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<br /> The year 2014 is just two days old, marking the beginning of yet another <keyword id="89477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gregorian-calendar">Gregorian calendar</keyword> year. But revellers who painted the town red and want more party time need not lose heart. Officially, the year has taken off on January 1, but the regional variants of the New Year’s Day still prevail in a country like India – home to a colourful mélange of cultures and traditions. So we are yet to experience a spate of <keyword id="471694" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Year-festivities">New Year festivities</keyword>, celebrated from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to Kanyakumari, from the <keyword id="53478" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="North-East">north-east</keyword> to the western coast.<br />
 <br /> Interestingly, both the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the previous <keyword id="89476" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Julian-calendar">Julian calendar</keyword> (first implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) kick off on the same day – January 1. The Romans originally dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings, and January, the first month of the year, was named after him. Later on, most nations in Western Europe officially started the New Year from January 1. The UK was a late adopter, though, and observed New Year’s Day on <keyword id="47282" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="march">March</keyword> 25, popularly known as Lady Day since it celebrated Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation. This practice stayed in England up to 1752.<br />
 <br /> Closer home, we have many time-reckoning systems but the most significant among them is the <keyword id="1998432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sakabda">Sakabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1998433" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saka-calendar">Saka calendar</keyword>. It was introduced in 78 AD, most probably by the Kushan ruler Kanishka, and was even used in other countries such as Kampuchea and Indonesia. Another one is the popular <keyword id="1998435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangabda">Bangabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1282409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengali-calendar">Bengali Calendar</keyword>, a <keyword id="1998436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-calendar">solar calendar</keyword> started by Mughal emperor <keyword id="6363995" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akbar">Akbar</keyword> in 1584 AD. Then there is the <keyword id="1998437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hijri-New-Year">Hijri New Year</keyword>, also known as the <keyword id="1926173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Islamic-new-year">Islamic New Year</keyword>, which started in 610 AD when <keyword id="6358086" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prophet-Muhammad">Prophet Muhammad</keyword> migrated from Mecca to <keyword id="89362" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Medina">Medina</keyword>.<br />
 <br /> With so many calendars around and so many regional New Year’s Days to celebrate, it’s time to soak in the traditional rituals once more, mostly observed during the months of <keyword id="368788" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitra">Chaitra</keyword> and <keyword id="1998439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baishakh">Baishakh</keyword> (March-April). Here’s a quick look at the key events.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="4349969" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navreh">Navreh</keyword> – Kashmir:</strong> Let us start with Navreh, the New Year’s Day in the <keyword id="911185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-calendar">lunar calendar</keyword> and observed on the <keyword id="1998440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shukla-Pratipada">Shukla Pratipada</keyword> (first day of the waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is the <keyword id="1998441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oldest-New-Year-celebration">oldest New Year celebration</keyword>, and finds mention in historical works such as <em>Nilamat Purana</em>, <keyword id="1998443" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalhana">Kalhana</keyword>’s <em><keyword id="1998442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajtarangini">Rajtarangini</keyword></em> and Persian scholar <keyword id="1792427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Al-Biruni">Al-Biruni</keyword>’s writing. Each household prepares the ‘<keyword id="1998444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-thali">holi thali</keyword>’ with great care, containing food, flower and other essentials, and it is viewed at the dawn of Navreh while family members pray for <keyword id="6383453" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wealth">wealth</keyword>, knowledge and <keyword id="23119" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="good-luck">good luck</keyword>. From this day, <keyword id="1998445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nav-Durga-Puja">Nav Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="31525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navratra">Navratra</keyword> also begins in Kashmir and continues for 9 days.