Rediscovering Diwali Series: Resources

Contents

• Recipes

  • Mint Pea Soup 🌱

  • Piña Colada Smoothie 🍍 🥥

  • Triple-Roasted Vegetables 🥕 🥦

  • Vegetable Frankie Wraps 🌯

  • Beetroot Halwa 🌸

  • Khajur (Date) Dry Fruit Roll 🍬

  • Digestive Herbal Tea 🍵

• Games

  • Karaoke Night 🎤

  • Pass the Movement 💃

  • Reverse Charades 🎭

  • Sing That Word 🎶

• Conscious Gifting Ideas

  • Indoor Plants 🌿

  • Experiences Over Material Gifts 🎁

  • Consecrated Diyas (Linga Jyoti) 🪔

  • Bring Devi Home 🕉️

  • Sadhguru’s Books 📚

• Rangoli Inspirations for Diwali 🌺 🌸

  • Rangoli Design #1 🪔 👩‍🦰

  • Rangoli Design #2 🪔 🌸

  • Rangoli Design Challenge 🎨 🌟

  • Homemade Rangoli Colors 🟡🟢🔴⚪

Recipe #1: Mint Pea Soup

Perfect for a nourishing and refreshing meal, especially in cooler weather.

Serves: 4
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 5 cups fresh peas

• 5 cups water

• 1-inch ginger, grated

• ¾ cup homemade coconut milk

• ¼ cup mint leaves

• 3 tsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp rock salt

• ½ tsp black pepper powder

Method:

1. In a clay pot, combine peas, ginger, and water, and heat for about 10 minutes.

2. Once boiled, allow it to cool before blending until smooth.

3. Reheat the mixture until warm, then add a blended mixture of mint leaves, coconut milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper just before serving. Serve warm.

Flavorful Festive Recipes for a Healthier Celebration

Here are recipes that blend festive flavors with healthy ingredients, allowing you to savor every bite guilt-free.
Let’s dive into our Diwali menu of wholesome frankies, nutty date rolls, and revitalizing herbal tea.

Recipe #2: Piña Colada Smoothie

A refreshing smoothie that's naturally sweet and tropical.

Serves: 2
Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

• 1 cup coconut milk

• ½ medium banana

• ¼ cup ice cubes

• 2 seedless dates

• ⅛ tsp vanilla bean powder (optional)

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Serve chilled.

Recipe #3: Triple-Roasted Vegetables

An easy, versatile vegetable recipe that’s great for meals or sides.

Serves: 4
Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini

  1 yellow squash (or additional zucchini if yellow squash is unavailable)

  2 large carrots

  ½ broccoli head

  ¼ cabbage

  1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green capsicum

  2 pinches coriander powder

  2 tsp fresh chopped ginger

  1 tsp dried Italian herbs

  ½ cup olive oil

  ½ tsp salt

  ¼ tsp black pepper powder

Method:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the zucchini, squash, carrots, and capsicums into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Break the broccoli into small florets, and chop the cabbage into thick slices.

2. Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, add olive oil, coriander powder, chopped ginger, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the cut vegetables and mix well, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the marinade.

3. Choose Cooking Method:

   1. Pan-Sauté: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated vegetables and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re lightly charred and tender.

   2. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a grill pan or use a skewer. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even charring.

   3. Oven Roast: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread the vegetables on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Serve: Once done, transfer the vegetables to a serving dish. Serve warm as a side or over a bed of greens as a main dish.

Recipe #4: Vegetable Frankie Wraps

These warm and delicious frankies add a dash of flavor and fun to any Diwali feast! A hearty mix of veggies and spices wrapped in a homemade wheat wrap, they’re both filling and nutritious.

Makes: 6 Frankies
Time: 1½ hours

Ingredients:
Wraps (makes 6)

• 1 cup wheat flour

• ½ cup boiled and mashed potato

• ½ cup vegetable purée (Blend any vegetable of choice with a little water, such as beetroot, carrot, or spinach.)

Assembly:

• ½ cup chipotle mayo

• ½ cup green chutney

• ½ teaspoon magic masala

Filling:

• 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup tomato, de-seeded & sliced

• ½ cup capsicum, julienned

Method:

1. For the Wrap:
   Combine wrap ingredients in a mixing bowl and knead into a dough. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Then divide it into 6 balls, roll them flat, and cook like normal chapatis (SEO modified).

