http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/hot-stories-of-red-chillies-in-rajasthan.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/hot-stories-of-red-chillies-in-rajasthan.html Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 Red Chillies, no wonder may add fiery to tastes, but the tastes of Rajasthan is incomplete without the red chillies of the the desert. It is here that the chilli tradition has taken to wings and people can't just imagine to have a meal without the soul ingredient of the state. Certain areas go for the production of Chilli and Naguar is one such quaint town of Rajasthan that has accelerated in Chilli production in recent years. Naguar town located in Mewar district is also home to the third largest cattle festival of the state. The fair is organised in honour of prince-turned-saint Baba Ramdeo and the fair showcases Nagauri bulls, a variety of cattle, camels, marwari horses and puts to display cheap priced chillies that are a real fascination of this region.

The display of the chillies actually takes place on a two- minutes walk from the location of the fair when the nose starts twitching and the air has an unmistakable pungency of red spices. The chillies are kept in a small camp of traders here arranged in rows and kept in piles of gunny sacks, that bursts out to reveal its contents – the red hot Rajasthani Chillies. These chillies soak up the fire of Sun from the dried arid desert air of Rajasthan before reaching to this market. The red hot chilli pepper gets its due here as it is one indispensable ingredient of the Indian Cuisine. The Lal Mirchi Bazaar of Naguar fair so is a must visit to catch the glimpse of real Indian chillies. The fair starts in February, but the chilli trade continues well upto March. The long, red chillies ranges from tez (sharp), to meethi (sweet) or rangeen (colourful). However, for the untrained tongue it is just one word that can describe the chillies well – fiery.

The best way, however, to judge a chillie according to a trader, is to hold it in light and to look through through its veins. The more dried and wrinkled the chilli is, the more heat it adds to the food. But, scientific explanation may not go by it as colour is not necessarily the indicator for heat. Infact, there are two important commercial qualities of chilies – colour and pungency. The red colour is an attribute offered by the pigment casanthin, while the biting pungency of chillies is donated by the pigment capsaicin.

However, the Rajputana pride is concentrated in one variety of Chilli. The flavour of this genre of chillis is unique and people are willing to pay high prices for it. Chillies, at resonable prices can also be brought from farmers of Nagaur themselves. The proof of its pungency lies in the tasting.

For more information about festivals of Rajasthan, log on to http://www.rajasthanunlimited.com/fair-festival/ and for more insights into cuisines of Rajasthan log on to http://www.rajasthanunlimited.com/cuisine/


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The Author is a well known writer and has traveled to many destinations of India. She expertises in many subjects and it is a fun for her to bring to limelight anything new and exciting that comes her way.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/extreme/summer-siesta-and-fun-sports-in-goa.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/extreme/summer-siesta-and-fun-sports-in-goa.html Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
There are also other myriad things to do in Goa apart from sojourning on the beaches of Goa. For some, it may be a season of spring when the countryside is ablaze with a riot of colours and for others it is the season of boungainvillea and date palms that dot the sunny landscape. The season of spring also opens up opportunity for indulging in various sport activities. And while sporting in the beach activities drown yourself in sweet coconut water from enormous green hulls. Then gobble the delicious chunky whites of pure fresh coconut – that is a delicacy in itself.

Head straight to Goa's interiors and trek its verdant hills by using binoculars while simultaneously boat cruising down the rivers and seas wherever you get the chance of doing so. While undertaking boat cruise also engage yourself in fishing with nets cast from boats by local fishermen. Also, there may be a good opportunity of diving in the seas, once you get yourself involved in fishing in the high seas with the fisherman folks. It definitely ooozes out all your energy and leaves a blank depression of energy in you.

Apart from the fun and frolic, Goa is a place that makes everyone jubilant as a huge crowd of tourist throng this place every year. Laughter, joy and participation follows. Adventure activities like parasailing, water skiing, wind surfing are very commonly activities among tourists coming to this region. Besides, some other interesting activities like Banana boat rides, are also very easily made available to tourists. The tourists literally revel in all these adventure activities by the sea and garner themselves with resplendent energy and start sightseeing of Goa. The sightseeing ranges from churches to temples, mosques and natural vistas of Goa. So, summertime Goa has these adventure sports and much more. So this summer, consider on visiting Goa, as this place offers suitcases of golden memories without any baggage allowance imposed.

