Goa, Sept. 2 -- Dolcy D'Cruz

Coconut is extremely important in Goan cuisine during Shravan, particularly in traditional Hindu households. During Shravan, when many people avoid onion, garlic, and certain other ingredients, coconut becomes especially valuable because it adds richness, sweetness, texture, and flavour to otherwise simple vegetarian dishes. Shravan is a very auspicious month for Hindus. Every Sunday is special because many women perform Aitar Puja. Yogini Acharya currently lives in Margao, but she grew up in Taleigao and got married in Canacona. "I realized that the way food is prepared in Canacona is quite different from what my mother or grandmother used to prepare. I do a lot of this cooking under the guidance of my mothe...