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1296432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitti">Chaitti</keyword> – <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>: </strong>In this hill state, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra according to the <keyword id="1998446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vikrami-calendar">Vikrami calendar</keyword> and festivals such as <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> and <keyword id="1998448" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ralli-Puja">Ralli Puja</keyword> are held throughout the month in honour of Goddess Durga/Bhagwati. The month-long Ralli Puja ends in the marriage of Lord Shiva and the goddess as spinsters seek blessings of the divine duo for a spouse like Lord Shiva.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="42862" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ugadi">Ugadi</keyword> – <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>: </strong>It is celebrated on the same day as Navreh, in the month of Chaitra, and marks the beginning of the South Indian lunar year. People of these southern states believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and <em><keyword id="202308" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rangoli">rangoli</keyword></em> designs; Panchanga or the <keyword id="1998452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Religious-almanac">religious almanac</keyword> is recited and puja offerings are made for a prosperous New Year. Ugadi <em><keyword id="758269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pachadi">pachadi</keyword></em>, the traditional dish of six flavours made of <keyword id="6441002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="neem">neem</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword> &amp; banana, salt, green chilli/pepper, tamarind juice and unripe mango, is also relished on this occasion to acknowledge six different aspects of life.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="608876" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gudhi-Padva">Gudhi Padva</keyword> – <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>: </strong>Observed on the same day as Navreh and Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), the New Year festivities in these states celebrate the bounty of Nature. Houses are decked up with rangoli and colourful <em>gudhi</em> – a bright-hued, embellished silk banner tied to a decorated <keyword id="1808323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bamboo-pole">bamboo pole</keyword> and an upside down brass/silver pot fitted on the top. A day after Gudhi Padva, <keyword id="127745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheti-Chand">Cheti Chand</keyword> or the <keyword id="610532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sindhi-New-Year">Sindhi New Year</keyword> is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of <keyword id="1998458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ishtadeva-Uderolal">Ishtadeva Uderolal</keyword> or <keyword id="987886" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jhulelal">Jhulelal</keyword>, the patron saint of the Sindhis. Lord Varuna, the water god, is also worshipped on this day, followed by <keyword id="6771793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="feasting">feasting</keyword> and <keyword id="240265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="devotional-music">devotional music</keyword>.<br />
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<strong>Varuda Pirappu/Puthandu – <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>: </strong>Held in mid-April, the <keyword id="6407830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-New-Year">Tamil New Year</keyword>’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, which is the first month of the traditional <keyword id="525554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-calendar">Tamil calendar</keyword>. Just like Navreh, the day begins with <keyword id="1998464" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auspicious-sighting">auspicious sighting</keyword> or <em><keyword id="1009356" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kanni">Kanni</keyword></em>, as people <keyword id="1873" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worship">worship</keyword> <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> &amp; farm products, <keyword id="119992" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="precious-metals">precious metals</keyword> and <keyword id="1246513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-clothes">new clothes</keyword>. Ritualistic patterns called <em>kolams</em> are drawn; traditional lamps or <em>kuthu vilakkus</em> are lighted and placed in the centre, and brass bowls known as <em>niraikudums</em> are filled with water to usher in <keyword id="73094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="prosperity">prosperity</keyword> and <keyword id="800742" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fulfillment">fulfillment</keyword>. It is followed by the <keyword id="1998469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Almanac-worship">almanac worship</keyword> called <keyword id="1998471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchanga-Puja">Panchanga Puja</keyword>. And the festive meal features <em>pachadi</em>, fruits and <em>payasam</em> or dessert.