2. For the Vegetable Patties:
   Heat a pot, add hing, ginger, and green chili, and sauté for 1 minute. Add boiled potatoes, green peas, cauliflower, carrot, and capsicum, and cook for 5 minutes on low flame. Turn off the stove, add cardamom and salt, and mix well (SEO modified). Allow to cool, then divide into 12 balls and shape into rectangular patties.

3. Cook the Patties:
   Coat the patties with flaxseed powder and cook on an iron tawa for 5 minutes on low flame, flipping until they’re crisp.

4. Assemble the Frankie:
   Take a chapati, spread green chutney, place two patties and some filling, and pour a generous amount of chipotle sauce. Sprinkle magic masala, roll, and serve.

Vegetable Patties (makes 12):

• ¼ teaspoon hing

• ½ teaspoon grated ginger

• ¼ teaspoon finely chopped green chili

• 2 potatoes, boiled and mashed

• ⅓ cup green peas

• ½ cup grated cauliflower

• ⅓ cup grated carrot

• ¼ cup finely chopped capsicum

• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder

• ¾ teaspoon rock salt

• ¼ cup powder of roasted flax seeds

Recipe #5: Beetroot Halwa

A warm, naturally sweet treat that's both wholesome and delicious.

Serves: 6
Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 500g beetroot, grated

• 3 cups almond, cashew, or regular milk

• 6 tbsp (palm) jaggery

• 3 tbsp ghee

• ½ tsp cardamom powder or 5 crushed green cardamom pods

• Handful of cashews

• 1 tbsp golden raisins (optional)

• Optional garnish: a handful of pistachios

Method:

1. Combine grated beetroot and milk in a pan and simmer until thickened.

2. Add ghee, jaggery, and cardamom powder, then cook until the mixture reaches a halwa consistency.

3. Top with cashews and an optional pistachio garnish before serving.

Recipe #6: Khajur (Date) Dry Fruit Roll

This sugar-free treat is perfect for the festive season (SEO modified). Packed with dates and nuts, these rolls are both delicious and nutrient-dense.

Makes: 10-12 rolls
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates (khajur), pitted

• 2 tablespoons ghee

• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds

• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews

• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (khus khus) for coating

Method:

1. Prepare the Dates:
   Coarsely chop the dates and grind in a food processor until they form a thick paste (SEO modified).

2. Roast the Nuts:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan, add almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts, and roast until golden. Set aside.

3. Combine:
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee and the date paste, cooking for 2-3 minutes on low heat until the dates soften. Mix in the roasted nuts (SEO modified).

4. Shape the Roll:
   Once slightly cooled, shape the mixture into a long roll. Roll in poppy seeds for an even coating.

5. Slice and Serve:
   Cut into ½-inch pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe #7: Digestive Herbal Tea

This herbal tea is a great way to soothe the stomach after all the festive indulgences. Simple yet effective, it’s a refreshing addition to any celebration.

Serves: 2
Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

• 2 cups water

Method:

1. Prepare the Seeds:
   Slightly crush the cumin, fennel, and coriander seeds to release their flavors.

2. Boil the Tea:
   In a saucepan, add water and the crushed seeds. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Serve Warm:
   Strain the tea into cups and serve warm.

Fun and Festive Games for All Ages

Get ready for a night of unforgettable memories!
From karaoke sessions to creative charades, these entertaining games are perfect for spreading joy and laughter.

Game #1: Karaoke Night

Objective: Sing popular songs and encourage everyone to join in for a fun-filled evening.

Setup: Prepare a list of popular songs or use a karaoke machine/app that displays lyrics.

Participants: Everyone can participate individually or in teams.

Instructions:

• Each participant or team takes turns choosing a song to perform.

• They can either sing solo or do a duet/group performance.

• Encourage the audience to join in and sing along for a lively atmosphere.

• Optionally, add fun challenges like singing with a funny accent or a dance-off after each performance.

Game #2: Pass the Movement

Objective: Create a fun chain of dance moves that builds on each participant's creativity.

Setup: Arrange everyone in a line facing a wall.

Participants: All players.

Instructions:

• The first person in line creates a simple dance move and demonstrates it to the next person.

• The second person turns around, watches the move, then taps the shoulder of the next person in line.

• Each participant must pass the dance move down the line without verbal communication, only by watching and imitating.

• The last person performs the final version of the move, which can lead to hilarious variations!

Game #3: Reverse Charades

Objective: Create unexpected and entertaining performances by reversing the traditional charades game.

Setup: Gather slips of paper and pens for writing down activities.

