Living in London, this festival barely gets any spotlight celebrations among southindian. My mom does keep Golu, while Mil doesnt. I havent begun the custom of keeping Golu instead I do take pride in giving Vethalai Paaku. A ritual where we handover a goodiebag with turmeric, kumkum - the so called red powder, vethalai -paaku also known as Betel leaves with Betlenut, a gift item instead of blouse piece along with one prasadam that has been offered to God.I do not pack a whole coconut or give betel leaves ,because it goes lying in some corner of the house and then binned. My Goodie bag contains , turmeric,kumkum, a gift item ( a candle/ diya this year), an apple along with this prasadam. On inviting my lovely guests who are married women , they promptly come to collect vethalai paaku / haldi kumkum. But who cares to dress for the occasion!! Most of them come wearing clothing suitable for the weather.. People have even come wearing a denim skirt .. Woof!! Its not pin pointing at anyone in particular. It is the question of the long forgotten tradition and culture among the present generation. The tradition of getting dressed in regional clothing and fully decked up is all long lost in this NRI world. The thought about whether the kids will ever witness the authenticity and culture is the question!! More chit chat on the navrathri celebrations, traditions and culture abroad in my next Navratri post .Lets head straight to the recipe - The Peanut Sundal.