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="345699" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishu">Vishu</keyword> – <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>: </strong>Vishu is the <keyword id="1010370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-New-Year">Malayalam New Year</keyword>’s Day, observed in Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. As in other South Indian states, auspicious sighting and other rituals are observed as part of the celebration; <keyword id="51941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firecrackers">firecrackers</keyword> are burst and an elaborate <keyword id="1998461" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festive-lunch">festive lunch</keyword> called <em><keyword id="1998473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadya">sadya</keyword></em> is served.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1334751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poila-Baishakh">Poila Baishakh</keyword> – <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>:</strong> The Bengali New Year’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baishakh (mostly on <keyword id="6364510" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="april">April</keyword> 14). Also known as <em><keyword id="989326" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naba-Barsha">Naba Barsha</keyword></em>, <keyword id="27928" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lord-Ganesha">Lord Ganesha</keyword> and <keyword id="462664" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</keyword>, deities of wealth, are worshipped on this day while businesses open fresh ledgers known as <em><keyword id="1998474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haal-Khata">Haal Khata</keyword></em>. Feasting, festivities and <keyword id="6409104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cultural-programmes">cultural programmes</keyword> are the main attractions here. <keyword id="1998475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili-New-Year">Maithili New Year</keyword> <em><keyword id="1998426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Juri-Sheetal">Juri Sheetal</keyword></em> is also celebrated on this day.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1998425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maha-Vishuva-Sankranti">Maha Vishuva Sankranti</keyword> – <keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>: </strong>In neighbouring Odisha, the New Year’s Day is also known as <keyword id="1998476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana-Sankranit">Pana Sankranit</keyword> or <keyword id="1998424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jala-Sankranti">Jala Sankranti</keyword> or <keyword id="1998427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesha-Sankranti">Mesha Sankranti</keyword> that marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar. Traditionally held on the first day of Baishakh (mid-April), a sweet drink called <keyword id="1998477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana">Pana</keyword> is made using fruits, card, milk, water and sugar/jaggery and bestowed as <keyword id="1998478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Puja-offering">puja offering</keyword>. People also drink Pana and water is offered to all, even to birds and animals, for a month. Throughout this period, <keyword id="1998479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Hingula">Goddess Hingula</keyword> is worshipped for driving the evil away. Devotees often keep fast and perform penances as part of the rituals.<br />
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<strong>Rongali/Bohag Bihu – <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>: </strong>Held in the month of Baishakh (mid-April), this weeklong colourful and vibrant festival not only marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar, but also heralds the new agricultural season. As in all other states, pujas are offered to ensure a prosperous year ahead; <keyword id="974604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-food">festive food</keyword> such as <em>pitha</em> and <em>laru</em> is made and shared, and young people get together to choose their life partners. Fairs are held; games are played, and the traditional <keyword id="1998481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bihu-songs">Bihu songs</keyword> &amp; dances make it the perfect season for jollity and merriment.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1998480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheiraoba">Cheiraoba</keyword> – <keyword id="6359754" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manipur">Manipur</keyword>: </strong>Moving further north-east, one gets to celebrate the Manipuri New Year Sajibu Cheiraoba in the month of April. Puja offerings, delicious food and festivities mark this occasion as well. In addition, locals climb the nearest hill tops, thus aspiring to rise to great heights in real life.<br />
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<strong>Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>: </strong>Traditionally a <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, the <keyword id="1011009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-New-Year">Punjabi New Year</keyword>’s Day is held on April 13/14 (the first day of the second month of the year, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar). It is a significant day for the <keyword id="81001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikh-community">Sikh community</keyword> as well since they celebrate the day in honor of the 10th guru, <keyword id="138545" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Guru-Gobind-Singh">Guru Gobind Singh</keyword>, who did away with the <keyword id="6434481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Caste-System">caste system</keyword>. Otherwise, fun, food and <keyword id="1998485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Country-dances">country dances</keyword> like <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">Bhangra</keyword> and <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">Giddha</keyword>, keeping time with the beats of <em>dhols</em> and drums, mark this occasion.