“Ammama, can I put this one in the basket?” Gargi asked eagerly, holding a bright yellow lemon with a few small brown spots.

My grandchildren and I have come to Nagavalli's house to collect Nimmakayalu (lemons). Though no one lives here currently, it has a huge lemon tree in the backyard for as long as I can remember now. As a kid, I used to read, laugh, play and giggle sitting here with all my friends. 

“Yes, place it in the basket,” I said, giving the lemon an approving glance as I reached for lemons on the tree with a long stick.

“Can I add this one, Ammama?” Karthikeya called out, holding up a small green lemon, clearly eager to contribute.

I glanced at it and shook my head gently. “No, Karthik, we need ones that are fresh, bright yellow, and juicy,” I said, pointing out the right kind of lemon. 

“Got it,” he said and continued scanning for the perfect Nimmakayalu. As we gathered the perfect lemons, Gargi hummed softly, matching the devotional songs playing from the Kodanda Ramalayam nearby. With Durga Navaratri in full swing, the temple is alive with festive energy—chants, bells, and the rhythmic beat of drums.

“What special are you making, Ammama?Maitreyi  asked. 

Vijaya Dashami and Nimmakaya pachadi

“It’s Vijaya Dashami in five days, Maitreyi,” I replied, “And, I am preparing Nimmakaya Pachadi for the occasion.” 

“Why do you have to make Nimmakaya pachadi for Dusshera?”she asked curiously. 

Before I could answer, Karthikeya replied, “Because, it’s zesty, tasty and delicious” 

I nodded and continued “My father always used to say that festivals and festive meals are more than just food. They are time to pause, reflect and be grateful for the beautiful things in our lives” 

“But, why do we make Nimmakaya pachadi for Dussehra?”Maitreyi pressed, her curiosity clearly not satisfied.

I sat down next to the basket of lemons anticipating a long conversation with these curious minds.

“The bright, sharp tangy taste of lemon symbolizes renewal and cleansing. And this pickle on Dusshera reminds us to let go all the worries we hold  and be grateful for the new beginning” 

“So, the pickle is not about the taste?” Karthikeya asked, a little disappointed. 

“Oh, it’s definitely about the taste too!”Gargi replied. “Just imagine— ending your festive meal with creamy curd rice with tangy Nimmakaya pachadi !” Gargi winked. 

“It's a burst of flavours”, Karthikeya replied with a mischievous smile.

I smiled at their playful banter, remembering festive meals that included traditional pickles - it fills joy in our hearts. Especially Makara Sankranthi, it is the biggest festival we all wait for every year!

“What about Sankranthi, Ammama?” Shruti asked,  as if sensing my thoughts. 

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Sankranthi  and Pandu Mirapakayala Pachadi

Before I could answer, Karthikeya jumped in with excitement, “It’s the harvest festival!”

I nodded, amused by his eagerness. “Yes, it’s a festival to honour the hard work of our farmers,” I explained.

“What pickle do we prepare for Sankranthi, Ammama? And what does that symbolize?” Shruti asked again, her curiosity growing.

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “Sankranthi reminds us to be grateful for the abundance that comes with hard work and determination. For Sankranthi, I make Pandu Mirapakaya pachadi, also known as Pallakaram,” I said, as I began sorting the lemons collected by the kids.

“But why Pallakaram?” Gargi asked, leaning closer.

“Hmm..” I replied thoughtfully, “Pallakaram is made of red chillies, and that spicy taste represents strength and perseverance—qualities we all need to thrive in our lives”

Karthikeya's eyes sparkled, not with curiosity but with the anticipation of flavours. “I love to eat Pallakaram with hot rice and lots of ghee,” he exclaimed. 

His enthusiasm was contagious as everyone pitched in with their favourite ways of eating pallakaram.

“I like to mix some curd in pallakaram and enjoy it with dosa and Idly”, added Shruti.

The kids’ different tastes made me laugh, and I couldn’t help but smile as my mouth watered at the thought of all those best pickle combinations.

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“ I think we all need a feast to keep up with our big appetites!” I teased them. 

I remembered how my mother always prepares everyone’s favourite dish for each festival, and being the youngest, I would sneak into the kitchen to taste things first. But Ugadi was special -  it always began with Ugadi pachadi.

“Is it just Ugadi pachadi for Ugadi, Ammama?” Gargi asked, eager to know more.

Ugadi and Avakaya 

“Yes, that’s our tradition,” I smiled. “But a few days after Ugadi, I make Avakaya”, I said smiling. 

“Ugadi is our Telugu New Year, and mango, being the first fruit of the season, symbolizes fresh beginnings and prosperity. It represents the essence of new opportunities and the journey of life ahead. The blend of spicy, tangy, hot and sweet flavours remind us to embrace the changes that come our way and live a life full of experiences”, I explained. 

As I spoke, I noticed the kids listening intently, their eyes wide with curiosity, eager to learn more about the significance of the pickles and their significance during festivals..

When I finally paused, the silence erupted into a lively discussion, with joyful thoughts around food.

“I like bellam avakaya”, Karthikeya told everyone. 

“I like velluli avakaya”, Shruti added.”But Gargi loves the Allam Velluli Avakaya you make”, She glanced at her sister with a smile, proud to share their favourite pickle.

“I really enjoy all of them, especially with hot rice, ghee with little kandi podi sprinkled on it”, Matreyi added, her excitement evident as she spoke.

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As their chatter filled the air with joy, I gathered my basket of lemons to go home and resume the festive preparations. 

“We are running late; Let’s go home” I said, smiling as I prepared to leave.

“Grandma! Please tell us more!” they shouted in unison, their eagerness evident.

“We missed Deepavali, we can’t leave without discussing it” Gargi and Shruti called out with all the excitement. 

Deepavali and Tomato pachadi

With a warm smile, I settled down, giving in to their enthusiastic demand. “I make tomato pachadi for Deepavali,” I began, watching as their eager faces turned toward me.

“Tomatoes have the right blend of sweet and tangy taste, symbolizing balance in life. They remind us to embrace both the joys and challenges we encounter.” I said.

“The sweetness reflects the happy moments we cherish,” I continued, “while the tanginess represents the challenges that shape us and make us stronger.” 

I gathered my basket of lemons, and handed the small ones to the kids, as we all started back home. 

“Ammama, could I have tomato pachadi tonight with rice?”Karthikeya asked as we walked back home. 

“But, I thought you love it with dosa”, I asked, confused. 

“I love it with dosa but after all these delicious combinations make me feel a lot hungry. I need a lot of rice”, he said innocently. 

“Okay”, I said, smiling at him. “We will have tomato pachadi and rice tonight”

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