Shravani somwar meal

The month of Shravan is one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. It also kicks off the season for a number of important festivals.

A typical meal on a ‘Shravani somwar’ (i.e. a Monday in Shravan) would comprise:

• Varan-Bhaat
• Shirale-vatane bhaaji (ridge gourd and peas)
• Paatvad (a savoury roll made from colocasia leaves and chickpea flour)
• Chutney (usually a coriander-coconut chutney)
• Lonche (spicy pickle)

Shravani somwar menu

As kids, we used to enjoy these traditional meals served on a banana leaf. The novelty of sitting on low wooden stools and eating a piping hot delicious dinner was matched by the tales our aji told us about the month of Shravan.

This week, we recreate the nostalgia of that meal. Sadly, I have no banana leaf plates or low wooden stools. The magic of the food itself will have to do along with a tale or two.

If you’d like to read up on the month of Shravan, here are some links that may help.

Enjoy!