Ashadi Ekadashi heralding the start of Chaturmas and the “favouritest” part of the year for me where festivals abound.
Around the corner is Shravana Masam or the month of Shravan. In states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka that follow the Amavasyant calendar, this year the dates for Shravan are:
- Start Date: August 9, 2021
- End Date: September 7, 2021
Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar and is probably its holiest. It is choc-a-bloc with festivals and auspicious occasions. It also ushers in the 4-month long festival season in India that stretches right up to Deepavali or Diwali (mid-November this year).
The intervening period is filled with all manner of festivals and holy days that give me an opportunity to indulge in all my favourite activities; perform and attend assorted poojas, dress up in lovely silk sarees, visit friends and relatives for haldi-kumkum, sing in temples on various auspicious days, attend a range of concerts, and last but not the least, enjoy a vast range of delicacies. 🙂
Read a scientific explanation of why we should fast in Shravan. Eating fish is also prohibited in Shravan, for one simple reason; fish spawn at this time of the year.
Important Festivals in Shravan or Shravana Masam 2021 and Their Dates
Each region in India has its own set of festivals and here are some that we observe in Andhra Pradesh (which is the state my ancestors are from) and Maharashtra (the state where I grew up and live):
| Festival | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Nag Panchami | August 13, 2021 | Nag Panchami is the day snakes are worshipped in many parts of the country. |
| Shravan Somvar Shravana Somavaram Vratam | August 9, 2021 August 16, 2021 August 23, 2021 August 30, 2021 September 6, 2021 | Shravan Somvaram or Mondays in the month of Shravan are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many devotees fast on these days. It is said that unmarried girls who want to get married should observe the Shravan Somvar fasts. |
| Mangala Gowri Vratam | August 10, 2021 August 17, 2021 August 24, 2021 August 31, 2021 September 7, 2021 | Mangala Gowri Vratam is performed by married women (sumangali) on all Tuesdays in Shravan for the well-being of their husbands. Gowri (or Gauri) is also another name for Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. |
| Shravan Shukravaram | August 13, 2021 August 20, 2021 August 27, 2021 September 3, 2021 | Shravan Shukravaram Vratam is the puja performed on Fridays in the month of Shravan and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. |
| Maha Varalakshmi Vratam | August 20, 2021 | For married women in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the most important Shravana Shukravaram is the one that falls on the Friday before the full moon (Shravana Pournami Purvasta Shukravarey). This is the day on which the Maha Varalakshmi Vratam is performed. |
| Shravan Pournami, Shravan Poornima, Narali Purnima, Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), Avani Avittam | August 22, 2021 | Shravana Paurnami or Shravan Poornima has become popular all over India as Raskha Bandhan, a festival that is essentially from North India and one that celebrates the relationship between a brother and sister. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated by the Koli community or the fisherman community as Narali Poornima. They worship Lord Varuna, the lord of the seas to bless them with a bountiful catch and protect them on rough seas. In Tamil Nadu, this day is also celebrated as Avani Avittam. |
| Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, or Sri Krishna Janmashtami | August 30, 2021 | This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna; He who gave the world the Bhagwat Gita and as a child was known to steal milk, curds, and butter from all households around him. In Maharashtra, Krishna’s antics as a child are enacted by youngsters (known locally as Govindas) who go around breaking pots of milk and curd tied high above the ground by forming human pyramids. |
Some Recipes for Shravana Masam Pooja Naivedyam
Rice Recipes
Chintapandu Pulihora | Tamarind Rice | Puliyogare | Puliyodharai
Tamarind Rice or Chintapandu Pulihora is a must for any festive occasion in Andhra Pradesh. In this recipe, I have tried to use precise measures and readymade tamarind paste so that you can replicate the exact recipe.
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Nimmakaya Pulihora, Elumichai Sadam, Lemon Rice
This is the recipe for Nimmakaya Pulihora or Lemon Rice from Andhra Pradesh. This one-dish meal, called Elumichai Sadam in Tamil Nadu, is crowd pleaser and very easy to make.
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Nuvvula Chintapandu Pulihora
This is a variation of the popular tamarind rice that uses Nuvvula Podi (roasted sesame powder) to add another layer of flavour to Chintapandu Pulihora.
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Kovil Pulihora | Koyil Puliyodarai | Tamarind Rice as Made in a Temple
This is the recipe for Kovil Pulihora (Koyil Puliyodarai) or Tamarind Rice as made in a temple. This recipe varies from the traditional tamarind rice we make at home and so needs a post of its own.
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Gongura Pulihora | Gongura Annam | Andhra Roselle Leaves Rice
Gongura Pulihora is rice flavoured with a spicy red sorrel leaf paste. This is a delicacy in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
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Curd Rice | Daddojanam | Thayir Sadam
A well-made Curd Rice is soft and creamy with just the hint of ginger and chilly. This recipe will help you make the perfect, creamy Curd Rice (called Daddojanam in Andhra Pradesh and Thayir Sadam in Tamil Nadu).
