Did You Know These Interesting Holi Food Facts?
Image Credit: Bhaang thandai is very popular | Unsplash

Holi is a joyous occasion. It is a festival that everyone celebrates in their own way. Holi means lot of colours and lot of food that bring joy into our lives. From sweet to savory, there are a lot of different dishes that are enjoyed in every single household during this festival. Dahi vada, thandai to mutton and gujiya – the delicacies just keep rolling out. But do you know, there are many facts that you are not aware of about these food items that you so casually eat during Holi? Let us tell you some interesting ones.

Thandai  

This sweet drink is the most popular beverage that is consumed all over India on holi. Made with milk, fennel seeds and cardamom, we often make it boozy to enjoy the festival fully. Bhaang is usually added to thandai and what follows is it day full of fun and frolic. Bhaang is said to be Lord shiva's favorite. In fact, the most famous Holi song that we have is an ode to bhaang and Shiva – called Jai Jai Shiv Shankar!

Dahi Vada 

Some people call it dahi vada while some people call it dahi bhalla, but everyone knows that it is a famous snack that is enjoyed during Holi. Made with food lentils which are made into wadas and then dipped in a spicy and sweet Dahi gravy, the dish was first mentioned in a book called Manasollasa in the 12th century.

Gujiya

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One of the most famous sweet dishes of the festival, gujiya was originally prepared in the royal kitchens of Bundelkhand. This sweet was limited to being a royal delicacy for years before the commoners started making it as well. While there is no evidence as to why this suite is specifically related to Holi, it has become a norm to make gujiya at home. It has several other names like pedakiya and ghughra.

Malpua 

Did you know that malpua is known as the oldest Indian sweet according to the history that is available to us? It is mentioned as Apupa in the Rigvedas and it's always been seen as a dessert that is specifically eaten during celebrations and now it has become synonymous with holi.

Kathal ki Sabji 

So, there is a wide popularity of having mutton Curry during holi in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar. But, many people are vegetarian which makes it difficult for them to fully enjoy the feast. Which is why, Jackfruit is made exactly the way mutton Curry is cooked and that is the reason it is also called vegetarian meat.