Chhath Puja, a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated with devotion and special offerings. Here are seven traditional dishes that are lovingly prepared for this festival:
- Thekua – A crunchy, sweet treat made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, Thekua is the most iconic dish of Chhath Puja and a key prasad offered to the Sun God.
- Kheer – This rich rice pudding, made with rice, milk, and sugar or jaggery, is flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts, making it a cherished offering.
- Lauki (Bottle Gourd) Sabzi – A simple yet flavorful dish, lauki sabzi is prepared without onion and garlic, keeping it pure and sattvic for the festival.
- Puri – These deep-fried wheat bread rounds are often paired with lauki sabzi and kheer, adding a delightful crunch to the Chhath Puja spread.
- Rice Laddoo – Made from rice flour, these laddoos are sweetened with jaggery and are a favorite during Chhath for their wholesome taste and ease of preparation.
- Seasonal Fruits – Fresh, seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and sugarcane are essential offerings during Chhath and symbolize purity and nature’s bounty.
- Ginger and Sweet Potato – Ginger is consumed as part of the prasad, while sweet potatoes, rich in nutrients, are enjoyed as a humble yet flavorful snack during the festivities.
These traditional dishes embody the simplicity and sanctity of Chhath Puja, bringing together families to prepare and offer them with devotion and gratitude.
