The October heat is upon us, and the weather is making you swoon without indulging in a round of garba. "It is the transition of summer towards Vasant ritu or winter," corporate Indian chef, Graviss Hospitality, Bhairav Singh, points out. Besides prayers, food plays an important part in this phase. "People fast for nine days, but not just for religious reasons. The main aim is to cleanse the body to brace for the terrible heat and prepare it for the next season," says Singh, who is an ayurvedic expert, too.

Sama risotto