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Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India that is celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm. According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed in the month of Kartik and this time the festival of lights falls on November 12. Besides diyas, rangolis, puja and crackers, food is also an essential part of Diwali.
Laddoos, kaju katli, kheer, malpua, murukku, kachoris and namkeens are just a few names but, you will find a lot of delicious delicacies on this festival. The meals of Diwali are also packed with flavours like puri, kadai paneer, chole, naan etc. Apart from these, there are another two items known as kheel and batashe without which this festival is incomplete.
What Is Kheel Batasha
Kheel and batashe are a traditional Indian sweet that has been a part of our festivities and pujas since ancient times. You can also find it in many temples where it is served as a prasad. In simple words, kheel is puffed rice that is made by cooking rice kernels on high heat with salt or sand.
While batasha, a coin-shaped confectionery is prepared by boiling sugar with water until it reaches thick consistency. They are mostly prepared in the autumn season when the country produces a large amount of rice and sugarcane. The best part about kheel and batashe is they can be stored for a very long period of time.
Significance On Diwali
On Diwali kheel batashe are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber as a token of respect and the devotees seek their blessings in return for good fortune, health and happiness. The tradition has been followed since ancient times. As rice (or paddy) was the most grown crop in India that lasted for one whole year.
Since the crop was harvested around Diwali, the farmers used to offer it to Goddess Lakshmi to thank her for the produce and seek deity’s blessings. The devotees used to make kheel batasha from the first batch of harvested rice and present it to the goddess.
Another reason for their use in Diwali puja is the Shukra Graha or the Venus planet. According to the Vedic Astrology, this is the planet of wealth and prosperity, and it is related to Maa Lakshmi. Hindus believe offering kheel batashe to Maa Lakshmi on this festival will make the planet happy and this will bring wealth and prosperity to the devotees.