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Kobbari Annam | Coconut Rice | Thengai Sadam
Lightly sautéed grated coconut and tempering mixed with steamed rice is the simplest description for Kobbari Annam as Coconut Rice is called in Andhra Pradesh. Called Thengai Sadam in Tamil Nadu, all you need to enjoy this mellow rice dish is some papad on the side.
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Sundal | Guggillu Recipes
Guggillu | Kondakadalai Sundal | Chickpea Sundal
Sundal or Guggillu are an intrinsic part of various poojas in South India. They are also a favoured snack. Kondakadalai Sundal or Chickpea Sundal is perhaps one of the most popular variations of this vegan, protein-rich snack. Called Guggillu in Telugu, this hearty dish is popular with the young and old alike.
PS: You can make this dish gluten-free by just omitting the asafoetida in the tempering.
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Senagala Guggillu | Kothu Kadalai Sundal | Kala Chana Sundal | Black Chickpeas Sundal
Sundal or Guggillu is an integral part of pujas in South India. We make it with a variety of whole lentils and this version is made Kala Chana or Senagalu as we call it in Telugu. Sundal also makes for a protein-rich snack.
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Peanut Sundal | Verkadalai Sundal | Palli Guggillu | Verusenaga Guggillu
Peanut Sundal is perhaps my favourite sundal of all. Just add some grated coconut to boiled peanuts and add a tempering of udad dal, mustard seeds, and red chillies. Voila! You have an instant protein-rich snack. This delicious dish is called Verkadalai Sundal in Tamil Nadu, and Palli Guggillu or Verusenaga Guggillu in Andhra Pradesh.Note: This dish can be made gluten-free by just omitting the Asafoetida.
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Sweet Corn Sundal | Mokkajonna Guggillu: Navratri Recipe
Sweet Corn Sundal | Mokkajonna Guggillu is a must for Navratri and is essentially boiled sweet corn seasoned with coconut.
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Kollu Poriyal or Sundal, Muthira Upperi or Thoran – Weight Loss Recipe
Horse Gram (Ulava in Telugu, Kulith in Marathi, Kollu in Tamil, and Muthira in Malayalam) is a power-packed lentil that is iron- and protein-rich, helps lower blood pressure, manage weight, and control diabetes. And this is just what I have discovered so far. 🙂
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Traditional Sweet Recipes
Timmanam | Kobbari Payasam for Atla Taddi
This is the recipe for Timmanam is a very simple kheer-like dish made with rice, coconut, milk and sugar. Also called Kobbari Payasam, it is an important dish for Atla Taddi, Andhra’s own Karva Chauth.
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Saggubiyyam Paramannam | Sabudana Kheer | Javvarisi Payasam
This is the recipe for a creamy Saggubiyyam Paramannam (called Sabudana Kheer in Maharashtra and Javvarisi Payasam in Tamil Nadu). Made with sago, milk, and sugar, this rich pudding is just what is needed to celebrate a festival.
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Semiya Kheer | Semiya Payasam | Vermicelli Kheer
This is the recipe for Semiya Payasam (also called Semiya Kheer) that is a traditional favourite in India for festive occasions. Made with thick vermicelli, it is creamy, rich, and simply delicious.
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Bellam Paramannam | Rice, Milk and Jaggery Kheer from Andhra Pradesh
Bellam Paramannam is a traditional kheer made in Andhra Pradesh with rice, milk and jaggery. It is made for all important festivals and at weddings.
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Badam Halwa – Ugadi Special Recipe
Badam Halwa is a rich dessert made with ground almonds, sugar, and ghee.
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Rava Sheera | Suji ka Halwa (Without Milk)
Suji ka Halwa or Rava Sheera is a sweet that is made as prasad almost all across India. There are two versions; with and without milk. For puja days, I make it without milk so that it lasts long.
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Pineapple Kesari or Pineapple Sheera
Pineapple Kesari or Pineapple Sheera is the traditional Suji Halwa with pieces of pineapple in it. It is a great variation to make and is a nice twist to a traditional favourite.
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Kasi Halwa | Budida Gummadikaya or Poosinakai Halwa | Pethe ka Halwa
Kasi Halwa is South India’s equivalent to the North Indian Lauki Halwa (or Dudhi Halwa as it is called in Maharashtra). Made with Ash Gourd, this halwa is very easy to make and delicious while being light on the stomach.
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Such delicious dishes, definitely something to look forward to during the Shravan month. Awesome collection of recipes which can be prepared even when its not Shravan. Most Gujaratis either have one normal meal or for the whole month follow a no grain, no pulses, no onion, garlic diet.
July 25, 2020
August 1, 2020
August 8, 2020
August 15, 2020 these dates falling on saturdays but posted here as sravana sukravaras, please correct.
Thank you. I corrected them.
The most important varalakshmi vratham date has not been corrected
Awesome and Amazing
Thank you. I hope it helps you.