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India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, finds joy in celebrating every nuance of life. Amidst these celebrations, one aspect remains constant – the love for food. From festivals to seasons, Indian celebrations are intricately woven into the natural cycle, aligning with the eco-friendly ethos. This connection is most evident during the celebration of seasons, where lifestyle and culinary habits adapt to the availability of resources and fresh produce. As December ushers in the coldest months across many regions, it marks the advent of Paush month in the Hindu calendar (Dec-Jan). This year, the month begins on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and ends on Thursday, January 25, 2024. After the festivals, people often unwind, enjoy the cold weather, and savour the seasonal treats that the season has to offer.
Throughout the Paush month, various regions in India come alive with utsavs (festivals) and melas (fairs). One notable example is the Paush Bade Utsav in Rajasthan, where temples become the epicenter of culinary festivities. Paush bade, crispy fritters made from black-eyed peas and moong dal, take center stage during this celebration. Considered inherently warming for the body, these delectable treats offer a perfect respite from the chilly winds that envelop the region. Locals eagerly indulge in bowls of paush bade, relishing the comforting warmth they provide, often accompanied by a side of vibrant green chutney.
Home Chef Abhilasha Jain on her Instagram page @marawadikhana shares that "Paush vada is a very popular dish originating from the pink city of Jaipur. These are pakodas, mostly consumed during winters. This winter Paush Bade (posh bada) is made with the mixture of chavle ki dal and moong dal. Poush vada is specially made and savoured during the cold months of December and January because of its anti-cold properties.
Consuming Paush bada during winter helps fighting cold because it is made from various hot Indian masalas,such as kali mirch,laung,cumin,jeera,sabut dhania,saunf and garam masala powder.And garam garam they taste yumm."
She also adds, "Paush Bada Mahotsavs in some temples like Khole ke Hanuman ji or Tadakeshwar ji are on such a large scale that the feast is prepared for lakhs of people. These huge events are called Lakkhi meaning lakhs Paush Bada."
As you make your way towards the east, you'll come across Bengal, a region that proudly hosts the Paush Mela in Santiniketan, located in the beautiful Birbhum District. The yearly fair, which lasts for three to six days, celebrates the bountiful harvest season with a variety of cultural performances. These include captivating Bengali folk music genres such as baul, kirtan, and Kobigan. The Poush Mela has evolved into a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures, drawing visitors from all corners of India and across the globe. Bengali food shines brightly amidst the lively celebrations, providing a mouthwatering variety of sweet, salty, and spicy treats. You can't leave Bengal without trying Paati Saptha, a one-of-a-kind pancake.
In addition to Bengal and Rajasthan, Paush month is celebrated all over India by many other cultures as well, including Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, and more. As the winter season approaches, people eagerly participate in the festive celebrations, relishing in seasonal treats such as sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gud). As a result of incorporating local customs with the spirit of Paush, the festival in Tamil Nadu takes on a distinct character. Just as the Kannadigas in Karnataka enjoy the bounty of the season, it enriches the cultural. Bringing together the varied landscapes of India in the common delight of Paush celebrations and delicious winter treats, Maharashtra, with its rich tradition, joins the countrywide celebration.
The spiritual and religious importance of Paush month goes much beyond its reputation as a period of indulgence in the kitchen. Festivals such as Pausha Purnima, Banada Ashtami, and Pash Amavasya take place throughout the month. On Pausha Purnima, devotees take a dip in Triveni Sangam in the belief that it will bring them Moksha, or salvation. The Putrada Ekadashi festival, which falls during the Shravana and Paush months, is very important for people who want to have a family.
Worshipping the Sun during Paush month is more than just a religious practice; it represents a belief in ensuring health and wealth. During this period, you should avoid specific spices and use jaggery instead of white sugar according to the dietary rules. Embracing a more complete view of health via mindful seasonal eating, these rules are based on long-standing cultural practices. Deliberately avoiding overstored food at night and favouring fresh, seasonal items demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between cultural customs and health-conscious decisions.
