Wednesday 12 October 2016

Indian Festival, Craft Activities and Baking

The festival season has started in North India, revolving around mythological stories about Ram and Sita. One of such holidays is called Dussehra which per Wiki is "Dasa-hara is a form of Dasanan ravan ("Ravana's defeat") and it took place yesterday (11th of October). I have been celebrating this festival since 2010. Nevertheless the most enjoyable  we had so far was this year's because our little A could already understand what was going on and liked the whole thing so much that he didn't want to leave the place. He had already had some knowledge about this festival as it was told to him at school, and brought home this demon Ravaan paper puppet:

The activities, held on this days, always include symbolical burning of the demons, Ravaan and his brothers.  The giant dolls are made much in advance but burned in a matter of minutes. I kind of feel sad every time I look at it.

Indeed, children bring so much joy, happiness and meaning to everything around them, perceiving each and every moment with excitement, curiosity and naivety. My little son was so stunned by the fireworks, repeating again and again that those were the STARS as the sparks were flying up in the sky... For some reason he also took a standing type of the firework for water and kept on shouting excitedly: "Mommy, look, vada, vada!" (voda means "water" in Russian). Till I explained it was kind of fire (ogon' in Russian), very hot. Then he started saying "Mommy, look, hot, hot" and showing with gestures and mimics as if touching something really hot. We had so much fun with A, noticing how young child's mind reacts to different new situations and discovers new subjects to think about.
I tried to contribute to A's entertainment as well when it was possible on weekend. He really likes all the crafty projects. Thus we did simple Diya coloring with some sequins decoration. A likes using cotton swabs and can you see this concentrated face?:)
 The next day I conducted a DIY stamps activity which didn't keep little A busy for long, but at least he tried something new.
Even I amused myself with some fast almost on-the-go project which I had on my mind for a very long time. I made a felt owl of course... Working with felt for the first time was a little tricky, and I should have used another stitch to sew two parts together. Well, I hope for better results in further projects.
Oh yeah, and I had done a little bit of baking last weekend. Tried awesome cinnamon rolls recipe -non-dairy, eggless though uses yeast. I used atta (a kind of wholemeal flour) instead of all purpose flour and omitted apples and raisins (as not everyone actually likes them in our family). As the dough takes time to be ready, I prepared it in the evening and used the next morning.
The best baking was a very dark chocolate cake! I thought I burned it actually when I came to check on the process, lol. The recipe has no eggs and milk as well. The pancakes were also dairy and egg-free. I am not a vegetarian (yet) but due to the fact that there are two vegetarians in our family I have to opt for special recipes for them, so all my baking is eggless now. But to tell the truth it doesn't change the degree of yumminess :)))
Enjoy your week! Be happy and healthy!

15 comments:

  1. I bet Little A has inherited his mom's artistic talent! That dark chocolate cake looks absolutely delicious. I want some. Right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Debra, I do hope so! I also hope that the crafty thing she does will indeed develop his creativity :)
      Well, if you know baking just bake it, it is really and fast :)) My hubby asked for another such cake.

      Delete
  2. Yum! Cinnamon rolls and chocolate cake!! Cute owl. Festival looks interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yea, they were delicious. I am glad I learned a little bit of baking, and I love doing it! :))

      Delete
  3. Nice to see you and your son enjoying creativity:) your baked items look delicious!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Preeti... we enjoy doing things together, what can be better than this? :)

      Delete
  4. Looks like you all have been having a fun time!!! I love owl, it's so cute! The festival looks like fun too. It's good that Little A isn't afraid of fireworks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had loads of fun, right. Yes, he was not scared of them but kind of didn't like too loud sound the crackers made. :)overall it was a great experience for him.

      Delete
  5. Wow, what an interesting festival! Something to see! It would be sad seeing those giant dolls being burned, but I understand why they are doing it. Your little one is so cute! Those desserts look so good! I love your owl! Big Hugs and Many Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Stacy, it could be something new for you to see :) Come over!
      Thank you so much, I intend in making more!hehehe
      Hugs and blessings to you too!

      Delete
  6. loved your little son 's art too .fireworks are always cheery and fascinating for kids .
    loved the owl most .
    cookies look delicious dear

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here it is fall.. weather is getting cooler.. I'm craving from cinnamon rolls.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your cinnamon rolls look delicious! I'm glad little A enjoyed some crafting and stamping. I know I do!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Crafts, family and food! What else can we ask for? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are so right == baking can be just as yummy without all the added ingredients that folks feel are so necessary. Your cinnamon rolls and cake look delicious! A couple of friends here celebrated Dussehra ... it is always interesting to learn about such festivals and celebrations of other cultures. I think your little owl is sweet. I bought felt years ago to make ornaments but am not so great at sewing and haven't attempted anything yet. Have a great week. Tammy

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...