Dussehra 2024: 5 Auspicious Dessert Recipes For The Festival

Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami marks the end of the nine-day-long Navratri festival. This day is celebrated for many reasons throughout India with only one meaning, the victory of virtues over sins, good over evil and right over wrong. One of the reasons is associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana where Lord Rama defeated Ravana, the King of Lanka, who was an extremely cruel Demon King and abducted his wife, Sita. Another reason why Vijaya Dashami is celebrated is because on this day Goddess Durga fought and defeated a demon named Mahishasur.

This festival is one of the most important festivals for Hindus all over India and it holds a special meaning in every state. Different regions and cultures celebrate this festival with different rituals and different festive special regional treats. From North to South, as the way of celebration and ritual changes so do the servings and treats. This variety and diversity is what makes Dussehra so special. What makes it more special is the special dessert offerings that fill the festival with sweet memories.

Here’s a list of the five most auspicious desserts you can make on Dusshera to celebrate the festival to the fullest.

Rava Kesari

Standing out with its vibrant orange colour, rava kesari is a true depiction of joy and victory as its colour resembles the Hindu victory flag. Made from semolina, sugar, ghee and saffron, its recipe might be simple but this dessert is truly unique on its own. Garnished with nuts and raisins, it is perfect for a prasad and it brings a festive vibe to the dessert table.

Kheer

Made with milk, cooked rice and sugar, kheer is one of the most significant desserts for any Hindu festival. The basic pudding recipe is topped with various flavour add-ons like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to bring a warming and comforting sensation along with several dry fruits and nuts to infuse a bite and texture. Its subtle flavour and colour are associated with blessings, abundance, and prosperity.

Also Read: Dussehra Special: 5 Kheer Recipes You Can Make At Home This Dussehra

Puran Poli

Filled with warming and sweet chickpea filling, puran poli is a special recipe from Maharashtra which is made throughout India with different ingredients yet the same making process. It is often made on special occasions in Hindu households and is served as the main prasad recipe. Traditionally, it is often paired with ghee or shrikhand to complement its sweet flavour and crispy texture.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is the most popular Indian dessert known throughout the world for its delectable smooth texture and floral and sweet syrup. The word Gulab Jamun came from its composition where “Gulab” refers to the rose infusion in the sweet syrup and “Jamun” refers to the round brown balls of mava. It's easy to make and is an important treat for the festival.

Malpua

Malpua is one of the most revered desserts in Hindu culture whose recipe has been passed on for generations and still loved throughout India. The rich, deep-fried pancakes, made from flour and milk, are soaked in sugar syrup and flavoured with fennel seeds, and cardamom. Chopped nuts and dry fruits are used for garnishing this delightful dessert and sometimes you’ll also find it with silver and golden foil decoration.

Make Dussehra memorable with these delightful dessert options and allow yourself to indulge in the mesmerising flavours to end the nine-days of fasting.