Holi Hai!

Today is Holi, which is often known as the festival of colors because of the tradition of throwing colored powder at each other. It signifies the end of winter and coming of spring, and has ties to several Hindu deities. The festival lasts for two days and can include traditions such as new white clothes, worn while playing with colors, visiting family and friends, and bhang - lassi laced with cannabis is commonly associated with this holiday.

Because of the joyful nature of this holiday, there have been many songs about it in Bollywood movies. Below are a few of my favorites!

Song : Rang Barse (Colors rain)

Film : Silsila (1981)

Song : Holi Aayi Re (Holi has come)

Film : Mashaal (1984)

Song: Ang Se Ang (Essentially means arm in arm or body in body - hug each other)

Film : Darr (1993)

Song : Soni Soni (Golden one)

Film : Mohabbatein (2000)

Song : Do Me a Favor Let's Play Holi 

Film : Waqt - The Race Against Time (2005)

Song : Balam Pichkari
Film : Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

 Song : Dard Karaara

Film : Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)

In the Spotlight : Manjula's Kitchen

Hello friends! Today I wanted to share a recipe by my favorite recipe channel on YouTube - Manjula's Kitchen. Her recipes are vegetarian and she also includes some that are vegan and/or gluten free. I will be sharing the recipe for Ras Malai, which is my favorite dessert. The links include the written recipe and the YouTube video.

The first step is to make Rasgullas (another dessert all on its own) :

http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/bengali-rasgulla/
** Note, when making the Rasgullas for Rasmalai, make them in to flatter disc shapes, not round.

Here is the recipe to make Rasmalai :

http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/ras-malai/

Enjoy!