Call it Ugadi in Chennai, Bihu in Assam, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Poila Baisakh in Bengal yet the essence of the festival remains the same. Since it India is a rich agricultural country, self-sufficient in various grains and cereals, it is natural that a harvest festival will be celebrated with utmost fervour and joy as any other. Not only does it mark the beginning of a new year, Gudi Padwa also coincides with Navratre this year i.e. the nine-day long fasts. Maharashtrians welcome the new day with a brightly-lit house, decorations, new clothes and of course food.
Legend behind the harvest season states that Lord Brahma created a lease of life at a time when the Earth had demolished and the time had stopped. This marked the beginning of the satyug phase in the evolution of life on Earth and since then, Gudi Padwa celebrates the day annually. Motifs of gudi i.e. Lord Brahma’s flag are painted on the walls and doors of houses and a special pooja is done to hail to the Lord. Amidst this, delicious treats find their place in the hearts and dining tables.
A mix of sweet and savoury treats, Maharashtrian households prepare authentic delicacies on this day. Here are some of the classic recipes for Gudi Padwa that you can try at home too.
1. Shrikhand
It is not possible that a festival is celebrated without desserts. The rich and creamy Shrikhand is prepared using hung curd and can be flavoured with saffron and even mangoes, in summers. The smooth texture of a bowl of shrikhand is quite a treat to the taste buds.
2. Sabudana Vada
A crispy snack that is just the right thing to devour in a pool of sweets. Sabudana vada is made from tapioca pearls or sago and is a great alternative during Navratre fasts too. The deep-fried fritters are generally served with coriander chutney.
3. Basundi
A close cousin of kheer, basundi is a creamy delight that is relished across Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of Karnataka too. The thick milk pudding is usually made from condensed milk and garnished with chopped nuts like pistachios.
4. Puran Poli
This might appear as a simple flatbread at first but one bite in and the explosion of sweet flavours will begin. The flatbread is wrapped in the flavours of chana dal and cardamom and cooked in oodles of ghee. Often served with some jaggery, this stuffed puran poli is a must-have on Gudi Padwa.
5. Kothimbir Vada
A traditional Maharastrian recipe, Kothimbir means coriander in Marathi. The crispy and deep-fried vadas are usually triangle-shaped like wedges and are served with a chutney on the side.