a go-to drink during Indian summers. Consisting of Mango, it has a tangy taste and is rich in citric acid making it a perfect drink to beat the heat!! Another drink like this is Kacche Aam ka Panna, which has a sour taste and consists mint to elevate its taste.

Curd or Dahi acts as a cooling agent for your body, and you can make it a part of your diet. It’s the perfect food to deal with the deadly summer heat. Not only does it help boost digestion, but it also boosts your immunity and helps your body prevent any diseases. With the help of a few ingredients, you can even make it at home!!

Another such food during summers is Cucumbers. Among its several benefits, cucumber keeps your body hydrated and helps in detoxification of your body. Along with that, it also soothes and refreshes the skin, treats bad breath, and helps maintain a clear skin. Make a juice from it using lemons and ginger, and you will be calm all day long.

With different types of Melons available in summer, it’s a great way to have something fruit-y!! Watermelon, Muskmelon, and Cantaloupes are the best summer fruits. While they are water-rich fruits, they help avoid muscle soreness, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion, and helps body hydration. Slice it into pieces and enjoy it or juice-it-up and enjoy it as a cool beverage.

Other fruits and veggies that will help you this summer are Sol Kadhi, Bel Sharbat, green leafy vegetables, onions, amla, and many others.

With the help of these foods, you can have a carefree summer and enjoy the season with a cool head.

From all of us at Nativ Chefs, stay safe people!!

We all are busy with our lives every day, trying to make the best out of it. But we hardly ever pay attention to the one thing that gives us life- Earth. This planet is a breath-taking place offering us various elements to live life to the fullest!! But to thrive, Earth needs special care that will help sustain it.

In all honesty, learning to co-exist with natural beauty is not our forte. We always seek to develop ourselves and our surroundings without paying attention to what effect it will have on the flora and fauna. Keeping this in mind, we set aside a day where we nurture and celebrate the natural beauty offered to us- Earth Day. Every year, 22nd April marks the anniversary of a modern environmental movement.

The year 1970 saw the birth of a movement that shed light on the problems impacting the planet. Unknowingly, we were all using toxic gases for the available machinery. At that point, industrialization and infrastructural development were at their crude stage. While people were using brand new machines, the companies that manufactured them were belching out sludge and smoke with little to no concern for the impact on the environment.

Silent Spring, a book by Rachel Carson, was released in 1962 and was a defining moment in human history. Showing concern for the environment and the effects of pollution on human beings, is the book’s main motive. America, in 1969, witnessed a massive oil spill in California. Because of this, a movement rose, realizing the threat to the planet. College students protested across the country in 1969, wherein an American Senator and some politicians encouraged the masses. Soon, the movement caught the attention of the world, leading to protests all over the country.

In 1990, the Earth Day movement went global, mobilizing millions of people from hundreds of countries and lifting environmental issues to a global stage. Like a raging fire, this movement spread to corners of every country, making it a large-scale mission to save the Earth. While the movement went global, it gave a big boost towards recycling and helped pave the way for a United Nations Summit. However, this was only the first step towards a long and conserved future for coming generations.

In 2000, Earth day marked its 30-year anniversary, but this time the focus had a broader perspective. Clean energy, global warming and many other issues were taken into consideration. Soon enough, there were 5000 environmental groups in 184 countries to help spearhead this mission to save our planet. However, after a decade this movement faced some new problems. In 2010, oil-lobbyists and a disinterested public led to a new challenge but, earthday.org re-establishes the movement on a digital platform.

People recognize Earth Day, today, as one of the largest secular activities in the world. We mark this day as a day of action to change our ways of living and fight for a sustainable environment. With developments on the digital frontier, the new generation is making a major impact on others by using social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and others.

With these developments over the years, one this is for certain- the ravages of climate are more apparent than before!! Large scale fluctuations in weather affects flora and fauna. But with the help from the new generation, we can have a fiercer movement to save the natural beauty of our planet. Only with small changes today, can we have a large impact tomorrow. Let us all save the environment today, so that the next generation may have a better future!!

