Have you ever celebrated Nativity? In India, Nativity holds a special place in our hearts, distinct from the glitter associated with Christmas. While Christmas brings twinkling lights, rum cakes, and carols, Nativity here is quieter and deeply rooted in tradition.
At the heart of this celebration lies something truly special. A wholesome vegetarian feast served on fresh banana leaves. No fancy cutlery, no polished plates, just pure banana leaves. It is a tradition that brings back memories of families gathering together, the aroma of freshly cooked meals filling the air, and conversations that last long after the meal is done.
There is something magical about eating from a banana leaf. The leaves are carefully chopped just an hour before the meal, washed with water, and wiped clean with a dry cloth. The moment the steaming food touches the leaf, a subtle aroma is released, adding depth to the flavors. The hot steam reacts with the natural oils of the leaf, enhancing the taste in a way that no ceramic plate ever could.
The first round arrives, a visual treat of vibrant, fresh dishes all made from vegetables. Can you believe that? Each dish brings a unique flavor.
Soft, tender chickpeas tossed with freshly grated coconut. The mild sweetness of the coconut perfectly balances the earthy flavor of the chickpeas. Crisp cucumber slices and thinly sliced onions tossed in a creamy coconut purée. It is refreshing, light and offers a cooling effect to the palate.
In our Christian Mangalorean household, rice is usually the staple. But on Nativity, with so many curries and sides, rice cakes are served instead. These soft, fluffy cakes are perfect for dipping into each curry, soaking up all those rich, flavorful gravies. Every bite feels like a hug.
No meal is complete without dessert, and for Nativity, it is all about Payasam. This sweet porridge, made from milk, jaggery, and rice, is the perfect ending to the feast. It is creamy, warm, and comforting. The rice used in it, is blessed by the priest.
My cousins and I sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter while savoring every spoonful of the Payasam. The sweetness lingered long after the meal, reminding us of the previous nativity memories.
Nativity, for me is about slowing down, savoring traditions, and spending time with loved ones.
I absolutely love Nativity meals especially the rhythm and pace of serving. The servers do not bring all the dishes at once. Instead, every 10 minutes, a new dish arrives, giving us time to savor each flavor before moving on to the next.
Just as we finished the first round, the server approached with mung beans, tender and perfectly cooked. The flavor was mild yet comforting, a reminder of how simple ingredients can create something so wholesome.
With a pair of steel tongs, the server placed a fresh rice cake on my banana leaf. Warm, soft, and inviting, ready to be dipped into the next curry.
Here is a glimpse of all the meals prepared in the steel vessels back home. Each dish carries the warmth and love of family gatherings. From the fragrant curries to the simple yet delicious sides, every item holds a special place in our Nativity celebration. The sight of steaming food instantly takes me back to childhood, where the kitchen buzzed with chatter and the irresistible aroma of home-cooked meals.
Watching the dishes being prepared is just as heartwarming as eating them. The careful grinding of fresh coconut, the slow cooking of lentils, creates an unforgettable experience.
Do you have any festivals or family gatherings that remind you of moments like these? I would love to know how you celebrate your traditions. Let me know in the comments.
