Women Fitness: Celebrate The Presence of Spring With The Annual Indian Traditional Holiday of Color, Holi Festival!

Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the “festival of spring”, the “festival of colors”, and the “festival of love.” The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. Normally Holi is a large crowded festival celebrated all over the world but this year, reflective of the global pandemic,  those celebrating can throw their own version at home. Below are some recipe ideas from the #1 U.S. based India-inspired and owned Yogurt brand, DAH! (www.dahlicious.com)

Holi 2021 will begin on Sunday, March 28 and ends on Monday, March 29

With the help of notable Australian, Indian actress and influencer Chandrika Ravi, below are some wardrobe and recipe tips, and ways to celebrate Holi at home.

Chandrika showcases colorful, native Hindu attire by Gopi Skirts while also enjoying these authentic Indian recipes using DAH! – The India-inspired slow cultured yogurt is a favorite of Chandrika.

Chandrika is one of India’s leading actresses and extensively trained in Indian dance styles, with a big presence in Australia and the U.S. as well.. In 2011, she was the first Indian to place in the state finals of Miss World Australia and shortly after that won the title of Miss Maxim India Runner Up 2012; also placing as a state finalist in Miss India Australia. She is also currently working with UNICEF India as an ambassador and filming several upcoming movies.

Holi Festival is considered as one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India and it is celebrated in almost every part of the country. It is also sometimes called the “festival of love” as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feelings towards each other. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Falgun. It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on the first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi. In different parts of the country it is known with different names.

The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colours is actually a day worth rejoicing. Holi is a famous Hindu festival that is celebrated in every part of India with utmost joy and enthusiasm. The ritual starts by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and this process symbolizes the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi people play with colours with their friends and families and in evening they show love and respect to their close ones with Abeer.

In addition to the wardrobe and cuisine, Chandrika recommends traditional Indian dancing be brought into the mix. Nothing makes for a celebration without some dancing, especially native Bollywood inspired moves!

FOR THE WARDROBE:

Although Chandrika says white is typically worn, for this shoot we see her wearing colorful attire from Gopi Skirts by Radhika, an American-based Indian fashion brand that ships globally, to showcase colors in the spirit of Holi Festival. https://instagram.com/gopiskirts?igshid=oro629kc0xb

Chandrika also suggests using color bombs (Often seen on social media at weddings and baby announcements these days, but originally hailing from the tradition of Holi.) These can easily be purchased on Amazon or a local party store, are safe, and fun for the family to engage in.

FOR THE CUISINE:

DAH! reflects the Indian tradition of becoming still and centered to experience a state of inner peace and harmony. And it is through the practice of patience, taking the time to seek greater balance, that our slow-culturing process creates the highest quality yogurts.

DAH! Holi Fest Inspired Recipes: 

DAH! is America’s #1 award-winning India-inspired yogurt brand featuring dairy and vegan offerings, Their Traditional Lassi which is a rich and creamy slow-cultured yogurt drink that is high in probiotics and satisfying to the last drop. Lassi benefits include being Made with Whole Milk and real fruit inclusive of 15 billion probiotics per serving (60 billion in 32 oz), Non-GMO, Gluten-free, and Kosher certified. Flavor Profiles  including Plain, Alphonso Mango, Field Strawberry, Wild Blueberry, Golden Milk, and Madagascar Vanilla.  They are the 2020 Sofi Award Winning brand, having been awarded the Gold Award in the ‘Yogurt & Kefir’ category for its 32 oz Lassi Alphonso Mango, which is featured in the Thandai recipe above.

RECIPE 3: 

Vegan Milk Badam   

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Plain DAH! Oat+Almond+Coconut yogurt cup

• 2 Cups Almond Milk

• 2 tsp sugar

• Pinch of Crushed saffron or ⅛ tsp of Tumeric

• ⅛ tsp Green Cardamom Powder

INSTRUCTION:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend. Enjoy warm or cold!

• Add edible flowers or dried rose petals to the top for edible decorations!

Visit DAH! online at Dahlicious.com for a full store locator. Some key retailers include Whole Foods, Sprouts, Publix, Safeway, Wegmans and Bristol Farms. www.dahlicious.com | Follow @Dahlicious on social media

Follow Chandrika Ravi on social media below:

http://www.chandrikaravi.com /  Instagram @chandrikaravi  

Stay Safe and HAPPY HOLI!!