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="585610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bestu-Varas">Bestu Varas</keyword> – <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>: </strong>In certain parts of northern and western India, Diwali heralds the New Year and Gujarat is one of them. Bestu Varas is held a day after the Festival of Lights, in the month of <keyword id="6376330" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kartik">Kartik</keyword> (October-November) and houses are splendidly decked up with <keyword id="5823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flowers">flowers</keyword>, <em>rangoli</em> and <em>torans</em> (door hangings). Pujas are offered; New Year <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> are everywhere and gifts are generously exchanged. And one must not forget the festive food either, especially the delectable and traditional snacks of Gujarat such as <em><keyword id="107294" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="farsan">farsan</keyword></em>.<br />
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<strong>Images: </strong>Wikipedia<br />
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New Year Festivities
Not Over Yet; Here Is How India
Celebrates

<keyword id="30469" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kochi" source="Orion">Kochi</keyword>, a vibrant city in Kerala steeped in history and culture, boasts a culinary landscape as rich and diverse as its heritage. From aromatic spices to coastal delicacies, the cuisine of Kochi embodies a fusion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Let's embark on a gastronomic journey through the 10 famous cuisines that define the essence of Kochi's culinary scene.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Malabar Biriyani:" comment="subhead" text="Malabar Biriyani:"><span data-til="noop">Malabar Biriyani:</span></cmsannotation><br />A quintessential Malabar delight, the Malabar Biriyani is a fragrant rice dish layered with marinated meat, spices, and aromatic herbs. Kochi's version often features tender chunks of chicken or succulent pieces of mutton, infused with flavors of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Karimeen Pollichathu:" comment="subhead" text="Karimeen Pollichathu:"><span data-til="noop">Karimeen Pollichathu:</span></cmsannotation><br />A cherished dish among seafood enthusiasts, Karimeen Pollichathu showcases pearl spot fish marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a harmonious medley of tangy and spicy flavors.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Appam with Stew:" comment="subhead" text="Appam with Stew:"><span data-til="noop">Appam with Stew:</span></cmsannotation><br />Appam, a lacy, fermented rice pancake with a crispy edge and soft center, pairs exquisitely with a fragrant stew made of coconut milk, vegetables, and sometimes chicken or lamb. This breakfast delicacy is a local favorite.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kerala Prawn Curry:" comment="subhead" text="Kerala Prawn Curry:"><span data-til="noop">Kerala Prawn Curry:</span></cmsannotation><br />The coastal influence shines in Kochi's Kerala Prawn Curry, featuring fresh prawns simmered in a coconut-based gravy infused with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and tamarind, delivering a delightful tanginess.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Puttu and Kadala Curry:" comment="subhead" text="Puttu and Kadala Curry:"><span data-til="noop">Puttu and Kadala Curry:</span></cmsannotation><br />A staple breakfast dish, Puttu is steamed cylinders of ground rice and coconut served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea curry. The combination offers a burst of flavors and textures.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Parotta and Beef Fry:" comment="subhead" text="Parotta and Beef Fry:"><span data-til="noop">Parotta and Beef Fry:</span></cmsannotation><br />Kochi's take on Parotta, flaky layered flatbread, pairs impeccably with succulent Beef Fry, cooked with spices, onions, and curry leaves. This dish reflects the city's diverse culinary influences.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kerala Sadya:" comment="subhead" text="Kerala Sadya:"><span data-til="noop">Kerala Sadya:</span></cmsannotation><br />A grand feast, Kerala Sadya is a ceremonial meal served on banana leaves, featuring an array of vegetarian dishes like Avial, Thoran, Rasam, and Pachadi, showcasing the richness of Kerala's flavors.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Thalassery Chicken Dum Biryani:" comment="subhead" text="Thalassery Chicken Dum Biryani:"><span data-til="noop">Thalassery Chicken Dum Biryani:</span></cmsannotation><br />Hailing from nearby Thalassery, this aromatic and flavorful Chicken Dum Biryani features marinated chicken and fragrant Basmati rice cooked with spices, saffron, and fried onions in layers.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kerala Fish Curry:" comment="subhead" text="Kerala Fish Curry:"><span data-til="noop">Kerala Fish Curry:</span></cmsannotation><br />Coconut-infused tangy and spicy Fish Curry, often made with kingfish or seer fish, captures the essence of coastal flavors. Tamarind, coconut milk, and a melange of spices define this traditional dish.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kerala Banana Chips:" comment="subhead" text="Kerala Banana Chips:"><span data-til="noop">Kerala Banana Chips:</span></cmsannotation><br />A beloved snack, Kerala's Banana Chips are thinly sliced bananas fried to a crisp perfection, seasoned with spices, and often enjoyed as a crunchy accompaniment to meals or as a standalone treat.<br /><br />Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.<br /><br />SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/top-5-places-to-visit-in-kerala/slidelist/103806526.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Top 5 Places to visit in Kerala</a><br />

