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With the start of Navrati everyone has transformed into the festival mood, Bhopal has also become a city of garba and jhankies, celebrating the divine goddess and the festive fervour. You can get to experience the unique mix of traditional Garba and Bengali culture. This might be slightly different but it is a thing in Bhopal, Kalibadi near New Market hosts the biggest Navratri fest on the 8th and 9th day. These 2 days people of the Bengali community of Bhopal organise pooja, stalls that serve authentic Bengali food, and a small garba.
All the food that is served in the stalls is homemade by the members of the Bengali community in Bhopal. You can relish khichuri, the fragrant rice and lentil dish, and shorshe ilish, the classic hilsa fish in mustard sauce that will tantalise your taste buds. Don’t miss out on the sweets, from mishit doi to the iconic sandesh, each bite is a taste of Bengali hospitality.
Image Credit: Freepik
So experience the best of both worlds during Navratri in Bhopal only at this 2-day event at Kalibadi:
Dishes To Enjoy In Kalibadi
Vegetarian Dishes
Khichuri
Khichuri is a comfort food made from rice and lentils, with seasonal vegetables and a mix of spices. This is a favourite dish that is prepared during monsoon festivals in Bengal. It’s all about warmth and togetherness, so it’s a must-have during Navratri.
Image Credit: Freepik
Shukto
Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish with a mix of vegetables, bitter gourd and mustard paste. It’s known for its unique taste and served as the first course in a Bengali meal. Its roots go back to the fertile agricultural land of Bengal where various vegetables are in abundance.
Beguni
Beguni is thinly sliced eggplant coated with chickpea flour and deep-fried to a golden brown. It is a popular street food in Bengal and served as a crunchy side during festivals. Its crispy texture and flavour is a great addition to any meal.
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Cholar Dal
Cholar Dal is a spiced Bengal gram lentil dish made with coconut and a mix of spices. It’s served during festivals and special occasions in Bengali homes, it’s a symbol of prosperity. The coconut adds sweetness to the dish making it a favourite in Bengali cuisine.
Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Shorshe Ilish
Shorshe Ilish is hilsa fish marinated in a spicy mustard paste and then steamed or cooked in a light gravy. This is a Bengali classic, fish is a big deal in Bengal and especially during special occasions. Hilsa is called the “queen of fish” in Bengal.
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Murgir Jhol
Murgir Jhol is a spicy chicken curry with aromatic spices, potatoes and sometimes coconut. This is a traditional dish and a Bengali home food. Served with steamed rice and loved for its comfort food nature.
Prawn Malai Curry
Prawn Malai Curry is prawns cooked in creamy coconut milk gravy with spices. This is a luxury dish from the coastal region of Bengal where seafood is plenty. Rich and creamy, it’s a favourite during Navratri
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Bhetki Paturi
Bhetki Paturi is fillets of bhetki fish marinated in a mix of mustard and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. This is a traditional Bengali cooking method and is loved for its delicate taste. Served during special occasions, it’s a highlight of festive food.
Desserts
Mishti Doi
Mishti Doi is a Bengali dessert made with sweetened yoghurt, often with cardamom. It’s a Bengali favourite, especially during festivals and celebrations. This has been around for ages in Bengali sweet-making and is loved by many.
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Sandesh
Sandesh is a Bengali sweet made with fresh chhena (curdled milk) and cardamom or fruit purees. This is an art form of Bengali sweet-making and is gifted during festivals and special occasions to showcase Bengali cuisine.
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Rasgulla
Rasgulla is a spongy and syrupy dessert made from chhena balls soaked in light sugar syrup. This is an icon of Bengali cuisine and has gone global. Enjoyed as a festival treat, it’s the sweetness of celebrations and a must-have during Jhanki.
This jhanki represents the cultural richness of Bhopal, with its history and significance, people are adding to the culinary experience with Kalibadi’s Jhanki during Navratri, a perfect blend of flavours that celebrates Bengali culture.
