Nahay Khay Date and Time for Chhath Puja 2024 USA

Nahay Khay in the year 2024 will fall on Wednesday, November 6. Here is a schedule that can be used to mark the day according to USA timing:

Nahay Khay Date: November 6, 2024
Sunrise Timing: Approximately 7:15 AM (PST) – 7:00 AM (EST), depending on the time zone
Sunset Timing: Approximately 5:10 PM (PST) – 4:50 PM (EST)

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2024 USA: Date, Time, and Significance for Indian Communities

What is Nahay Khay in Chhath Puja?

Meaning, “bath and eat.” It is the first of the four days of the Chhath Puja festival, which may be taken as a ritual bath to the worshippers. It is an initiation ritual for purification of body and soul to start more austere days of fasting and worship. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers or other sacred bodies of water before sunrise. Then they cook simple pure food called Bhog which they offer to the Sun God.

Observing Nahay Khay in the USA

In the USA, generally, people cannot access traditional Indian rivers. One can still do Nahay Khay either by taking water from a nearby lake or utilizing home-based water. For observing the day, you may follow these steps:

Also Read: List of Fruits for Chhath Puja 2024 USA: Indian Devotees in the USA

Morning Bath: One gets a fresh bath before attaining his place at this altar, which he performs in the comforts of his home. Where possible, holy Ganges water, called Ganga Jal, is added in several drops, making the whole set pure.
Preparing Satvik Food: Satvik food after bathing involves a typical breakfast comprising of rice, a vegetable from pumpkin called kaddu bhaji, and chana dal that comprised of split chickpeas. Ingredients are made use of strictly vegetarian so the sanctity of the celebration may be given importance.

Offer Prayers: The first ritual is to offer prayers in front of the Sun God with the meal before one consumes it to seek divine blessings for good health and prosperity.

The meal, often shared among family members, becomes a time for family bonding and unity.

Meaning of Nahay Khay in Chhath Puja

Nahay Khay is spiritually very significant since it is the first step towards self-discipline and purity. It cleanses the devotees before getting into the fasting days and intense worship days. This is a way of devotion towards the Sun God, thanks for his continuous energy and blessings.

Food Intaken during Nahay Khay

Nahay Khay food is not that complex; it is simple, but the requirements are actually very pure. The main dishes offered on this day include the following:
Kaddu Bhaji: It is a pumpkin vegetable with garlic and onions being avoided in this recipe.
Rice: The staple food that needs to be offered in front of Sun God.
Chana Dal: Split chickpeas that are properly cooked, and offered with devotion.

Nahay Khay is a beautiful beginning of Chhath Puja. It connects Indian communities in the USA to their heritage and tradition. The practice encourages mindfulness, purity, and gratitude and honors the Sun God for his blessings, paving the way for the rest of the Chhath Puja rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nahay Khay for US Indians

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Here is the list of important fruits for preparation in Chhath Puja:

Importance of Fruits in Chhath Puja:

During Chhath Puja, devotees offer a variety of fresh fruits as a gesture of thanksgiving and seeking blessings from Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Fresh fruits are the embodiment of nature’s abundance, purity, and nourishment that the festival focuses on for health, wealth, and prosperity. The fruits are arranged in bamboo baskets representing a wholesome offering of earth’s bounty.

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2024 USA: Date, Time, and Significance for Indian Communities

Some necessary fruits for Chhath Puja

Banana

Bananas are considered auspicious and part of the Chhath Puja offering. Accessible and very symbolic in their representation, they convey prosperity and fertility. To get bananas in the USA, you can visit grocery stores and markets.

Coconuts

As part of Hindu rituals, coconuts are one of the most important fruits offered during Chhath Puja. Pure and with husk intact, it is fine to keep them with the husk on. Indian grocery stores in the USA have fresh coconuts in their inventory during festival seasons.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is used in worship for Chhath Puja as an embodiment of sweetness and prosperity. As a rule, it can be offered only in a raw, unprocessed way. In the USA, sugarcane may at times be seen in certain specialty grocery stores, or at least stores with specialty Asian or Caribbean products sections.

