heat oil in a pan and pop in mustard seeds, cumin seeds and chana dal (kadalai paruppu). also add finely chopped small onions. fry the onions for few seconds.
add chopped yellow pumpkin. chop it finely so that it not not only looks tasty but also is easy to eat than large sized pieces. add salt, turmeric powder and chilli powder and mix well.
add water to the pan, close and cook until the pumpkin is soft. check if the pumpkin is soft by cutting a piece. it should be easily cut. takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
lastly add grated coconut, mix well and switch off.