The month of October brings with it a good number of festivals in India. Starting from Navratri, October is filled with enthusiasm, joy and fervour. It becomes quite difficult to contain our excitement with the onset of the month. The festivities begin with Navratri, followed by Dussehra and finally end with Sharad Purnima.
Oh, wait, did I miss Diwali? Well, keeping the other festivities apart, for now, Sharad Purnima falls in the middle of the festive season and keeps the excitement levels intact. It falls on the full moon day in the month of Ashwin and is celebrated to worship the moon and Goddess Laxmi. The festival is also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Raas Purnima in parts of India. Like some of the major Indian festivals, Sharad Purnima is also celebrated by observing a fast. Many people observe a Nirjala or Phallahar fast as a mark of their devotion towards Goddess Laxmi. Are you also observing a fast this Sharad Purnima? Here are some dishes that you can add to your fast menu.
1.Rice Kheer
A quintessential part of Sharad Purnima, Rice Kheer is made in most households to celebrate the festival. The Kheer is prepared the night before and kept in the open to enrich it with the healing properties of the moon's rays. This Kheer is then savoured and distributed as Prasad the next morning.
2.Poha Kheer
Just like rice Kheer, Poha Kheer is made with flattened rice. An easy and laborsaving dessert, Poha Kheer is a delicious melange of flattened rice, milk, dry fruits and cardamom. This Kheer is popularly savoured in the Southern states of India and is relished and distributed like rice Kheer (prepared the night before).
3.Lia Chakta
Popularly savoured in Odisha, Lia Chakta is all things easy and delicious. Made with fried paddy, Chhena, sugar and mashed bananas, Lia Chakta is consumed after the fast in the evening.
4.Khazur Makuti
Made with dates and Moong Dal, this dessert hails from Bihar. The silky, rich and creamy dessert is prepared with coarsely ground rice and Moong Dal and is enriched with dry fruits, cardamom and saffron.
Along with savouring these delicious dishes, you need to stay hydrated throughout the day. Try these dishes this year to say “Goodbye” to fatigue and cravings this Sharad Purnima celebrates the festival with utmost enthusiasm and joy.