During New Orleans' Carnival parades, a new and unusual gift has emerged alongside traditional throws like plastic beads and stuffed animals. The Krewe da Bhan Gras, a group known for their South Asian dance performances, is handing out cookbooks filled with South Asian family recipes, marking a novel addition to the parade's traditions. Previously, food items like decorated coconuts by the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club or MoonPie and beignet mix were common. However, cookbooks are a fresh addition to the parade, according to Arthur Hardy, founder of the Mardi Gras Guide. These cookbooks include 18 family recipes featuring famous South Asian dishes like chana masala and begun bhaja. The Krewe has distributed a thousand cookbooks during this Carnival season. The tradition of 'throws' dates back to the late 1800s and has evolved over time, but cookbooks offer a unique, culturally enriching take on this longstanding practice.
Extracted by: https://Janestrinketonline.com.