Baisakhi is a vibrant and joyous festival that is celebrated by the Sikh community all across India and abroad. Also known as Vaisakh Sankranti, it marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time to show gratitude for the abundant crops. Baisakhi is observed on the first day of the month of Vaisakh, which is the second month of the Nanakshahi calendar used by Sikhs. This year, it falls on April 14. The celebrations include colourful processions, folk dances, and feasting on traditional Punjabi dishes.
The Baisakhi platter includes a lot of delectable dishes, such as sarso ka saag, makki roti, kadhi, and pindi chole. For drinks, there is a variety of lassi flavours, including mango and mint, which is perfect for the hot season, but this is not the end; the dessert menu is still left. Punjabi desserts are known for their sweetness, richness, and indulgence, which are often enjoyed during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions across the country.
From dodha burfi to peele chawal, here are the top five traditional desserts from Punjab you can relish on Baisakhi:
Meethe Chawal
Meethe chawal is a popular Punjabi sweet rice dish that is prepared by cooking basmati rice with sugar, saffron, nuts, cardamom, and other aromatic spices. It is usually served as a dessert or as part of a celebratory meal in Punjab. This sweet treat takes less than half an hour to prepare and is loved by people of all ages.
Gud Halwa
Meetha Pooda
Meetha poda or meetha chilla is a scrumptious Punjabi dessert that is also relished for breakfast. Made by mixing wheat flour, sugar, fennel seeds, and milk, it is cooked on a heated griddle until golden brown. Garnished with nuts, it is served with a dollop of butter or ghee. Prepare it on Baisakhi, and your whole family will love it.
Atte Ka Halwa
Also known as "kada prasad," it is one of the delicacies that are served in gurudwaras. This sweet dish is made with whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and nuts. The wheat flour is roasted in ghee until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Then, sugar and water are added to the mixture and boiled until it becomes a thick and creamy halwa. Finally, it is garnished with dry fruits and served.
Dodha Barfi
This traditional dessert is mostly made for special occasions like weddings and festivals. Dodha barfi has a rich and grainy texture that is perfect to enjoy after a dinner party. It is made by slowly simmering the milk for hours until it thickens and turns into a caramel-like consistency. Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews are also added for texture and flavour. Once the mixture is set and cooled, it is cut into diamond shapes and served as a dessert.