Apple

Apples are widely available in America and are regularly added to the Chhath Puja basket. Apples, being of the vibrant red color, signify energizing and commitment to one’s deity; hence apples become a beautiful addition as well.

Pomegranate

This fruit is the symbol of abundance and fertility. So, these fruits are a must in any type of Chhath Puja offering. In the United States, these fruit easily available in stores; people can get them throughout the autumn season.

Orange

The orange fruit is symbolically related with good health; people include oranges in any type of Chhath Puja basket. With this fruit, oranges present the color and diversity on the offerings. It easily available in most of supermarkets in USA.

Mosambi or Sweet Lime

Mosambi or sweet lime is traditional for Chhath Puja, which represents optimism and sweetness in life. This fruit might not readily be found in most US supermarkets, but can probably be found in Indian or South Asian grocery stores.

Grapes

Gruits of joy and prosperity hence make them perfect as a donation towards the God in Chhath Puja. Tiny round-shaped fruits which may have their sweet variety both in terms of taste and texture with the fruit basket, widely available in U.S. Pineapple
The Tropical Fruit Pineapple is a representation of hospitality and prosperity. An added uniqueness to Chhath Puja through some flavor added to it has given texture it, which comes mostly from supermarkets available in the United States.

Papaya

Papaya, being a healthy fruit and also a symbol of prosperity and harmony, is found in Chhath Puja. Typically, you can get the fruit in larger supermarkets and specialty stores in most cities.

How to Prepare Your Fruit Basket for Chhath Puja in the USA

You will find it very difficult to get old bamboo baskets here in the USA, where you can carry any type of handmade natural fiber basket according to the ritual; 
Buying Fruits from Vegetables Store Fresh fruits always try to shop a couple of days ahead of Pooja date.
Substitutes at the Local Level: If you cannot find any specific fruit, then local fruit with similar texture and color can be used; however, remember the purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chhath Puja Fruits

Chhath Puja in the USA can be a bit of a challenge, especially in getting some of the traditional items such as bamboo baskets and some fruits. The spirit of the festival can be well preserved by sourcing the required fruits and making an offering that reflects your love and respect for this precious tradition. You could continue to connect with your heritage while celebrating with your community in the USA by including bananas, coconuts, and sugarcane in your Chhath Puja.

The post List of Fruits for Chhath Puja 2024 USA: Indian Devotees in the USA appeared first on Gharsaa.

Chhath Puja 2024 USA: Date and Time

In USA, the Sun rising and setting time will be calculated to perform the rituals at those times. The list of dates and times is as follows

Day 1: Nahay Khay- November 5, 2024
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna- November 6, 2024
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya- November 7, 2024
Sunset time for Sandhya Arghya: around 4:52 PM. The sunset time varies with the city.
Day 4: Usha Arghya- November 8, 2024
Sunrise Time for Usha Arghya: About 6:35 AM (according to the city)

Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is special because it symbolizes purity and simplicity with respect to Mother Nature. During the celebration, one looks to thank the Sun God Surya for giving them life and wishes their family health, well-being, and prosperity. It is in the worship rituals of Chhath Puja that one looks for protection from and happiness through the goddess Chhathi Maiya whom people believe in, protects children, and brings happy families.

For most Indians, remembering the same in the United States makes Chhath Puja remember to enrich cultural heritage through the bond of memories with family and friends.

This tradition of being a human connection in regards to gratitude that involves nature and transcended boundaries can be said as under:

Some Major Traditions and Practices Followed During Chhath Puja

Day 1: Nahay Khay

It begins with Nahay Khay, where the devotees bathe and cook sattvic (pure) food. This marks the beginning of their fast. The simple food is mainly rice, pumpkin curry, and chana dal, which are pure.

Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2):

On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast, breaking it only after sunset with “kharna prasad” (sattvic food). Traditional foods include rice pudding and roti made with jaggery, meaning devotion and patience.

Sandhya Arghya: Day 3

This is the main day of Chhath Puja, in which devotees gather by rivers or water bodies in the evening to offer prayers and “Arghya” to the setting sun. It is a beautiful ritual where devotees stand in water, holding offerings like fruits, thekua, which is a traditional sweet, and other symbolic items in bamboo baskets. For Indians in the USA, communities gather at lakes, rivers, or even ponds to conduct this ritual.

Usha Arghya (Day 4)

On the last day of Chhath Puja, devotees present their prayers to the increasing sun. This marks the end of the fasting schedule and is almost like hope, new horizons, and divine goodwill.

Chhath Puja in USA

For Indian groups in the USA, there are often gatherings near a river, lake, or a community center that might permit the gathering. So many temples and cultural events plan Chhath Puja gatherings where devotees may perform rituals together at those places.

Places Where Chhath Puja Gatherings Are Held,

California: There are gathering points near water bodies here both in Los Angeles as well as in the Bay Area.
New York: The Hudson River and community ponds are congregation sites for New York’s Indian population.
Chicago: Groups come together near Lake Michigan or local rivers.
Houston: Local temples and societies commonly conduct Chhath Puja for the devotees.

Food and Prasad in Chhath Puja

The food during Chhath Puja is purely vegetarian and can be prepared salt-free, garlic-free, and onions-free. The most common prasad are:
Thekua: A traditional sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.
Rice Pudding (Kheer): Rice, milk, and sugar, which means purity and dedication.
Fruits: Banana, coconut, and sugarcane, which are used as an offering.
All these things are offered in bamboo baskets to Surya and Chhathi Maiya.

FAQs about Chhath Puja 2024 in the USA

Chhath Puja time is to rejuvenate Indians in USA to their cultures and spiritual lives. In the midst of a country of great diversity, one can’t help but talk about this festival of pureness, and devotion, where all remember the bond they share with tradition and society, transcending the geography, when families and friends together offer Arghya. The blessings of the Sun God infuse every aspect and bring divine delight among all.

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Bhai Dooj 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 2nd. This post explains the traditions, rituals, and ways to celebrate Bhai Dooj in the USA.

Bhai Dooj 2024 Date and Time in the USA

Bhai Dooj is usually accompanied by a tilak ceremony and prayers for the brothers’ long life and prosperity. Here are the dates and important times:

Date: Thursday, November 2, 2024
Aparahna Time Tilak Muhurat (Best Time for Tilak): 01:31 PM to 03:47 PM (Local Time in the USA)
Remember to always adjust this time to your local time zone so you can do all this at the best time.

Bhai Dooj Significance

Bhai Dooj is a festival where the bond between siblings finds its root in love, care, and protection. According to belief, on this day, Yamraj, the god of death, came to his sister Yamuna. Yamuna welcomed him with a tilak and prayers for her brother’s good health. Yamraj was so touched by her love that he vowed to protect her and wished her prosperity. This indicates the commitment of sisters offering prayers for the safety and happiness of their brothers.

How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj in the USA

Even though living afar from India may make things feel somewhat different, the beautiful celebration of Bhai Dooj can surely be done with some adaptation. Here’s how to make it memorable:

1. Virtual Tilak Ceremony
   If your brother is far-off, connect virtually through video calls for tilak ceremony. You may place a tilak on your screen or just say a prayer and wish for the good well-being of each other.
2. Prepare Special Bhai Dooj Sweets
   Celebrate with traditional Indian sweets like barfi, laddus, or even kheer if you can prepare at home. Many Indian stores in the USA also offer sweets around Diwali, so you can find something delicious to share with your family.
3. Gift Exchange and Personal Notes
   Surprise your sibling with a thoughtful gift or a personalized note to celebrate the love and appreciation of your sibling. Some popular gift ideas are clothing, accessories or books, written according to their interest.
4. Donate Together
   In many families, Bhai Dooj is an opportunity for donating towards a cause. If you live in the USA, make a donation together with your sibling, or donate to a charity that is meaningful to the two of you.
5. Host a Family Get-Together or Party
   If you have family members or friends staying nearby, get them to celebrate with you. It’s a fantastic way to introduce Indian culture to others, and celebrations with family members make the day even more memorable.

