Bengalis have a soft spot in their hearts for Durga Puja. This grand festival celebrates virtue's victory over evil with great fervour. The Bengali festival of Durga Puja is a feeling that brings people together. Besides religion, the five-day celebration is a cultural jubilee full of song, dance, and ceremony. Along with the joyous atmosphere and ceremonial practices of the Puja, food plays an important role in this bond.
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Having traditional Bengali cuisine during Durga Puja is quite amazing. Every mouthful at this period tastes history and custom. Made with love and attention, the dishes arouse memories and community feeling. From simple meals to elaborate feasts, Bengali cuisine during Durga Puja is a mix of comforting flavours and vibrant textures, reflecting the diverse palate of Bengal.
Must-Have Bengali Dishes During Durga Puja
Shorshe Illish
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One cannot celebrate Durga Puja in Bengal without indulging in Shorshe Illish. This iconic dish is made from Hilsa fish. Hilsa, or Ilish, is marinated and cooked in a rich mustard sauce that perfectly complements its tender, fatty flesh. Hilsa is revered in Bengal, and Shorshe Illish stands as a testament to this love affair. Paired with steamed rice, it’s a must-have during Durga Puja.
Khichuri
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Khichuri is a comforting dish that is intrinsically tied to Durga Puja. Durga Puja and khichuri have a never-ending story. The dish is prepared and served in almost every household and pandal. This dish is a delightful combination of roasted yellow lentils and rice. The combinations are cooked together with seasonal vegetables. The fragrance of ghee and the simplicity of the ingredients make it perfect for the Puja bhog (offering to the goddess). Khichuri is often served with fried vegetables, papad, and chutney.
Aloo Posto
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Aloo Posto is a traditional Bengali vegetarian dish that is simple yet packed with flavour. Made with diced potatoes cooked in a paste of poppy seeds (posto), it’s a staple during Durga Puja. The creamy texture of the poppy seed paste and the subtle seasoning make Aloo Posto a light and delicious option for a Puja lunch. It is typically paired with steamed rice or Khichuri, adding variety to the festive platter. This dish, though minimalistic, brings out the earthy flavours of Bengal.
Doi Maach
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Doi Maach is a quintessential Bengali fish dish that balances sweet and savoury flavours. Made with Rohu or Katla fish, it is simmered in a spiced yoghurt (doi) gravy that’s both creamy and mildly tangy. The blend of mustard oil, green chillies, and spices creates a unique, delicate, and rich taste. Doi Maach is typically served with rice, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully. This dish is a favourite during the festive season and provides a wholesome experience for fish lovers.
Basanti Pulao-Kosha Mangsho
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Basanti Pulao paired with Kosha Mangsho is a royal treat during Durga Puja. Basanti Pulao is a fragrant rice dish made with gobindobhog rice, ghee, and dry fruits, giving it a subtle sweetness. When combined with Kosha Mangsho, a slow-cooked mutton curry rich in spices, it creates a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The semi-gravy consistency of Kosha Mangsho makes it ideal to pair with the pulao, delivering a burst of flavours with every bite. This combination is a festival favourite for mutton lovers.
Kolkata Biryani
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Kolkata Biryani is an unmissable dish during Durga Puja. This unique version of biryani is light, aromatic, and less greasy compared to other regional biryanis. It includes tender pieces of meat (usually mutton or chicken) and large chunks of soft, boiled potatoes, which are a signature addition. The fragrant rice, lightly flavoured with spices, saffron, and ghee, makes it a wholesome meal. During the festival, Kolkata biryani becomes a crowd favourite, with biryani stalls bustling with people enjoying this hearty dish.
Daab Chingri
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Daab Chingri is an exotic Bengali dish that showcases the region's love for prawns. This dish is cooked by steaming prawns inside a tender coconut (daab), allowing the coconut water to infuse into the prawn curry. The result is a fragrant, mildly sweet dish with soft prawns that melt in your mouth. The coconut’s natural sweetness complements the spices, creating a delicate flavour. Daab Chingri is a treat for the taste buds and a visual delight, making it a perfect addition to any Durga Puja feast.
Durga Puja is not just about prayers and rituals—it’s also about the joy of sharing and indulging in good food. Bengali cuisine during the festival reflects the cultural richness of Bengal, offering a diverse array of flavours. Whether it’s the tangy Doi Maach or the rich Kolkata Biryani, these must-have dishes bring people together. Enjoying these traditional delicacies during Durga Puja adds an extra layer of joy to the festive spirit.