During Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri, Bhopal comes alive with spiritual fervour and cultural celebrations. These two festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the divine feminine, respectively, are all about fasting, feasting and a plethora of veggie delights and sweets. While non-veg is enjoyed throughout the year, these festivals demand a temporary shift to pure veg.
In Bhopal, the festive season is an opportunity to try out a wide range of mouth-watering veggie dishes that are traditional and seasonal. Whether you are attending a community feast or cooking a special meal at home, you will find plenty of vegetarian options that are filling and festive. From classic dishes like aloo sabzi and chana dal to innovative dishes that give a modern twist to old recipes, the vegetarian cuisine during these festivals is as diverse as the festivals themselves. So, indulge in these veggie treats that are traditional and delicious and will satisfy your taste buds with their flavours and textures.
Image Credit: Freepik
Non-Veg Off The Menu From Restaurants To Raw Meat Shops
In Bhopal, during Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri, non-veg is set aside in reverence of these festivals. Iconic and old restaurants like Hakeem, Anghiti, Filfora and Kwality, which are famous for their authentic Mughlai non-vegetarian dishes, strictly serve only vegetarian food during this period. This is a tradition that shows the deep respect for the festivals and the menu is in sync with the seasonal veggie principles.
Image Credit: Freepik
Many non-vegetarian selling shops in the new to old Bhopal area also close down during this time, as the city follows the festival norms. It is only on Dussehra, the last day of these festivals, that the doors open again to the rich and varied non-vegetarian delights that Bhopal is famous for. This break from non-veg during Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri shows the city’s commitment to tradition and a vibrant veggie culinary experience.
Bengali Festival In Kalibadli, New Market
During Navratri, the Bengali community of Bhopal turns Kalibadi in New Market into the devotion of Durga Maa. This nine-day celebration is not just about Bengali food but a grand jhanki for Durga Ji with pooja ceremonies and feasts every night. The air is filled with the aroma of Bengali food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Image Credit: Freepik
You can try out various authentic dishes like khichuri, aloo bhaja, mishti doi and non-vegetarian options like kosha mangsho and chingri macher malaikari. It is not just a treat to the eyes but also a chance for locals and tourists to taste authentic Bengali flavours during this auspicious time. As the festival progresses, the last 3 days have a special bhandara where a huge spread of vegetarian food is served to all, in the spirit of sharing and community. It is a cultural experience where devotion meets the culinary journey of Bengali traditions.
Image Credit: Freepik
Unity And Respect In Bhopal’s Food Scene
Bhopal is a city of many cultures and religions where respecting each other’s festivals is a deep-rooted tradition. This unity is visible in the city’s food scene, where many restaurants and shops, including Muslim-owned ones, close during Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri.
Image Credit: Freepik
Closing their business during these times is a big statement of solidarity and respect among Bhopal’s diverse communities. It shows the city’s commitment to creating a harmonious environment where all religious practices and celebrations are respected collectively and community and respect are strengthened across all cultures and religions.