From dedicated fasting to a never-ending feast, Ramzan is a ‘festival’ that shows a whole new demographic for celebration. It’s the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, where there’s a fasting period for a month, but the iftar food is worth the wait!! Ranging from non-veg, veg, spicy, sweet, and many other forms and tastes of food, Ramzan offers a kaleidoscopic range of food and festivities.

Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the month of fasting for Muslims worldwide. A celebration of Muhammad’s first revelation, people regard Ramadan as one of Five Pillars of Islam. The word ‘ramadan’ derives from an Arabic word, ‘ramidha’ meaning ‘become burning/scorching’. According to folklore, in A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel appeared in front of Prophet Muhammad and presented with the holy book of Quran. Muslims fast during this month to mark the revelation of Quran.

While it’s an annual event, it lasts for about 29 to 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. The fasting from sunrise to sunset is ‘fard’, which is mandatory, while the predawn meal is ‘suhur’, and the nightly feast is ‘iftar’. The iftar meal is a vibrant affair that offers a wide variety of meals to experience!!

With several types of kebabs and platters available in nooks and corners of the Muslim community, some delicacies are a must-try during this festive season. Some are-

Starting with a festive platter called Iftar Thali, it has two variants, Mughlai and Bohra. Both comprise several elements to satisfy your craving for different tastes. Kebabs, parathas, and dessert are the main attraction for the Iftari meal, and we are sure that this platter won’t disappoint!! The Mughlai and the Bohra variants consist of contrasting delicacies, with each element having a unique flavour, making it a must-try during Ramzan.

Muslim meals are incomplete without Biryanis. While kebabs are a popular delicacy, biryanis are also a staple food among the communities and are one of the most loved delicacies across India. According to an Indian restaurateur, Biryani originated in Persia, and it was the Mughals who brought it to India. Delicacies like Chicken biryani, Mutton biryani, Chicken Tikka biryani, and many others top the demands of customers during the iftar meals.

Chicken Kebabs are also a hugely popular delicacy among the people. A starter for any party, this delicacy will surely leave your guests wanting more!! Kebabs are a variable delicacy in terms of shape, taste, and cooking method. Hailing from the Middle East, their history dates back as long as 17th Century, B.C.

A unique delicacy that you can experience is Umm Ali. It’s an Egyptian dessert and is the National Delicacy of Egypt. Consisting of Bread, Rabdi, and dry fruits, it’s an exotic delicacy, and is one of the oldest dishes in the town. According to folklore, the dish dates back to the Ayyubid era in Egypt, and the then queen was responsible for it. She wanted a delicacy named after her and asked the chefs to make a delicacy ‘worth her name’. Hence, the dish Umm Ali was born!!

Mutton Kadi Chawal is a traditional Bohra delicacy consisting of mutton cooked in coconut milk. It’s a unique delicacy consisting of creamy mutton gravy, succulent pieces, and a special mixed-rice to complement the meal. It’s a rare delicacy that gains popularity mainly during the Muslim community’s festive celebrations.

Other such delicacies that you could try are Bhuna mutton with Ghakar, Shahi Tukda, Sheer Khurma, Mughlai Chicken Korma, red aroma chicken, and many such delicacies. You can visit our menu page to know more about other such traditional delicacies.

We hope you all enjoy authentic Ramzan-special delicacies with your friends and family. Share positivity and happiness with your loved ones and enjoy this summer festivity safely.

We wish you all Ramzan Mubarak and enjoy Ramadan with delicious and traditional at the comfort of your home!!

Vibrancy and variety are the 2 words that could describe almost every Indian festival. Borrowing the same description, we could describe the Punjabi festival, Baisakhi. Being the land of festivals, we Indians celebrate every festival with zest and enthusiasm.