Sincere Bhai Dooj Messages for 2024

Here are some sweet Bhai Dooj messages that you can send to your siblings:

“Happy Bhai Dooj 2024! May our bond be as strong as ever, and may happiness and prosperity follow you always.”
“Wishing my dear brother a joyous Bhai Dooj. May your life be full of blessings, love, and success.”
“To my lovely sister, Happy Bhai Dooj! Thank you for always being there. May this year bring you peace and prosperity.”
“Though we’re miles apart, our bond is as close as ever. Happy Bhai Dooj to my wonderful sibling!”
“Sending you lots of love and blessings on Bhai Dooj. May you always be happy, healthy, and safe.”

Bhai Dooj 2024 is a special day to celebrate the love and bonding of a sibling. Even though in America, Indian families get the chance to enjoy all the fun and happiness aspects of this festival by writing greeting cards, making homemade sweets, and gathering their near and dear ones over here to make this Diwali festival the joyous and memorable one with which it has always delighted India.

FAQs About Bhai Dooj 2024 for Indians in the USA

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Dhanteras will be on 28th of October, 2024. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in performing Dhanteras Puja in the USA comprising of auspicious time and step-by-step guidelines.

Dhanteras 2024 Muhurat in the USA

The most auspicious time for Dhanteras Puja is after sunset. Here are general guidelines for Dhanteras puja in the USA.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat:
06:25 PM to 08:12 PM (local time in most major cities in the USA)

Duration:
1 hour 47 minutes

Amavasya Tithi Starts:
05:22 AM on October 28th, 2024

Amavasya Tithi Ends:
07:46 AM on October 29th, 2024

Please note that puja timings may be different by a few minutes depending upon your place in the USA. It would be better to refer to the precise muhurat in your city.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2024: Date, Time, and Puja Muhurat for Indians in the USA

Puja Items Required for Dhanteras

Here is the list of all the important things that you would require to perform Dhanteras puja:

• Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari’s idol or photograph
• Small Clay or Metal Diya with Ghee or Oil
• Fresh marigold flowers
• Coconut, betel leaves, and betel nuts
• Grains of rice and wheat
• Roli or Kumkum for ‘Tilak’
• Homemade or store-bought Indian sweets
• Kalash, a metal pot filled with water.
• Silver or gold coins or any recent purchase (as offering)
• A small bowl of rice for aarti

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Procedure)

1. Clean the Puja Area
   Clean your house, particularly the area where you are going to perform the puja.
   It is said that cleanliness welcomes Goddess Lakshmi to your house and so fetches prosperity.
2. Mount the Puja Altar
   Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanwantari Idols or Photos
   Clean altar with new flowers, marigold flowers in particular. You may place diyas (lamps) beside the idols.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2024 USA: What to Buy for Good Luck and Prosperity

1. Prepare Diya
   Light a small diya with ghee or oil and put it in front of the deities. You can put more diyas all around your home.
   This diya is nothing but the source of the light that wards away the evil darkness and negativity.
2. Water and Food
   In the Kalash, keep pure water, and on top of it, place a coconut and keep it there as a symbolic oblation.
   Provide some grains (rice or wheat) and put them in front of the deities.
   Provide some sweets and fruits to Goddess Lakshmi as prasad.
3. Reading Prayers and Mantra
   Recite traditional Lakshmi mantras or any prayer that you know. You can even play recorded mantras in case you are not sure whether you can recite them or not.
   Gifting Roli (red powder) to the deities and performing a small aarti by the circular motion of the lamp.
4. Gift of Newly Bought Things
   Keep all the gold, silver, or newly purchased things, such as utensils, in front of the deities.
   This is inviting new wealth and prosperity to your house.
5. Distribute Prasad
   As soon as the puja is over, distribute the prasad, which encompasses sweets and fruits, to your family members and kith and kin.
   Light more diyas in your house when the day lapses into night.
6. Aarti of Conclusion
   Perform an aarti while lighting and praying to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
   During the aarti, you may say “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata” or any other part that you want.
   

