Happy Birthday to Lord Ganesha (Vinayagar Chathurthi Special)

I am reposting this to Purva and Priti's Festive Food Event - FF

First wish all the visitors of this blog a very happy Vinayagar Chathurthi. Let his birthday bring peace and prosperity to everyone in this world!

This month we celebrated 3 birthdays - my hubby's, mine and Lord Ganesh's. I would like to share few thing we enjoyed doing on this Vinayagar Chathurthi.

Yesterday, we brought white modeling clay and glittering glue pen set from Michaels (Arts & Crafts store). My hubby sculpted the idol while running Seerkazhi Govindarajan 'vinai theerphavane' song in background.

Halfway in the process, we realized that it looked like Lord Ganesha is on south beach diet for past several weeks. Yes, the 2 blocks of clay (each 1 lb) we brought is not enough. My hubby drove to Michaels again and brought another block and completed it. I made the ratatooee (mouse) and a bowl of laddu in clay ... hehehe :-)

Here is how he looked while in making (still need to attach 'ear'):

Finally, Lord Ganesha shaped up very well... close to the picture isn't it?

Glittering after the decorations:

Dharisanam in puja

I made sesame (ellu) and dhal jaggery (paruppu chakkarai) kolkattai, ulundhu vadai, semiya milk payasam and of course sundal for this occasion. We did abhishegam in milk, sandal, turmeric, yogurt and vibhuthi. We also offered everything I made along with fruits to Lord Ganesha and completed our puja. We prayed Lord Ganesha and enjoyed our prasadham.

This is a close look at the food and fruits for Lord Ganesh.

Recipes are on the way in my next post. Wish you all once again Vinayagar Chathurthi! Enjoy this day with lot of happiness.

Happy Birthday once again Pillayarappa!!!

Coconut,Mango,Chick Peas Sundal

Chick peas is also called garbanzo beans. This recipe is very easy to make and healthy too. Chick peas have more health benefits and it is very good for health. Try it out and let me know.......

Ingredients:

Chick peas - 1 cup

Coconut - 1 tablespoon

Mango - 1/2

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Dry red chillies - 2

Hing - a pinch

Curry leaves - 2-3

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

Soak chick peas over night and boil it in pressure cooker for 2 whistles. Drain water from chick peas and keep aside.

Heat oil in non-stick pan add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chillies, hing, curry leaves when the mustard seeds and curry leaves start to splutter add boiled chick peas, salt and mix well.

Cook on medium heat for 5 min.

Then add grated coconut and mix well. fry for 1 min.

Turn off heat and add mango pieces.

Remove from heat and serve hot.