Interestingly, people celebrate Baisakhi almost on the same day every year. While it marks the beginning of the Hindu Solar new Year, it’s also the spring harvest festival for many Indians. Also known as Vaisakhi or Vaisakha, it celebrates the birth of the Sikh order. According to folklore, Aurangzeb ordered Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution since he did not convert to Isalm. This brought the coronation of Guru Gobind Singh and historic formation of Khalsa, both on the same auspicious day.

Celebrations are in full swing during this time as people take dips in holy rivers like Ganga, Kaveri, and Jhelum. Decoration of mandirs and gurudwaras is a sight to behold with community fairs, meeting relatives, and enjoying festive delicacies. Food is an important part of the celebrations as we get to see a variety of local and traditional North Indian food during this time.

With Punjabi cuisine a hit among the Indians, there are some delicacies that are a must-try this festive season. Mouth-watering and finger-licking dishes will satisfy your cravings and their unique taste will leave you wanting more!!

Starting off with a hot favorite, Rajma Chawal. It’s a dish that needs no introduction and hits the sweet spot every time you eat it. A simplistic yet drool-worthy dish, it’s a dish that veg and non-veg lovers will enjoy. While it has an amazing taste, it’s also a healthy delicacy that can be enjoyed with your friends and family.

Laccha Rabdi is a rich and creamy Punjabi dessert that’s famous around this festive season. While it’s a popular delicacy, it has many variations in terms of flavour. Although it’ a North Indian delicacy, it’s an age-old sweet that has its mentions in the early 1400s. Enjoy it with your loved ones and celebrate the Punjabi festival with some delectable sweets.

Another sweet delicacy to cure your sweet tooth is Phirni. The concept of this dish derives from Kheer and is another famous dessert during Baisakhi. The origin of Phirni traces back to ancient Persia or Middle East and the Mughals are responsible for its introduction in India. Although it’s a simple dish, its taste is unique and has flavourful variations like the Mango Phirni.

Soya Chaap and Laccha Paratha is a drool-worthy combination and is a must-try among the Punjabi delicacies. Consisting of soya bean kebabs and a smoky, aromatic gravy, it’s a delicacy that you can’t afford to miss!!

Some of the other popular Punjabi delicacies are Butter Chicken (as usual), Chhole and Kulcha, Soya Chaap biryani, Sarson ka Saag, and many others!!

Listing all these dishes has made me hungry!! How about you? If you want to experience these delicacies, head over to our website and explore traditional and mouth-watering Punjabi delicacies!!

To everyone from Nativ Chefs, we wish you a happy and prosperous Baisakhi!!

Summers may be a season where the heat cuts short our festive celebrations. But it also ushers in new hope for the people of different cultures. While we all celebrate the Gregorian New Year, we Indians also celebrate our cultural New Year’s Eve according to the Hindu Lunisolar calendar.

With the onset of Summer and the end of Spring, it’s time to celebrate New Year’s Eve the Indian way!! Gudi Padwa and Ugadi are two such festivals that bring a new age. While Maharashtrians celebrate Gudi Padwa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana celebrate Ugadi/Yugadi. Both signify the beginning of an eventful and blessed year for the people. The word Ugadi derives from two words, yug- age and adi- beginning, whereas the word padava comes from the Sanskrit word, pratipad. Pratipad refers to the first day of the lunar fortnight.

With the preparations starting a week before the main event, people purchase and gift new clothes and items, and start cleaning their houses with fresh mango leaves. Offering prayers in temples, preparing festive sweet and savory dishes, and many other activities are the tip of the iceberg. Maharashtrian and South Indian households operate in full swing to prepare delicious delicacies for their family and friends.

If we try to combine both the festivals’ delicacies, there are around 20 of them. So, we’ll keep it short and let you know the best delicacies that are a must try during this auspicious season.

Puran Poli, a sweet treat, is THE most popular delicacy in both Maharashtrian and South Indian households. A 14th century Telugu script mentioning the recipe of this dish shows how old is this dish. Taking the name of the dish brings distant memories of breaking the flatbread, pouring a generous amount of ghee, and licking every inch of the plate!!