Culinary odyssey: Exploring Kochi's 10 famous cuisines

<ul><li>From inventory to delivery, the home chef business is fraught with many issues and uncertainties. </li><li>Finding a reliable delivery vendor requires a lot of patience and multiple attempts before honing in on one.</li><li>No longer is it just the biriyani or butter chicken, the sheer variety available often puts the best restaurants to shame.</li></ul><br />Not so long ago, the only reason people ordered food was to take a break from boring old 'ghar ka khana' (homemade food). However, the pandemic brought with it a rekindling of love for the same items most of us wanted to get away from. That said, the past year has also seen an evolution of sorts of the kind of cuisines home chefs have embraced and have to offer. No longer is it just the biriyani or butter chicken, the sheer variety available often puts the best restaurants to shame. From homemade shepherd's pie to pork belly with tingmo to creatively decorated blueberry-vanilla in American buttercream cake, the offerings are beautifully varied.<br /><br />The business models are diverse — from <keyword id="2067878" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Home-cooks">home cooks</keyword> sharing their daily menus on their residential colony WhatsApp groups to operating entirely out of social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. Then there are those who are happy to get rid of the added burden of marketing, delivery etc., all together and prefer to outsource it to companies like <keyword id="8248012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Homefoodi">Homefoodi</keyword> or <keyword id="10926000" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Conosh">Conosh</keyword>.<br /><br />"For me, the moment you put numbers into something you love, it takes the fun out of it. I am lucky enough to be able to concentrate on the fun part of cooking while my husband helps to bring some method to this madness by taking care of everything else, for now. But given how painful the business and backend side of it can be, I would definitely be more than happy to outsource that part of the operations," says Tarannum Sehgal, whose full-time role is in a Michelin Kitchen in South of France, but she started her venture T-Pop! In Delhi to bide her time while she waits for her restaurant to open in April.<br /><br />Conosh, a company co-owned by three friends Anshumala, Neha and Vaibhav, is basically a conduit between home chefs and foodies. Before the pandemic hit, the primary way they would do so was by setting up pop-up kitchens in the homes of chefs, but since that was no longer possible in 2020, they tweaked their offerings to include marketing and delivery services to home chefs as well as offering workshops with master chefs like <keyword id="1426431" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gary-Mehigan">Gary Mehigan</keyword>, Sashi Chelia, <keyword id="973254" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ranveer-Brar">Ranveer Brar</keyword>, and <keyword id="4829" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kunal-Kapur">Kunal Kapur</keyword> to home chefs who were keen on sharpening their skills. Conosh now has over 800 chefs and has delivered to over 15,000 customers in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. <br /><br />While the idea of starting a home kitchen sounds ideal, the journey is far from easy. From inventory to delivery, the home chef business is fraught with many issues and uncertainties. Some of which were either exasperated or even solved during the pandemic.<br /><br />                 <div type="image" title="Double cooked pork belly" msid="81494745" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Double cooked pork belly&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>The kitchen-to-mouth conundrum </strong><br /><br />Delivery is a key element most home chefs have trouble negotiating. And while there were a plethora of companies who started offering delivery services at competitive prices during the pandemic, finding a reliable vendor requires a lot of patience and multiple attempts before honing in on one. Nicole Juneja and her mum Kusuma Juneja started their venture, Mood, back in 2018. Initially, they operated purely on the takeaway model, but the pandemic forced them to change their stance and start delivering food. "While the lockdown helped us grow our business, in fact, it was our best year ever, a key challenge we faced was trying to figure out the logistics, which is primarily the deliveries. It's hard to find a reliable partner," says Juneja.