Goods, specially food items, are stored for the long holiday which will bring many visitors to the home and elaborate meals are prepared for family gatherings. The most important task in food preparation is the making of oil cakes, sweet meats, cakes, etc. Although the traditional practice is to make these food items at home, now they are readily available on the market. This allows the laborious task to be avoided. A few easy recipes are included on this website for those interested in making them.
Rice flour is available and green gram flour can be made using a grinder.
While treacle and jaggery are traditionally used, sugar can be used as a substitute. Before this time the last meal should be taken and all pots and pans washed. The hearth is cleaned and the floors are washed. Even the last bath is taken before the passing of the old year. This is followed by the neutral period before the New Year arrives.