For more information about the destination Goa, log on to http://www.indiantravels.com/pilgrimage-in-india/christian-pilgrimage.html


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The author is a well known writer and makes her contribution on various subjects frequently. This article is based on her experience of Goa.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/food/wine/goan-feni-celebration-of-life.html http://www.articletrader.com/food/wine/goan-feni-celebration-of-life.html Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Fenny or Feni is the name given to the Indian liquor that is made exclusively from the juice of coconut or cashew apple. A native of Goa, the Goan Feni is considered to be of the most superior quality. Made by crushing the cashew apples, the juice is collected in Kodem (an earthen pot) and is buried in the ground. The traditional method of obtaining this drink involves the use of Coimbi (a rock on the hill carved like a basin with an outlet for the juice), where the pulp is arranged in shape of a cake and a cobblestone is used to extricate a juice called Neero, which is believed to be having medicinal properties that proves helpful in combating constipation.


Watching the production of this liquor on the hills is an absorbing and interesting experience. Bhann, a huge vessel is used to collect the juice and it acts as a closed boiler. The circular copper or earthen pot is an essential vessel. The process of distillation and vaporisation is continued and the juice is collected in the smaller pot. This process of distillation and vaporization is continued for at least three times to collect the puissant feni. This process takes up around 8 hours to complete and the entire surrounding is fused with the tantalizing aroma of the drink. Besides cashew feni, there is coconut feni which is distilled form the toddy that is collected of the coconut trees.


Feni is the pure fermented juice of the cashew apple and is used in cocktails. The liquor that is produced can be sorted in three categories. The first distillation gives the Urrac, which has the strength between 14 and 16 grao. It is light in comparison and is said to go well with orange and lemon. The second distillation gives Cazulo, which is comparatively stronger. However, the production of this has become anachronistic. The third and the final distillation marks the production of feni, whose quality is par excellence.


The high grade feni is considered to have 42% of alcohol and in Goa, they are available in excess. The most popular brands of feni are Cashyo, Reals and Big Boss. Superking is also one of the superior brand of feni.





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The author of this article has tried to highlight the popular drink of Goa. In this article she has reflected upon the method of the preparation of this liquor which is very popular and rampant drink of the Goans. To read more of her works on Feni go to site

Shubhyatra.com


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/flights-of-fantasy-the-kite-sport.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/flights-of-fantasy-the-kite-sport.html Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Kite flying in India is largely associated with 15th August, Indian Independence Day. Flying a kite is like a ritual on the day. Starting from small kids to the eldest in the family, everybody is engaged in the activity. Entire sky is covered with kites of all sizes, shapes and color. Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan and some parts of Uttar Pradesh are the major sites of kite flying. Especially the Old Delhi region, where you will find kids flying kites from the narrow lanes and from the rooftops of their homes. Throughout the day, I roamed the streets looking at children running here and there to catch hold of the 'kati patang' (broken Kite) and listening to echo of shouts of “pakad, pakad” (catch it, catch it).

The most popular kites that are seen today are the paper kites with slick bamboo sticks. They seem to be the oldest ones to be around and the cheapest as well. However, slowly and gradually, new forms of kites have also started appearing on the front. Kites with carbon rods, fiber glass and motorized kites are the need of the hour. Over the period, the shape and size of kites have changed like the weather in an year. The first kites were not very aerodynamic and needed a push to get into the air. This was provided by burning rags that were hung to the base of the kite. The hot air did make them fly, but also made the kites heavy and non maneuverable. Then came leaner and more aerodynamic kites called 'tukkal', that took to the air quite comfortability and were highly maneuverable. These kites gave the flier an extra edge over others and gave them a chance to exhibit their skills. They are flown with sharp threads called 'manja'. The threads are laced with finely powdered glass, making them a potent weapon against other competitors in the open skies. The colors used, the designs made, all reflect the true culture of India.

The good thing now is that, kite flying is no more reserved to special days like 15th August or Makar Sakranti. Neither is it confined to a particular place. The Passion of kite flying has spread with such intensity, it feels that the golden days of kite sports are back. I won't be surprised if it gives Adventure sports in India, a run for its money. There are number of kite festivals held in India, in different states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. These Festivals attract participants from various other countries such as Japan, Canada, Germany, Sri Lanka and USA. I had the opportunity to be a part of one of these festivals. Even though I was not participating, I found my part of spectating, really challenging. It is not easy to look up for many hours, trying to catch sight of the most vibrant kite shining bright in the sun. But what kept me away from the feeling of uncomfortability, was the mesmerizing scene of amalgamation of cultures of so many different countries, tying around each other joyfully. Believe me, a sight worth remembering a lifetime.

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Rita Jain is an experienced writer who has written on many varied topics. At the moment, she is researching about various events related to Sports in India. For more of her works, Visit Indialine.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>