<br /><br />  <strong>                <div type="image" title="Vanilla fairy cakes" msid="81494875" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vanilla fairy cakes&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Can't have your cake and eat it too</strong><br /><br />Business Insider spoke to Anshumala, one of the co-founders of Conosh, who tells us that while the pandemic saw a surge in both home chefs and consumers, the one thing the consumers often gripe over is the price. "Diners particularly talk about the prices and they compare it to restaurant food. However, it cannot be directly compared to restaurant food for a variety of reasons. The first and the most obvious ones are obviously because these guys are working on a much smaller scale, and they're making everything fresh so they don't have the economies of scale like restaurant kitchens. Also, as an example, we have a home chef called Sumitra who specialises in Andhra Brahmin food in Bangalore and she travels to Vishakhapatnam to get some of her ingredients in order to maintain the authenticity of the food she offers. So, of course, the cost of her offering will be higher than a restaurant's."<br /><br /><strong>Recipe for growth </strong>—<strong> limit your orders</strong><br /><br />"While the lockdown definitely helped us expand our business, increasing our scale makes you realise the limitations of a home kitchen. And you do have to set an upper limit for orders and things like that, just because there's only that much space and equipment," Juneja tells us. Along with that, there was the issue of little or no additional help in terms of staff, especially during the lockdown that made operations so much harder for home chefs.<br /><br />                <div type="image" title="Christmas rum fruit cake" msid="81494895" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Christmas rum fruit cake&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>The not-so-palatable cost?</strong><br /><br />Touching upon the point raised by Anshumala, the mere fact that home chefs operate on a smaller scale, their cost of ingredients is also much higher. Plus, what sets them apart is the fact that they use the best and most authentic ingredients that don't come cheap. "While the cost to deliver items may have reduced a notch, the material and packaging costs have also shot up, which, in turn, has led me to charge more. Plus, earlier, I used to go to wholesale markets to get the raw materials that I can no longer do thanks to the pandemic, which has impacted my costs," says Shweta Andrews, founder of Bakes Ahoy, a business specialising in artisanal and premium baked goods.<br /><br /><strong>Fill out a few forms before you do the filling</strong><br /><br />In November 2020, the government made it mandatory for all home chefs who have a turnover of ₹12 lakh and above to have a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (<keyword id="154680" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="FSSAI">FSSAI</keyword>) registration number. Failure to do so could result in a fine of ₹5 lakhs or face jail time. But while most imagined this would be a huge pain, it really isn't. All you have to do is log into the website, submit a few documents, and pay a nominal sum and within 2-4 weeks, the job is done.<br /><br />However, in June 2020, FSSAI launched a new cloud-based food safety compliance online platform called <a target="_blank" href="https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/" class="editor-rtfLink">Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)</a>, which will eventually replace the current Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). "FoSCoS is conceptualised to provide one point stop for all engagement of an FBO [Food Business Operators] with the department for any regulatory compliance transaction," according to the government <a target="_blank" href="https://fssai.gov.in/upload/press_release/2020/06/5ed4be98c59aaPress_Release_FoSCoS_01_06_2020.pdf" class="editor-rtfLink">press release</a>. This system will be launched in a phased manner, and Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Odisha, Manipur, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Ladakh are a part of the first phase. If you live in these states, it will be prudent to register with FoSCoS at a nominal fee of ₹100 per year even if your turnover is not as much under the 'Petty Food Business Operators' section. <br /><br /><strong>Feeling the heat</strong><br /><br />With thousands joining the army of home chefs, the competition has multiplied, leading to everyone trying out new methods to woo clients -- from sending personalised notes to offering special Onam Sadya meal boxes with all the fixins' including a banana leaf and directions on how to arrange the food items. "Because the competition is so stiff, I continuously have to come up with new ideas and designs for cakes, which is a good thing because I learn more and improve my skills," however, Andrews adds, "now that there are thousands of home bakers in the market, I now have to put in money on Instagram and Facebook to promote myself." <br /><br />

Many home chef businesses are tasting success in India, but it's not a cakewalk

Fooodies.. Look what we found - A <keyword id="3280104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="food-map-of-India">food map of India</keyword>!<br />
	 

	Out of the 29 states we have, each one has a different taste and cooking style, and this map sums it all up just perfectly. It's got pictures of all the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/10-best-restaurants-that-opened-in-2015-in-Delhi-third-one-is-my-favourite/articleshow/50287350.cms">authentic, must haves, local dishes</a> indigenous to each and every state inside the map while the names outside.<br />
	<br />
	<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/What-its-like-to-visit-a-Starbucks-in-India/articleshow/51128121.cms"><strong>ALSO READ: What it's like to visit a Starbucks in India</strong></a><br />
	<br />
	Just a glance is enough to know what should go down your tummy whether you are in a Shikara<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=kashmir"> in Kashmir </a>or on chilling on a beach in Kanyakumari. 