Significance of Dhanteras

Prosperity, Health, and Wealth: Dhanteras is the day of worship for prosperity, health, and wealth. It is said that if this puja was done on that day, then it would bring prosperity, health, and well-being to your house.
New Purchases: In many cases, a number of people get something new, especially gold, silver, and utensils, as a symbol of welcoming wealth into their lives.
Health and Healing: On this very day, the god Lord Dhanvantari is also worshipped. He is the god of Ayurveda and health. Family members pray to him to get good health for the family.

Celebrating Dhanteras 2024 in the USA is not any different from back home. It involves some simple preparation of the Dhanteras puja along with the auspicious timings. It brings a smile to the family’s face and makes way for prosperity, good health, and happiness entering your house. Be it just lighting diyas, offering sweets, or buying new things; the essence of this festival remains the same you invite positive energy into your life.

Dhanteras 2024 USA FAQs

The post Dhanteras Puja Vidhi 2024: Simple Steps, Muhurat, and Significance for Indians in the USA appeared first on Gharsaa.

Still, if you are an Indian staying in the USA, you can still keep Dhanteras in a meaningful way following all the traditional practices, such as buying specific products that are lucky to be purchased on this day of good fortune.

What to Buy on Dhanteras:

Gold and Silver Jewelry

Gold or silver is one of the most in-demand traditional purchases made on Dhanteras. The precious metals certainly represent their purchase, which makes them an individual economically sound. However, you can buy either gold coins, silverware, or jewelry to be worn during the upcoming Diwali festivities. Most Indians residing in the USA also invest in these precious metals in the form of security for future prosperity.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2024: Date, Time, and Puja Muhurat for Indians in the USA

Utensils

One of the very common practices is buying new utensils on Dhanteras, especially in Indian houses. Copper and brass or steel utensils are often preferred. This brings food, abundance, and well-being into the house. Even in the USA, one can look forward to traditional metal utensils at Indian stores or online for the good times during Dhanteras.

Electronics and Gadgets

In current times, people are purchasing electronic goods and gadgets on Dhanteras. These are now also considered symbols of progress and prosperity. You can buy laptops, mobile phones, or home appliances, which are useful and symbolize fresh starts too.

New Vehicles

If you are planning to purchase a vehicle or any car, then Dhanteras is believed to be the ideal day to buy such vehicles. Indian families go for the purchasing of new vehicles on this day and wish that the journey so far would be good and peaceful in the future.

Also Read: Auspicious Foods for Dhanteras 2024 USA: What to Eat for Good Fortune

Lakshmi and Ganesh Idols

This day marks the debut day of Diwali, a festival for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi and Ganesha Idols are purchased on this day since they are to be used during Diwali Puja. Beautifully crafted idols can be purchased from Indian stores scattered all over the USA or online.

Home Decor and Furnishings

Dhanteras is also a good time to purchase the newly bought furnishings for the new home. Many families would clean and decorate their houses in preparation for welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, so purchasing new home decor such as lamps, cushions, or even furniture is auspicious.

Clothing

It is also a tradition to go out shopping for clothes on Dhanteras with the intention of donning a new attire that personifies newness. One can purchase sarees, kurtas, and lehengas in case of traditional Indian attires.

