An exquisite tribute to the Sun God and the natural world, Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival mostly observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees worship the Sun God at this festival, which has great cultural and spiritual significance, asking for blessings for longevity, prosperity, and well-being.
The traditional foods have a particular place in the hearts and palates of people. These foods symbolise a rich history, centuries-old customs, and delicious foods. These five essential Chhath Puja foods provide the celebration's taste, custom, and significance.
Thekua
An essential component of the Chhath Puja celebrations is thekua. Devotees prepare this delicious, sweet sacrifice to ask for blessings for prosperity and well-being. Clarified butter (ghee), whole wheat flour, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), and occasionally grated coconut are the main ingredients of Thekua. A dough is created by combining these ingredients and subsequently formed into elaborate patterns. Thekua's blend of ghee, jaggery, and the occasional addition of spices gives it its rich flavour and alluring perfume.
It is offered to the sun god as a token of thanks and dedication after it is ready. It is distributed as prasad, a holy meal infused with divine graces, among family members and other devotees.
Pirukiya
Like North Indian Gujiyas, Pirukiyas are delicious sweet dumplings deep-fried in ghee and offered to the gods during Chhath Puja and other celebrations. These dumplings are usually made with wheat flour and stuffed with chopped nuts, coconut, and sugar or jaggery. Pirukiya has a dry and unique texture because it isn't coated in sugar syrup like Gujiya is before serving. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are among the nuts that are frequently packed within the dumplings. People of all ages love Pirukiya, a traditional sweet dessert in Bihar and Jharkhand.
Chawal Ladoo
Rice ladoo is a fragrant and delicious Indian dish that is also referred to as chawal ke ladoo and kachwaniya in Bihar. This delicious dessert is made with a simple rice flour, sugar or jaggery, and ghee mixture. It is a favourite during festivals, holidays, and festivities because of its rich aroma and nutty, crispy texture. A must-have treat for anyone looking for a delicious, mildly sweet dessert is rice ladoo.
Lauki Dal
A lentil-based dish called "Lauki dal" features bottle gourd, or lauki, as a main component. Bottle gourds' mild flavour and distinctive texture blend well with lentils in this filling and healthy dish. Lauki dal is finished and ready to serve when fresh coriander leaves are added as a garnish. During Chhath Puja, savour this easy, homemade meal with steaming hot rice or rotis.
Kaddu Bhaat
An important food made on the first day of Chhath Puja is kaddu bhat. Rice, lentils, and satvik kaddu (pumpkin curry) make up this easy yet filling supper. Following the Sattvik ideals of vegetarianism and purity, devotees make this prasad with steadfast devotion. The Nahay Khaye ritual marks the start of Chhath Puja. After taking a cleansing bath, devotees make kaddu bhat for Prasad. Their first meal of the day is this prasad, which represents spiritual sustenance.
The qualities of thankfulness, simplicity, and purity central to Chhath Puja are embodied in Kaddu bhat. It is evidence of the followers' steadfast faith and commitment, as they value this custom as a crucial component of their spiritual path.