<br /><br />

	So, anyone travelling to India or within India, keeping this food map handy is a MUST. Don't forget! Here's the full list:<br />
	<h3>
		Himachal<span> Pradesh</span></h3>
	Sidu, Aktori, Dhaam (veg meal cooked by Boti Brahmins)<br />
	<h3>
		Jammu and Kashmir</h3>
	Gustaba Tamak Maz, Dum Aaloo Hak, Karam Ka Saag, Kamal Kakdi<br />
	<h3>
		Chandigarh</h3>
	Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Mutton Pulao
	<h3>
		Punjab</h3>
	Dal Makhani, Makke di roti, Sarson da saag, Channa Bhature, Amritsari Machchi, Kulcha
	<h3>
		Haryana</h3>
	Kachri ki sabzi, Cholia, Bajre ki khichdi
	<h3>
		Delhi</h3>
	Chaat, Paranthe, Nagauri Halwa, Chole Bhature
	<h3>
		Uttarakhand</h3>
	Aloo ke gutke, Kaapa, Jhangora ki kheer, Chainsoo
	<h3>
		Uttar Pradesh</h3>
	Bedmi Aloo Kachori, Biryani, Halwa, Benarasi chaat, Kebabs
	<h3>
		Bihar</h3>
	Litti, Sattu, Khaja, Tilkut, Anarasa, Khubi ka Lai
	<h3>
		Jharkhand</h3>
	Thekua, Pua, Pittha, Marua ka roti
	<h3>
		West Bengal</h3>
	Bhapa Illish, Rosogolla, Mishti doi
	<h3>
		Sikkim</h3>
	Momos, Thukpa, Gundruk, Phagshapa, Sael Roti
	<h3>
		Arunachal Pradesh</h3>
	Apong (local beer)
	<h3>
		Assam</h3>
	Masoor Tenga, Pitha
	<h3>
		Nagaland</h3>
	Momos, Rice beer, cherry wine
	<h3>
		Manipur</h3>
	Iromba, Kabok, Chakkouba
	<h3>
		Mizoram</h3>
	Zu (local tea)
	<h3>
		Meghalaya</h3>
	Jadoh, kyat (local beer)
	<h3>
		Tripura</h3>
	Chakhwi, Mwkhwi, Muitru
	<h3>
		Odisha</h3>
	Fish Orly, Kheermohan, Rasaboli, Chhenapodapitha
	<h3>
		Andhra Pradesh and Telangana</h3>
	Hyderabadi Biryani, Mirch ka salan, ghongura, korikoora
	<h5>
		<strong>Chhattisgarh</strong></h5>
	Bafauri ( A sweet made with chana dal), Kusli (a sweet made with semolina and flour), Red Ant Chutney
	<h5>
		<strong>Pondicherry</strong></h5>
	Kadugu Yerra, Vendakkai Patchaddy
	<h5>
		<strong>Tamil Nadu</strong></h5>
	Dosai, Idli, Pongal, Chettinad Chicken
	<h5>
		<strong>Kerala</strong></h5>
	Sadya meal, avail, Malabar parotha, irachi stew
	<h5>
		<strong>Karnataka</strong></h5>
	Bisi Bele Bhaat, Kesari Bath, Mysore Pak, Dharwad Petha, Chiroti<br />
	<h3>
		<strong>Goa</strong></h3>
	Vindaloo, Xacuti, Bibinca, Prawn Balchao<br />
	<h3>
		<strong>Maharashtra</strong></h3>
	Shrikhand, Thalipeeth, Vada pao, modak
	<h5>
		<strong>Gujarat</strong></h5>
	Thepla, Dhokla, Khandvi, Handvo, Panki
	<h5>
		<strong>Rajasthan</strong></h5>
	Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangari, Lal Maas, Gatte, Pyaaz ki kachori <br />
	<br />
	<em>(Image courtesy: Fulldhamaal.com)</em>
<br />

Eating through India: 26 culinary gems from each of India's states

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>ANDREW HARRER / BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY</span></p><p class="caption">Microsoft CEO Sadya Nadella.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Good morning! Here's the technology news you need to know today.</p><p><strong>1. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-baidu-deal-in-china-2015-9?op=1">Microsoft just made a deal with Chinese internet company Baidu, where Baidu will provide an easy way for customers to download a legal, licensed version of Windows 10.</a> </strong>In return, these Windows computers will have Baidu as their default search engine instead of Microsoft's Bing, and Baidu.com as their default home page on the Edge browser instead of MSN.</p><p><strong>2. <a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/09/23/ios-9-security-flaw-grants-unrestricted-access-to-photos-and-contacts">A flaw in iOS 9 reportedly bypasses the passcode to grant access to an iPhone's photos and contacts.