Stocks and Investments

Some Indians take advantage of Dhanteras as an opportunity to invest in the stock market or make any other kind of financial investment. The modern equivalent of purchasing gold and silver is buying a share or deposit in any savings scheme. It represents wealth and security.

Home Appliances

Other mundane appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and kitchen gadgets are also purchased on Dhanteras for household modernization. It is a contemporary play of tradition and prudence.

Celebrate Dhanteras 2024, and stay glued to your roots, bringing prosperity into your homes. It is the day when gold, silver, utensils, and even electronics are purchased, symbolizing wealth, health, and happiness. Therefore, participate in these traditions, carry along family and loved ones, and enjoy the festive season.

Dhanteras Buying FAQs

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For Indians living in the USA, the festival can still be celebrated with devotion, even if you’re far from home. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the Ahoi Ashtami fast process and celebrate it, no matter where you are.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Date and Time in the USA

• Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
• Puja Muhurat (Time for Worship): 6:20 PM to 7:39 PM (local time in the USA)
• Star Sighting Time: 6:47 PM
• Moonrise Time: 11:42 PM

Also Read: Ahoi Ashtami 2024 USA: Date, Time, Vrat Katha, and Significance

Ahoi Ashtami Fast Process

1. Preparation for the Fast

• Sargi (Pre-dawn Meal): Some women begin their day with a small meal, known as Sargi, before sunrise. You can have fruits, milk, nuts, and sweets, as they provide energy for the long day of fasting.
• Ahoi Mata Picture: You will need a picture or drawing of Ahoi Mata for the evening puja. If you don’t have one, you can print one from the internet or create a simple version at home.
• Cleaning and Decor: Set up a small clean space at home for the evening puja. Many women decorate the area with flowers and light diyas (lamps).

2. Observing the Fast

• The fast typically begins at sunrise. Women keep a nirjala vrat (fast without water), though some may choose to drink water based on health conditions.
• Throughout the day, women refrain from eating and focus on prayers for their children.

3. Puja in the Evening

• Puja Time: The main puja for Ahoi Ashtami should be performed during the evening Puja Muhurat, which in 2024 is from 6:20 PM to 7:39 PM.
• During the puja, mothers worship Ahoi Mata and pray for the well-being of their children.
• Prepare a puja thali (plate) with a diya (lamp), roli (red powder), rice grains, sweets, water, and a small bowl of soaked wheat grains.
• Offer your prayers to Ahoi Mata and recite the Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha, a story that explains the origin and significance of the fast. You can easily find the katha online or in religious books.
• After the puja, sprinkle water and rice grains as an offering to Ahoi Mata.

4. Breaking the Fast

• Traditionally, the fast is broken after sighting the stars or moonrise. In the USA, the stars will be visible around 6:47 PM, and the moon will rise at 11:42 PM.
• After seeing the stars or the moon, offer water to them and complete your prayer.
• Finally, break your fast by eating a small meal, typically something light like fruits or sweets, followed by a larger meal later.

Common Foods to Eat After Breaking the Fast

• Kheer (a sweet dish made from rice and milk)
• Puri and sabzi (fried bread with vegetable curry)
• Fruits and sweets
• Celebrating Ahoi Ashtami in the USA might feel different from celebrating it in India, but with a little preparation, you can observe the festival with the same devotion. Follow the simple fasting process, perform the evening puja, and pray for your children’s well-being. Even if you’re far from home, the spirit of Ahoi Ashtami remains strong, bringing mothers and their children closer together, no matter where they are.

The post Ahoi Ashtami 2024 USA: A Simple Guide to the Fast Process appeared first on Gharsaa.

List of top 5 snack recipes that you can easily prepare in your USA kitchen:

Chakli (Murukku)

Chakli is a crispy spiral-shaped snack prepared using rice flour and spices. It is crunchy, savory, and perfect to munch on during the festival of light.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• ½ cup besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading dough
• Oil for frying

To prepare:

Mix together- Rice flour, besan, butter, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
Gradually add water to make dough and knead to finish.
Now use the dough to make shapes from the chakli maker to spirals
Dip the chaklis in the hot oil till it become golden brown color and let it cool. Keep it in an airtight container.

