Kolam by Sudha Balaji

Maavilakku is a beautiful tradition followed in many parts of India.  It is offered for Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Amman.  There may be different methods of preparing and offering maavilakku (we call it thambit or thambittu ), as usual I share the method I follow. Take raw rice in a bowl and mix water, soak for 30 to 45 minutes clean, drain the water Spread the rice on a clean dry cloth and allow it to dry in shade We need not dry it too much, some moisture is to be retained Dry grind in a mixer into a fine powder. Sieve the rice flour well to get a finer powder or flour For one measure of rice flour add around three fourths measures of jaggery and mix thoroughly Since jaggery is somewhat deliquescent (ability to give out water) it mixes well with rice flour Add a little cardamom powder and ghee also. Some add grated coconut also. A little milk around one teaspoon can be added to help mixing and binding of the ingredients Finally, we get a semisolid shaped tham...