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Today is the final day of Navratri, and we are towards the end of Durga Puja. Now it is time to get ready for Dussehra. According to the Hindu calendar, it is the tenth day of Durga Puja, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Also known as Vijayadashami, this day is observed on Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. This year, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12.
On this day, the devotees enjoy Ramleela, dandiya nights, fairs, and food festivals. Each region in India celebrates Dussehra in a special way, but cities like Delhi, Mysore, Kullu, and Kolkata witness the greatest number of visitors from across the country. Just like other festivals, Dussehra also has some delicious delicacies that are considered auspicious when consumed on that day.
From paan to curd, here are six foods that are believed to bring good luck when consumed during Dussehra:
Dal Paratha and Kheer
In Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra is incomplete without dal paratha and kheer. During the morning prayer of this day, paratha made with chana dal, carom seeds, and salt is served with rice kheer to the deity. It is believed that eating this combination of two dishes on Dussehra will bring good luck, health, and prosperity.
Motichoor Laddoo
Motichoor laddoo is an integral part of Indian celebrations. Be it Diwali or any puja, this mithai is our go-to choice for any auspicious festival, including Dussehra. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman loved laddoos, which were offered to him on this festival. It is believed that relishing desi ghee motichoor laddoo on the last day of Durga Puja brings happiness and sweetness to life.
Jaggery Dosa
Also known as vella dosai, this sweet delight is another food item that is relished in Dussehra. These delicious crepes are made with jaggery and wheat flour, and they stay crisp even after cooling down. Sweet dosa is served as prasadam in South Indian states, mainly in Karnataka. Besides Dussehra, it is also enjoyed during the festival of Saraswati Puja. It is best paired with coconut chutney.
Dahi
Dahi-cheeni is a common ritual in India that is followed across the country. We eat curd before doing anything new. It is believed that this brings good fortune. During Dussehra, curd is also offered to Goddess Durga. In Orissa, water rice is offered as bhog to the goddess along with curd; this tradition is widely known as ‘dahi pakhala’.
Jalebi-Fafda
Jalebi-fafda is a popular combination of Gujarati cuisine that is popular all over the country. It is especially enjoyed during the festival of Dussehra. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama loved a sweet called shashkuli, which is also known as jalebi. It is believed that he ate jalebi to celebrate his victory over Ravana. This sweet is paired with fafda because Hindus believe that one must end their fast by eating something made with gram flour.
Paan
Serving paan is a tradition in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is believed that offering betel leaves, or paan, to Lord Hanuman will remove all kinds of struggles and problems from your life. It is said that this mouth freshener is a sign of respect and love and marks the victory of good over evil on Dussehra.