Also Read: Diwali 2024 USA: Easy, Quick Instant Chakli Snacks Recipe

Namak Pare

These namak pare are a simple, delicious savory snack made out of flour and spices, cut into small pieces, and fried perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
• 2 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water (for kneading dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Method:

• Take a bowl and mix flour, semolina, oil, carom seeds, and salt.
• Gradually add water for kneading a firm dough.
• Roll out the dough and cut into thin strips or squares.
• Fry those pieces in hot oil until golden and crisp.

Mathri

Mathri is a popular North Indian teatime snack. Especially, during diwali, this dish can be found on every other table with a glass of buffalo milk. This crispy piece of flaky crackers gets ready with flour and with spices. It tastes a bit different.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour (maida)
• ½ cup semolina (sooji)
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water (to knead dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Method

Mix flour, semolina, ghee/oil, carom seeds, and salt in a bowl.
Add water to make the dough stiff.
Roll it out and cut it into round shapes.
Fry mathris in hot oil, on medium heat until the desired golden and crispy color.

Also Read: Diwali 2024 in the USA: Date, History, Significance, and Celebration

Shakarpara

To put your tongue to that saccharine taste of a sweet bite, you can shape Shakarpara; made with bit-sized sweetened fried dough coated with sugar syrup. Very ideal to satisfy all your Diwali sweet tooths.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• Oil (for frying)

Procedure:

Step 1: Mix flour and ghee, add water, and knead to a firm dough.
Step 2: Roll out the dough and cut into small diamond shapes.
Step 3: Fry the pieces until golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare syrup in the pan, by heating sugar and water.
Step 5: Add fried shakarparas to sugar syrup and toss them to get well coated.

Sev

Sev is one crunchy snack made from gram flour besan and can be prepared in spicy or mild as you like it. It is perfect for munching during the festival of lights, Diwali, or even during chaats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt as needed
• Water (for making dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Method:

Take besan, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
Add water gradually to make soft dough.
Shape sev maker into thin strings.
Deep fry sev in hot oil till crispy.

Where to Find Ingredients in the USA

Most the ingredients can easily be obtained in Indian stores in the USA. Such places as Patel Brothers, Apna Bazaar, and even chains like Walmart and Amazon carry some of these essentials, such as rice flour, besan, and spices in India.
These are not only very luscious but also very easy to prepare at home, even for those staying in the USA. Be it crispy chakli or sweet Shakarpara, you get all authentic Indian snack items that will give a touch of your own home to the festival celebration. Collect all your necessary ingredients and get ready to prepare these delectable snacks for a happy and merry Diwali in 2024.

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If you have not so much time or haven’t tried making chakli so far, don’t worry! Here is the instant chakli recipe that you can easily make for Diwali 2024.

Here is the instant chakli recipe that you can easily make for Diwali 2024:

INGREDIENTS FOR INSTANT CHAKLI

• 1 cup Rice flour
• 1/2 cup Besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp butter (softer version)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder (according to taste) pinch of asafoetida or hing Salt according to taste Water to knead the dough
• Oil for frying

How to prepare Instant Chakli

• Ingredients
• Dough Ingredients
• Rice flour 250 gms.
• Besan 100 gms.
• Butter, softened 60 gms.
• Cumin seeds 1 tsp
• Sesame seeds 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder 1 tsp
• Red chili powder 1 tsp
• Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
• Salt 1/2 tsp

Also Read: Diwali 2024 in the USA: Date, History, Significance, and Celebration

Instructions

• Dough preparation
• In a large bowl, take rice flour, besan, butter, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt.
• Mix all the dry ingredients well using a spatula making sure the butter gets distributed evenly.
• Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a soft, smooth dough. Dough should not be too hard or soft; it should be firm enough that it can be shaped.