</a> </strong>According to Apple Insider, the bypass can be thwarted by creating a custom alphanumeric passcode, rather than a simple four-digit one.</p><p><strong>3. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/uber-to-raise-13-billion-more-for-china-branch-2015-9">Uber is looking to raise as much as $1.3 billion more for its China branch.</a></strong> The company announced that it had closed a $1.2 billion (£786 million) funding round for its China branch last month, but now wants to raise that amount to $2.5 billion (£1.64 billion).</p><p><strong>4. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ecj-advisor-says-data-transfer-deal-between-eu-and-us-is-invalid-2015-9">Europe just caused a massive headache for American tech companies.</a></strong> Advocate General Yves Bot, an advisor to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has said the "safe harbour" agreement for transferring data between the US and EU is "invalid," because of concerns over US spying.</p><p><strong>5. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/facebook-360-degree-star-wars-videos-2015-9">Facebook has released support for 360-degree videos for Facebook on the web and Android.</a> </strong>It showed off its virtual reality future with a tour of a new 'Star Wars' planet.</p><p><strong>6. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/watch-the-trailer-for-the-new-angry-birds-movie-2015-9">Rovio, the company behind Angry Birds, has released a trailer for a movie based on the gaming franchise.</a> </strong>The Angry Birds trailer boasts a star-studded cast including Jason Sudeikis, Maya Rudolph, Bill Hader, Peter Dinklage, and Danny McBride.</p><p><strong>7. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/pebble-announces-pebble-time-round-2015-9">Pebble, the startup that makes some of the most popular smartwatches in the world, has launched a new model with a slimmer build and round face.</a></strong> CEO Eric Migicovsky said the company had women's smaller wrists and design preferences in mind.</p><p><strong>8. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/pc-sales-wont-see-boost-until-2017-2015-9">PC sales are expected to drop 7.3% this year, to 291 million units, and remain stagnant next year as well.</a> </strong>But research firm Gartner says that they will ramp up 4% in 2017 when businesses finally start to adopt Windows 10.</p><p><strong>9. <strong><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-6s-specs-compared-macbook-2015-9">The iPhone 6s could be just as powerful as Apple's new MacBook.</a> </strong></strong>Daring Fireball's John Gruber compared test results from the iPhone 6S and new MacBook<strong> to </strong>find that the results from Apple's latest iPhone were actually higher in some cases.</p><p><strong>10. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ubs-says-ad-revenue-impact-of-ios-9-ad-blocking-will-only-be-1-billion-2015-9">iPhone ad blocking apps will 'only' cost $1 billion in lost advertising revenues.</a></strong> UBS analysts say concerns over the launch of iOS 9 and the subsequent release of ad blocking apps - like Crystal and Purify - into the Apple App Store have been "overblown."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/south-koreans-tech-watching-people-eat-online-mukbang-2015-9">14-year-old makes up to $1,500 a night eating dinner in front of a webcam in South Korea</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="MwMDZkdzr7V54pSPAwMT1JU7p7MqmuY1" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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