Participants: Split into two teams.

Instructions:

• Each team writes down activities on slips of paper (e.g., dancing, acting like a specific animal, etc.) and puts them in a bowl.

• One person from Team A draws a slip and must act out the activity while their teammates guess what it is.

• The twist: the person who wrote the activity must perform it, adding an element of surprise and fun.

• Rotate roles after a set time, ensuring everyone has a chance to guess and perform.

Game #4: Sing That Word

Objective: Create a lively and competitive environment through song lyrics.

Setup: Have a list ready of common words that are frequently used in songs.

Participants: All players can join in.

Instructions:

• One player starts by saying a word out loud (e.g., "love").

• The next player must quickly sing a line from a song that includes that word.

• If they can’t come up with a song within a set time (e.g., 5 seconds), they are “pushed” into a pool (could be playful water balloons or just a fun challenge).

• Rotate turns and keep the game going until everyone has had a chance.

Conscious Gifting Ideas for a Meaningful Diwali

Mindful gift ideas that express thoughtfulness and care this festive season.
These suggestions align and foster deeper connections with your loved ones.

Gift Idea #1: Indoor Plants

Examples:

• Peace Lily: Known for its air-purifying qualities and ease of care.

• Snake Plant: Resilient and effective in filtering toxins from the air.

• Aloe Vera: Not only purifies the air but also has healing properties for skin.

Mindfulness Aspect:

These plants bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the environment and promoting well-being.

Gift Idea #2: Experiences Over Material Gifts

Examples:

• Inner Engineering Program: A comprehensive program designed for personal transformation.

• Yoga Classes or Workshops: Classes focusing on various aspects of yoga and meditation.

• Forest Bathing/Nature Walks: Connect with nature and experience its calming effects.

Mindfulness Aspect:

These experiences encourage inner growth, presence, and a deeper connection to life.

Gift Idea #3: Consecrated Diyas (Linga Jyoti)

Description:

• A special diya consecrated to create powerful spaces in your home, symbolizing light and consciousness.

Mindfulness Aspect:

Lighting a Linga Jyoti can enhance your meditation and spiritual practices, making your home a more sacred space.

Source:

Learn more about Linga Jyoti and its significance on the Isha Life website.

Gift Idea #4: Bring Devi Home

Description:

Devi Gudi from Isha Life, a representation of the divine feminine, can be a powerful addition to any home.

Mindfulness Aspect:

It serves as a reminder of the divine presence and supports spiritual practice.

Source:

More information about Devi Gudi can be found on the Isha Life website.

Gift Idea #5: Sadhguru’s Books

Examples:

Titles such as Mystic’s Musings and Karma provide insights into spiritual growth and personal transformation.

Mindfulness Aspect:

These books encourage reflection and deeper understanding of life.

These gift ideas not only align with the spirit of Diwali but also encourage mindfulness, spiritual growth, and a connection to nature. You can explore more options and details on the Isha Life website.

Creative Rangoli Inspirations to Brighten Your Home

This Diwali, I'm excited to try my hand at creating beautiful Rangoli designs!
Here are two tutorials that I've selected for this festive occasion:

Rangoli Design #1: A Woman Holding a Diya

This design signifies an invitation to Lakshmi, symbolizing the spreading of light and love.

Watch the tutorial here.

Rangoli Design #2: Diya Resting on a Lotus Flower

A beautiful representation of peace and purity.

Watch the tutorial here.

Rangoli Design Challenge

I invite you to join me in creating these Rangoli designs!
If you attempt one (or both), tag us on Instagram @anhadyoga.

And use the hashtag #AnhadRangoliChallenge to share your creations with our community.

Link to our Instagram page.
(Anhad Yoga was previously known as Yogdhara, just so you don't get confused)

Homemade Rangoli Colors

For an eco-friendly approach, consider making your own Rangoli colors using natural ingredients. Here are a few ideas inspired by the Satvic Movement and other sources:

• Turmeric for Yellow: Use turmeric powder for a bright yellow hue.

• Red Sandalwood for Red: Mix red sandalwood powder with flour for a vibrant red.

• Spinach for Green: Blend spinach leaves and strain the juice to create a natural green color.

• Rice Flour: Can be used as a base for white Rangoli designs.

Let's bring joy and creativity into our homes this Diwali!

This Diwali, I'm excited to try my hand at these two Rangoli designs! How about you?

This Diwali, I'm excited to try most of the resources I have shared here.
How about you? What are you doing?