Shape the Chakli

Take a chakli maker or a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. Grease it lightly with oil.
Fill the dough into the chakli maker or piping bag.
On a flat surface (directly into the hot oil if you feel adventurous), begin pressing the dough with fingers in a circular motion to form spirals or chakli shapes.

Also Read: Diwali Snack Recipes 2024 USA: Simple Indian Treats to Enjoy at Home

Fry the Chakli

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• After the oil reaches the recommended temperature, slide the chaklis into it gently.
• Fry the chaklis until they turn golden brown and crispy; for uniform frying, ensure that the flipping of the chaklis is continuous.
• Strain out oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb the extra oil.

Let it cool

When the chaklis become cool, they crunch up. You can store it in an airtight and enjoy them during the Diwali celebrations.

Tips for Ideal Chakli

If dough becomes too dry or hardened, a little water is to be added to make it soft.
If the dough cracks while rolling out the chakli, knead it a little more to make it softer.
Always fry the chakli on middle flame so that they get cooked evenly and get crispy without burning.

Why Make Chakli for Diwali?

Chakli is a traditional Diwali snack that is easy to make, tastes great, and can be stored for several days. It makes for a great crunchy snack to be served with tea or along with other Diwali sweets while having a Diwali party or celebrating the festival with family.

Where to Find Ingredients in the USA

Any Indian grocery shop in the USA will carry all ingredients-one can find rice flour, besan, and spices. Many departmental stores will also carry these items. But all of them are easily available online at shops like Amazon or Walmart.

Making instant chakli is an easy recipe and can be done in no time at all in the kitchen, preparing for Diwali celebrations in the USA. Lets give this simple recipe and enjoy crispy and flavored chaklis at your home. Try it out, have fun, and share this delicious snack with your family and friends!

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For Indians in the USA, it’s a celebrated day to maintain their conventional vibe even when on the other side of the globe. Here’s everything you need to know about Ahoi Ashtami 2024 in California.

Image Source: jagran.com

Ahoi Ashtami 2024: California, USA Date and Time

• Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
• Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat: 06:20 PM to 07:39 PM
• Duration: 1 hour 19 minutes
• Time to See the Stars (Sanjh Time): 06:47 PM
• Moonrise Time: 11:42 PM

Also Read: Ahoi Ashtami 2024 USA: A Simple Guide to the Fast Process

Importance of Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami is very important to mothers. On this day, they keep a ‘roza’ from sunrise till moon rise; do not take food or water and pray to Ahoi Mata to grant them health and prosperities of their children. The day is full of devotion, love, and benignness.

Traditionally, mothers break their fast by sighting the stars in the evening and then sighting the moon. After making prayers in front of the moon, they break their fast. In the USA, when the moon rise times go in later at night, this festival remains a meaningful part of cultural life.

Ahoi Ashtami Rituals:

Women wake up before dawn on Ahoi Ashtami and start their vrat with some prayer. She is ready for Ahoi Mata Puja at sunset by ornamenting a small place to be offered. This place is ornamented either by drawing or putting an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall.

This is how the Puja is performed:

She prepares a thali of fruits, grains, and sweets and keeps a small pot of water in it. Then, she prays to Ahoi Mata and gives her children her blessings by saying that she is praying for their good health, happiness, and long life.
Seeing the Stars: Sanjh Time
Stars will be visible somewhere around 06:47 PM. In California, mothers watch the stars during the ritual procedure.
Moonrise: Moon will rise at 11:42 PM and after offering moon prayers to the moon, they break the fast.
Ahoi Ashtami is a festival that means a lot to mothers and is celebrated with love and devotion. This year, the festival falls on October 23rd, and the Puja and rituals can be followed and observed by mothers in California as per the timing. When a family resides in the USA, this festival allows them to stay connected to their heritage and traditions, and with this, they also ensure good fortune for their children from Ahoi Mata.

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