With different parts of India currently celebrating Navratri and Durga Puja, you’d find plenty of interesting rituals, customs, and traditions being followed. Across the country, people decorate their houses in interesting ways and come up with appetising delicacies that one may find hard to resist. In fact, many foods also have certain associations due to which they become intrinsic to specific celebrations or days.
Dussehra is believed to be the day of celebrating the victory of good over evil. The burning of effigies of Ravana around the nation is proof of the same. In similar spirit, there are certain foods that are believed to bring you good luck. From something as simple as curd to several food combinations, each item has a story to tell.
Here are some of the foods that are eaten on Dussehra in different parts of the country because they are considered a harbinger of prosperity and good fortune.
1. Paan From Bihar
While this may sound slightly unexpected, paan is a central part of Dussehra celebrations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Why, you ask? It is considered a symbol of love and respect. The story goes that Meghnath and Kumbhakhana were so delighted by Lord Rama’s victory that they enjoyed paan. This made paan a symbol of joy and has been eaten on Dussehra ever since.
2. Fafda Jalebi From Gujarat
This classic Gujarati combination is a must-have on Dussehra. Not many people know this but jalebi was Lord Rama's favourite sweet meat. Back in the day, it was known as Shashkuli and scriptures find mention of this dessert that the lord devoured after defeating Ravana. The other part of this combination, fafda, was added because it is also believed that ending the fast with gram flour brings prosperity.
3. Rasgulla From West Bengal
The iconic Bengali mishti is a heavenly treat during Dussehra. Made of soft and spongy chenna balls dipping in a bowl of sugar syrup, the rasgulla is popped into the mouth to celebrate the day. Not just Dussehra, even during Navratri, you’ll find people relishing this sweet meat. It is also believed to bring luck into the family, on Vijayadashami.
4. Dal Paratha With Kheer From Uttar Pradesh
This delicious and refreshing combination from Uttar Pradesh is a classic Dussehra breakfast. The parathas are stuffed with chana dal and salt, along with carom seeds. This soft and yummy paratha is paired with a creamy rice kheer. The hot and cold combination is believed to be a way of celebrating joy and attracting prosperity.
5. Sweet Dosa From Karnataka
What’s a day of celebration without sweets, right? In Karnataka, a sweet dosa is prepared which is savoured during Dussehra. The South Indian pancake is made with wheat flour and rice flour and stuffed with jaggery and coconut. The crispy outer layer is well-complemented by the sweet filling inside. Not just a breakfast treat, the dosa is also offered as prasad on this day.
6. Motichoor Laddoos
Made with rich desi ghee, it is these motichoor laddoos that appease Lord Hanuman the most and therefore, on Dussehra, it is prepared for him. Small sweet balls are wrapped into a ball-like shape in the hands and set. Garnished with pistachios, it is a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
7. Curd From Odisha
A refreshing bowl of curd is definitely a respite during summers. The tradition of having dahi with sugar is a common practice in many Indian households and taking from this tradition, curd is paired with soaked rice in Odisha and offered to Goddess Durga during Dussehra by married women. This delicious treat is a holy food and brings in luck.