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Diwali needs no introduction. It is one of the widely celebrated festivals across India. Coinciding with Diwali is yet another popular festival known as Kali Puja. For Bengalis, it doesn’t end on Diwali night rather starts. Fondly celebrated in West Bengal and some parts of Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Tripura, the day is dedicated to Goddess Kali. During the Kali Pujo, devotees worship the goddess at midnight following several rituals.
In Kali Pujo as well, devotees get a chance to relish some of the delicious food which is part of the bhog prasad. From Niramish Mangsho to Bengali Khichuri to Basanti Pulao, there are many dishes that one just can’t miss. Why don’t we have a look at some of the Bengali delicacies that we can have at this year’s Kali Pujo? Are you ready?
Bengali Khichuri
This one-pot meal is a traditional dish prepared on Kali Pujo. Consisting of moong dal, vegetables, basmati rice, peas, cauliflower, potatoes, and a wide range of spices, this dish is made without onion and garlic, but you would hardly realize it as it is so delicious. This dish is a part of bhog prasad and almost every Bengali eagerly waits to have it.
Labra
For those who think that there is hardly any Bengali vegetarian dish, this might be an eye-opener for you. A part of the bhog, this vegetarian dish has cauliflower, potatoes, peas, carrots, and pumpkin. It is not just the vegetables but a dash of sugar and grated coconut that elevates its taste to the next level.
Niramish Pathar Mangsho
This is vegetarian mutton is prepared especially on Kali Puja. You must be thinking, vegetarian mutton? Actually, this dish is made from the sacrificial goat offered to Maa Kali. Since this dish is sacred, it is made without onion and garlic. It is the main prasad that is offered to the Goddess.
Tangra Macher Jhol
Made with Tangra fish, this is a light and flavourful fish curry that is absolutely delicious. It is more like a fish broth and is cooked using onion, potatoes, and many spices. Often served with steamed rice, this fish curry is something you shouldn’t miss this year for sure.
Image credits: Bethica's Kitchen Flavours
Basanti Pulao
Made with gobindobhog rice, this dish is a beautiful concoction of ghee, rice, sugar, saffron, cashews, raisins, and whole spices. Offered to Maa Kali, it is also known by the name misthi pulao and remains to be a prominent dish even on special occasions.
Bengali Mutton Biryani
This is a classic Bengali biryani that has been ruling our hearts for ages. Made up of basmati rice, mutton, onions, curd, potatoes, authentic biryani masala, a lot of whole and ground spices, barista, yakhni, dried plums, ghee, milk with kewra and rose and meetha attar, this is an absolute treat which is a must-have during Kali Pujo.
Chanar Payesh
No festival is complete without dessert and Kali Pujo is no exception. Chanar Payesh is a popular Bengali dessert also known as paneer ki kheer. Made up of grated paneer or paneer, this delight has condensed milk, full cream milk, and cardamom powder. Garnished with dry fruits, this is something you should not miss.
Image credits: Adhar Chandra Das
I know you are already going to enjoy all these delicacies on Kali Puja this year!! Do let us know which one of these is the closest to your heart!
