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Sel Roti: Cook Nepal’s Iconic Dish a Yummy Way (सेल रोटी )

  As Nepal is diverse culturally, foods in this country have different tastes and flavours. Yet, there are some food items that are common to all and hence unify the country. Of them, sel roti (or, simply, sel) is one. Shape-wise, sel roti is a Nepali doughnut. It is a traditional Nepali ring-shaped sweet bread that is deep-fried in oil or ghee and made with granulated rice or rice flour. This authentic Nepali sweet is loved by most Nepalis and is considered mandatory during Hindu  festivals  and ceremonies like Dashain, Tihar, Teej, weddings, bratabandhas, and others. Not only in Nepal, but sel roti is also made and enjoyed by many Nepali-speaking communities in  Sikkim ,  Darjeeling , and of late, wherever Nepalis are there .   Additionally, this delicacy is also available in many local restaurants in Nepal. And, sel roti is also sent as a gift (koseli) or as a prasad to family members and friends living away from home during any puja or ceremony or festival.  Instead of buying s

Shree krishna Janmashtami

Shree Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or simply Janmashtami, is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered one of the most revered and beloved deities in Hinduism. This festival typically falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

Shree Krishna
Lord Krishna in a forest with cow

Key aspects of the Janmashtami celebration include:

  1. Midnight Birth Celebration: Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight, so devotees fast and engage in various forms of worship and celebration during the late hours leading up to midnight.
    Shree Krishna Birth Ceremony

    lord krishna with father
    Krishna was the son of Vasudeva and Devaki but , when his maternal uncle Kamsa the wicked king of Mathura, tried to kill him he was smuggled across the Yamuna river to Gookul dham and raised by the leader of the cowherds, Nanda and his wife Yashoda.

    lord krishna with sesnag
    Lord Krishna's father Vasudeva carried the newborn Lord Krishna in a basket and crossed the Yamuna river.
  2. Devotional Songs and Bhajans: Devotees sing devotional songs, bhajans, and kirtans that narrate the life and exploits of Lord Krishna. These musical sessions create a spiritually charged atmosphere.
    They are celebrating the birth (janmasthami) of the god Krishna on the eight (ashtami)
  3. Dahi Handi: In some parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, a popular tradition known as "Dahi Handi" is observed. A clay pot filled with curd or butter, symbolizing Lord Krishna's love for dairy products, is suspended at a considerable height. Teams of young people form human pyramids to break the pot and claim the prize. It is a highly competitive and festive event.
    Dahi handi
    Dahi Handi is the biggest festival of Maharashtra, India.
    Shree krishna with Dahi
    Shree Krishna 
  4. Decorations: Homes and temples are decorated with flowers, rangoli (colorful patterns made with colored powders), and images of Lord Krishna. Many devotees create elaborate displays depicting scenes from Krishna's life.
    janmashtami decoration
    Decoration for Shree krishna Janmashtami
    janmashtami decoration
    Decoration for Shree Krishna Janmashtami

  5. Fasting: Devotees often observe a fast on this day, breaking it only at midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna. The fast is broken with a meal that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, as Lord Krishna is known for his love of vegetarian food. 
    Shree krishna with Makhan
    According to Hindu belief, Krishna came to earth as an incarnation of love and compassion. Krishna is shown carrying a mischievous joke that earned him the name Makhan Chor (Butter Thief).
  6. Reading of Scriptures: People gather to listen to or read from sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, which contain the teachings and stories of Lord Krishna.
    Shree krishna
  7. Processions and Bhajan Sandhya: Processions featuring idols or images of Lord Krishna are taken through the streets with devotees singing bhajans and offering prayers.
    Shree krishna Bhajan
    shree krishna sanskrit bhajan
  8. Devotional Dance and Drama: In some regions, dance performances and plays depicting episodes from Krishna's life, especially the Raslila (divine dance) with the Gopis (cowherd girls), are organized.
Divine Dance of Radha and Krishna with Gopinis.
Divine Dance of Radha and Krishna with Gopinis.

shree krishna drama
Divine Dance of Radha and Krishna with Gopinis.

Divine Dance of Radha and Krishna
The divine dance of radha and Krishna 
Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous and spiritually significant festival for Hindus, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. It symbolizes the divine playfulness and teachings of Lord Krishna and serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, love, and righteousness in one's life. The way this festival is celebrated may vary across different regions of India and among devotees, but the underlying theme of devotion to Lord Krishna remains constant.

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Sel Roti: Cook Nepal’s Iconic Dish a Yummy Way (सेल रोटी )

  As Nepal is diverse culturally, foods in this country have different tastes and flavours. Yet, there are some food items that are common to all and hence unify the country. Of them, sel roti (or, simply, sel) is one. Shape-wise, sel roti is a Nepali doughnut. It is a traditional Nepali ring-shaped sweet bread that is deep-fried in oil or ghee and made with granulated rice or rice flour. This authentic Nepali sweet is loved by most Nepalis and is considered mandatory during Hindu  festivals  and ceremonies like Dashain, Tihar, Teej, weddings, bratabandhas, and others. Not only in Nepal, but sel roti is also made and enjoyed by many Nepali-speaking communities in  Sikkim ,  Darjeeling , and of late, wherever Nepalis are there .   Additionally, this delicacy is also available in many local restaurants in Nepal. And, sel roti is also sent as a gift (koseli) or as a prasad to family members and friends living away from home during any puja or ceremony or festival.  Instead of buying s

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