Chhath Puja holds a significant place in the hearts of devotees, honouring the sun god and his consort. The festival is truly magnificent, with a strong focus on following the auspicious dates and timings. It is deeply rooted in age-old customs and firm beliefs. During Chhath Puja, one important tradition is to make offerings to the sun god. These offerings, known as Prasad, represent a selfless act of devotion.
As we get ready to celebrate Chhath Puja in 2024, let's explore six traditional recipes that are an integral part of this festival. These include Thekua, Kaddu Bhaat, Hara Chana, Poori, Chana Dal, Kasar and more. However, these varieties vary from house to house but largely remain the same. Each of these dishes not only holds cultural importance but also delights our taste buds.
Kaddu Bhaat
Kaddu Bhaat is a delicious dish that combines the flavours of pumpkin with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds. This dish captures the true flavours of fresh, seasonal ingredients and is a delicious and satisfying addition to the Chhath Puja celebrations. The festival celebrates the wonders of nature, and its earthy flavours reflect this theme.
Hara Chana
During Chhath Puja celebrations, Hara Chana, also known as green gram, becomes the main attraction. This dish is made by gently heating cumin seeds, coriander powder, and whole red chillies in ghee, which brings out the natural flavours of the ingredients and highlights their simplicity and purity. Hara Chana beautifully reflects the festival's theme of expressing gratitude for the bountiful gifts of nature.
Poori
Poori is an important part of festive meals. It is made by kneading wheat dough without any leavening agents. Pooris are fried to a beautiful golden perfection, symbolising the cycle of life and purity. The inclusion of Chhath Puja platter showcases the devotees' dedication to leading a simple and spiritually pure life.
Thekua
Thekua is a beloved delicacy during the Chhath festival. It is a sweet traditional cookie that is crafted using whole wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Dough shaped into beautiful patterns and then fried until it becomes wonderfully crispy on the outside while maintaining a deliciously sweet and soft interior. Thekua is a special treat that represents deep devotion and is lovingly presented to the sun god as a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
Chana Dal
Chana Dal, a dish packed with protein, is prepared with great care and attention to detail. Once it has been soaked for a period of 3-4 hours, it is then cooked under pressure and enhanced with a tempering (chaunk) made of cumin seeds, coriander powder, and whole red chillies in ghee. This dish represents the nourishment and strength that comes from the devotee's dedication to their physical and spiritual health.
Kasar
Kasar, a special laddoo, adds a sweet ending to the Chhath Puja feast. Kasar is a treat that captures the essence of warmth during the winter season. It is carefully made using a combination of rice or wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and fennel seeds. The ingredients of the laddoo not only taste delicious but also have health benefits, which goes well with the festival's focus on overall well-being.
Rasiya
Rasiya Kheer is a delicious treat enjoyed during Chhath Puja. It is a luscious rice pudding that is made with jaggery, dry fruits and milk, giving it a rich and creamy texture. This traditional dessert represents the essence of sweetness and purity, adding to the ambience of the festivities. With utmost care and love, Rasiya Kheer is lovingly prepared as a heartfelt offering to the sun god, bringing a spiritual touch of indulgence to the Chhath Puja festivities.