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You know the best part about living in India? You get to experience a diversity of cultures around you and the more the cultures, the more you have reasons to celebrate. Festivals are a part and parcel of most Indian cultures. The religious connotation attached with each day makes it an even more special affair. The year begins on a high note, with harvest festivals doing the rounds in the country and then you get to that time of the year, when you are transitioning from one season to another. Bidding adieu to the chilly winters, you welcome bright and sunny days.
This also marks the commencement of Holi. Also known as the festival of colours, Holi is celebrated each year with a lot of fun and colour. As per the Hindu calendar, it is falling on 18th March this year. Legend has it that Holi is celebrated after Holika Dahan. The burning of Prahladh’s sister, Holika marks the day of Choti Holi while the next day is celebrated as the main festival. Leaving behind all evil spirits, people come together to pray to Lord Krishna and celebrate their eternal love for each other, particularly in Mathura. On this day, apart from colour-loaded tubes, dry colours and water, there are some special sweet treats too.
Gujiya is a staple that is associated with Holi and there is a drink too. Any guesses? Yes, it is thandai. A milk-based beverage, the drink is prepared with almonds, cardamom, poppy seeds, rose water and bhang sometimes. Now, you may have had thandai a couple of times during Holi but how about some thandai sweet meats? Here are some delicious thandai-infused desserts to try this Holi.
1. Kesari Thandai Pudding
A creamy and rich pudding is prepared and flavoured with the thandai milk. The same is frozen to form a pudding and kesar aka saffron is used to add colour and a tantalizing aroma to the sweet dish. This can be served alongside a salty thandai brittle.
2. Thandai Mousse
With whipped cream on the base of the mousse, the fancy dessert is loaded with desi flavours. From thandai syrup to orange and lemon zest as well as silvered almonds, the mousse glass is topped with some choco chips for the crunch.
3. Thandai Custard
A smooth and creamy custard that melts in your mouth is just what you need in summers. Usually a chilled dessert, you can spruce up the taste of your custard by adding some thandai syrup to the mix. Drizzle some rose syrup and chopped dry fruits and let it set in the refrigerator.
4. Thandai Cheesecake
Who’s up for a cheesecake? Try this thandai-flavoured cheesecake and you’ll forget your favourite New-York style varieties. This comes packed with a crunchy biscuit base, a creamy and smooth layer of cheese infused with the thandai mix. The almonds lend the cake a nutty flavour.