Ugadi is not complete without Ugadi Pachadi for South Indians. While it consists of raw mango, coconut, jaggery, and tamarind, it’s a lip-smacking and healthy delicacy. The dish is a mix of different flavours- sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and piquant. It’s a symbolic token signifying that one must expect types of experiences in the new year.

A savory dish that is popular in the Indian households is Kothimbir Wadi. A crispy yet finger-licking dish that’s available all around the year but gains a lot of demand in festive seasons. It acts perfectly as an evening snack and even though it’s deep fried, it absorbs less oil and is a healthy delicacy.

Since it’s the season of Mangoes, you can add a savory mango dish to your list. Mango rice, also known as Kairi Bhaat in Marathi, is also a special dish for Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. Rich with the raw mango flavour and pieces, it uses a few ingredients and uses less preparation time. Whether you enjoy this at lunch or dinner, one this is for sure; you will be craving for more!!

Another must-have during this festive period is Pulihora. While it’s also known as Tamarind Rice, it’s a specialty during Ugadi and contains a generous helping of chilies, coconut, peanut, and turmeric. Traditionally, people serve it as a prasadam in temples but it also acts as a competitor for mango rice.

A sweet delicacy that needs no introduction is the Kheer. With its different types rice kheer, semiya kheer, and many other forms, this also is a popular sweet delight that gains prominent demand during this season. Kheer is a type of pudding that’s part of an ancient Indian diet and has its mentions in Ayurveda. It’s a sweet delicacy that will satisfy everyone’s cravings during this holiday season!!

There are several other delicacies famous during Gudi Padwa and Ugadi such as, Shrikhand, Potato Wada, Masale Bhaat, Sabudana Wada, various assortment of Laddus, and many others.

The main motive of the festival is to welcome a new year filled with positivity. It’s also to mend all broken bonds between your loved ones and a time for reconciliation while sharing festive delicacies.

So, from all of us at Nativ Chefs, ಯುಗಾದಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು (Greetings for the festival of Ugadi!!) and गुडी पाडव्याच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!! (Happy Gudi Padwa!!)

Bura na Maano, Holi Hai!! If you want to see the diversity of Indian culture, Holi shows the ‘true colours’ of it. With unique rituals and an electric atmosphere, it brings a kaleidoscopic sensation. It’s the perfect festival for summer as we all go outside and share some moments over a cooling thandai with our loved ones.

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It signifies the eternal love of Radha and Krishna and connotes the triumph of good over evil. We celebrate Holi over two days span, but the preparations last for a month!! Holi is the time where people forget and forgive about the past sins, and reconcile with their loved ones over delectable sweets and drinks.

Although Holi is a popular term, it’s also known as many other names. Phakuwa in Assamese and Dola Jatra in Odisha are a few names in a long list of cultural names. While this festival is known worldwide, it also has different types of rituals for celebration in India.

One such is Phoolon Ki Holi in city of Vrindavan. This ritual celebrates the centuries-old love of Radha and Krishna. It starts a few days before Holi and, flowers, holy water, and herbal colours are showered on people in temples. Food is one of the main highlights during Holi. In Vrindavan, delicacies like jalebis, aaloo tikki, gujias, kachoris, gulab jamuns, thandai, and several more are a must-try.

Uttar Pradesh celebrates Phoolon ki Holi a few days before the main event. Lathmar Holi, one of the most popular rituals, has a unique approach to celebrate the festival. The festivities take inspiration from Lord Krishna’s story. According to folklore, Lord Krishna was chased down by a group of angry women in Barsana as he teased Radha on the eve of Holi. The festivities include Holi songs, sung in their local dialect, Braj; it also consists of Matki Phod, similar to Dahi Handi.

Rangpanchami, also known as Shimga, is a traditional Maharashtrian celebration. Holi is divvied up into two days the first night, known as Holika Dahan, where people light firewood to absolve them of all the negative energy. The next day is Rangpanchami, where people celebrate with wet and dry colours. Typical Maharashtrian delicacies famous during Holi are Puran Poli, Thandai, Chiroti, Shrikhand, and several others.

