First, nicely wash the exterior of the ash gourd under running water, then cut it horizontally (cross-wise) at the center into two parts. Now take each part and cut it vertically (length-wise). Remove all the fibrous strands and seeds. Cut each quarter of the ash gourd into strips and peel off the skin using a knife / addoli.  Finally, grate the ash gourd for halwa or cut into cubes and use it in gravy or curry.