We went to a boys shelter called Aasra to celebrate Diwali with the kids there. It was an iVolunteer initiative. The coordinator from iVolunteer gave us some fab ideas on the fun things we could do at the party. It included painting diyas which was a super-hit with the kids there. We played a lot of games, ate and sang and it was great fun and all of us came back hoping we can go back there someday soon.

Diwali is two days away and the preparations are in full swing. Though not a foodie, there are some food items I absolutely love. And it has been a policy with me to try and make each one of those in my kitchen.

While in college, my friend Dips once got a big black ladoo, it looked pretty unappetizing. Being one of those non-adventurous sorts especially when it comes to food, I decided not to try it but she insisted and I finally gave in. After that, every weekend when Dips traveled to Pune she had to get me Nachniche ladoo (Ragi in Hindi and millet in English and nachni in Marathi) from Chitale Joshi. Everyone who traveled to Pune and visited Chitale Joshi would come back with Nachniche ladoo for me. Some Diwalis ago I decided to try and make it at home and voila! — it was just as heavenly. Made it last evening and though making it was strenuous; this tasty ladoo is worth the effort. If you guys want to try making this ladoo; just download a rava ladoo recipe and substitute the rava with the very nutritious nachni / ragi.

Tomorrow: Karanji / gujiya