In Rajasthan, the festivities for Holi are similar to that of Maharashtra. Although the ritual is the same, the grandeur of the celebrations is extravagant. The fancy processions include a royal band, decorated horses, and many other elements. The royal festivities also include delicious food and drinks to have a great time. Their main delicacy is Gujia, which is a crunchy sweet filled with khoya and dry fruits.

Basant Utsav (Spring Festival), also known as Dol Jatra, is the Bengali version of Holi. During the festivities, women usually dress in yellow and recite poems from Rabindranath Tagore with traditional songs and dances. Thandai, Rasgullas, and other sweet and savoury dishes are popular during the Holi festivities.

There are also other rituals for Holi in different states like Khadi Holi in Uttarakhand, Punjab’s Hola Mohalla, Shigmo in Goa, Manipur’s Yaosang, Manjal Kuli in Kerala, and many others. Although the rituals differ, the use of colours is a common practice. The colours have their significance.

Every colour has a meaning in Indian culture. The colour Red is a mark of ‘matrimony‘. You can see this colour on almost every bride’s dress during their wedding, as it symbolises love, beauty, and the sign of a married woman. Yellow is a synonymous colour to turmeric and signifies the medicinal functions of the latter. The blue colour is related to a revered God in Hinduism, Lord Krishna. The colour Green symbolises new beginnings and harvest. Saffron colour is usually associated with Hinduism and strength.

Just like the diversity of these colours, the cultures in India are also varied. However, it brings us all closer and keeps us all in harmony.

So, from all of us at Nativ Chefs, we wish everyone a happy and prosperous Holi!!

‘Chocolate‘, the word has such power that it can make a person’s day. Hearing it instantly brings energy and happiness that no other sweet brings. Whether it be any festival like Diwali or a special occasion like Valentine’s day, chocolates are the epitome of gifting happiness to your friends and family. Although, we all crave chocolates 24×7, let’s also know how chocolate came into being and some of its benefits!!

Do you know that chocolate is one of the oldest sweets in the world? The history of chocolates dates back to the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs of Southern Mexico. According to some research, there are traces in the Olmec culture that are from around 1500 B.C. They passed their recipes to the Mayans, who not only consumed it but also revered it. The Aztecs believe the Gods presented them with Cacao. They used cacao beans as a form of currency to purchase their groceries and valued it ‘more than gold’!! Interestingly, chocolate is extracted from the fruit of cacao and the fruit or pods consists of 40 beans. Cocoa beans are made after drying and roasting to bring out their flavour, however, some question about their nutritional values!!

We all love chocolate and consuming it isn’t as harmful as you think. There are some benefits to consuming chocolate, some are-

• One research suggests that consuming chocolate helps reduce bad cholesterol.
• It also helps in cognitive function, which means, it helps in keeping the brain healthy by improving the blood flow in required parts.
• It also helps in lowering the risk of any type of heart disease and reduces the chances of any stroke.
• A little consumption of dark chocolate helps in boosting antioxidants and oxygen availability during any workout.
• Certain amounts of chocolate help your skin protect it from harmful sun rays.

So, for all those fitness enthusiasts, you can easily add chocolate to your diet!!  Chocolate is one of the most loved sweets in the world and there is a never-ending demand for it in different forms.

Over the years we have seen chocolate in various forms and companies developing different types of products to attract consumers. We have common chocolate bars, which are available readily in all types of stores. Chocolate cakes are some of the most common forms for any festive or celebratory occasions. People use chocolate powder and mix it in hot or cold milk to make a sweet beverage. There are also chocolate balls, fudge, and coating (used on cakes as a glaze) as well among other forms. Among its various forms, there is no single type of chocolate.

