Gudi Padva Special Batasha ( Gathi chi maal )

Gudi Padwa, Padva or Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is one of the most celebrated festivals especially in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It celebrates the beginning of the traditional Hindu year.

The Gudi is observed at the entrance of Maharashtrain households. So what is it? A Gudi is a stick covered in a bright cloth adorned with brocade or zari that has been topped with Batasha (Gadthi chi maal), neem leaves, twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers. This is covered by a silver or copper pot in an inverted position.

Normally in India we can buy batasha from any grocery store.When I checked for Batashe in the Indian stores….They were available packed in plastic packets. However on checking carefully, I noticed that more than half of Batashe were crumbled in the container!! I dropped the idea of buying them. Instead decided to make them at home.

Battasha:

Preparation Time: 5 mins

Cooking Time: 10 mins

Ingredients: 

1. Sugar: 1 cup
2. Water:1/4 cup
3. Soda:1/4 tsp
4. Aluminium Foil: 10 inch
5. Cotton Thread

Procedure:

1. Mix sugar and water in a  Nonstick sauce pan. Place it on medium heat and keep stirring.
   
2. Once the syrup starts boiling and  bubbles start to show from bottom, Stir continuously. 
3. Switch the gas off. Add a 1/4 tsp baking soda, the mixture will become very light and fluffy.
   
4. Pour spoon out the syrup into drops on a foil or pour it on the cotton thread lined on the Aluminium foil.  You need to be really quick and very careful.
   
5. Leave aside to cool and harden.