Chocolate as a term is ambiguous and can be divided into different types according to its taste and use. The first and the most common is Milk Chocolate, which is sweet and contains milk with cocoa powder. Then there is White Chocolate, which doesn’t contain any cocoa. It consists of milk solids which gives it that white colour. A bitter taste of Dark Chocolate is not everyone’s forte as it consists of a high proportion of cocoa and less milk. Lastly, there is Unsweetened Chocolate, which is pure chocolate liquor and is called baking chocolate. The chocolate industry is vast and there are several competitors vying for the top spot.

But what are some of the top chocolatiers?? European countries like Switzerland and Belgium are the chocolate capitals in the world. Also, leading brands like Cadbury, Ferrero, Guliyan, Hershey’s, Lindt, just to name a few are some of the best brands and have the finest quality of chocolates.

All in all, we all know that chocolate is a sweet that is loved by all age groups and we all consider it as one of our best friends!! 

तिळ गुळ घ्या गोड गोड बोला!! is a common expression said while offering Tilgul laddus to guests during the festival of Makar Sankranti. Interestingly, this festival falls on the same day almost every year!!

 Well, Makar Sankranti celebrates the farmer’s harvest and occurs in the month of Magha to mark the Winter Solstice. People dedicate their prayers to the Sun God, Surya, and thank him for their successes and prosperity.

Sankranti is celebrated differently in each state and the festival is known by different names like Makara Jyothi in Kerala, Til Sankrant in Bihar, Odisha’s Makara Chaula, or Maghi in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.

The rituals to celebrate this festival vary from state to state as some people take a dip in rivers like Ganga, or the Yamuna. Some organise melas or fairs, the most famous being Kumbh Mela, held every four years at one of the four holy locations.

In Uttar Pradesh, it’s called Kicheri, which involves ritual bathing. Several people gather at their respective sacred places for holy bathing and have to bathe early in the morning while fasting. Kite flying is an age-old ritual that involves kite fighting with friends and people from the neighborhood.

It is a four-day festival in Tamil Nadu, where the first day is called Bhogi. Commemorations are started by discarding and destroying old clothes and other things by lighting them on fire. The second day is called Thai Pongal and is the central day of the festival. They celebrate by cooking rice with milk and jaggery in brand new pots, garnished with brown sugar and dry fruits. Maattu Pongal is the third day, where people offer thanks to their cattle. The fourth and final day is Kaanum Pongal, where people visit their friends and family to convey thanks for their help in the harvest.

Maghi is a religious festival in Punjab. Lohri is marked a day before this festival where they celebrate the new harvest and praise the Sun God, Surya. People light lamps with sesame oil as it brings prosperity and drives away all sins. People dance their Bhangra and sit together to eat delicious food such as kheer and khichadi with some jaggery.

Maharashtra celebrates Makar Sankranti with the gifting of sweets like Gajar ka Halwa, Tilgul Laddu, and Puran Poli. According to folklore, Lord Surya reconciled with his son, Shani, and because of this, Lord Surya visited Shani’s house on Sankranti. That is why people gift sweets to others to forget negative feelings. Traditionally, women wear black clothes as it adds warmth to the body in the winter season. Married women invite friends and family members for Haldi-Kunku, where guests provided Tilgul laddus and a small gift.

The exchanging of Tilgul is understood as a token of goodwill to guests and is greeted with the phrase Tilgul Ghya, aani god-god bola meaning accept this tilgul laddu and speak kind words. The thought behind this is to forget all the bad feelings and resolve them to talk sweetly and remain friends.

Til (Sesame Seeds) and Gud (Jaggery) are winter food as they keep your body warm and increases your immunity as well. While Hindu mythology regards them as a symbol of Immortality, it helps support a healthy digestive system, maintains bone health, and helps generate body heat. Gud contains Iron and Vitamin C and is a traditional remedy for throat problems and some respiratory disorders.

Even though the Sankranti celebrations differ from state to state, til and gud are the hero ingredients to any sweet prepared during this festivity.

To all our Nativites, we wish you a prosperous and happy Makar Sankranti!!