A Taste of Victory: Dussehra's Culinary Traditions
Dussehra is a vibrant celebration that tantalizes the senses, blending rich rituals with diverse culinary traditions. Across India, the festival is celebrated with foods that signify joy, the conclusion of the nine-day Navaratri fast, and the spirit of togetherness. From flavorful treats to indulgent desserts, let's dive into Dussehra's delectable food journey.
West India: Gujarat & Maharashtra
In Gujarat, the Dussehra morning feels incomplete without savoring the classic duo of Jalebi and Fafda.
- Jalebi & Fafda: A timeless sweet-and-savory duo, Fafda are crispy gram flour fries paired with syrupy, golden jalebis.
Why: This sweet is a festive delight enjoyed after the Navaratri fast. It’s said that Lord Rama relished a dessert named 'Shashkuli,' akin to jalebi. - Puran Poli (Maharashtra): A tasty flatbread filled with a delightful blend of cooked lentils (chana dal), jaggery, and warm spices like cardamom and nutmeg.
Why: It's a classic celebratory dish, made on special occasions to represent joy and good fortune.
East India: The Sweetness of Bengal
For Bengalis, Vijayadashami brings warm wishes ('Shubho Bijoya') and sharing of sweets.
- Rasgulla & Sandesh: Bengali festivities feel incomplete without these classic sweets crafted from fresh chhena. They symbolize sweet beginnings and are shared with guests.
- Luchi and Alur Dom: Pillowy, golden-fried luchi paired with aromatic, slow-simmered potato curry (alur dom) is a classic celebratory dish.
Why: Following the immersion of Goddess Durga's idol, families exchange visits. These dishes play a key role in the warmth and camaraderie of Bijoya Dashami.
South India: Offerings of Golu
In South India, Navaratri is marked by 'Golu', a decorative display of dolls, with unique 'prasad' prepared each day.
- Sundal: A flavorful, wholesome dish of boiled legumes such as chickpeas, black-eyed peas, or peanuts, enhanced with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fresh coconut.
Why: A unique sundal is made each night for the nine days as prasad. It’s simple to share and offers protein during the fast. - Payasam: The South Indian kheer is a creamy dessert made with rice, vermicelli, or lentils, simmered in milk or coconut milk, and sweetened with sugar or jaggery.
Why: A festive treat symbolizing the finale of Vijayadashami celebrations.
The Navaratri Fasting Feast
The nine days before Dussehra are marked by fasting (vrat) for many, following a 'saatvik' diet.
- Foods Avoided: Wheat, rice, lentils, onions, garlic, and meat are generally avoided.
- Popular Fasting Foods:
- - Sabudana (Sago): Used to make khichdi, vada, and kheer.
- - Kuttu (Buckwheat) & Singhara (Water Chestnut) Flour: Used to make puris, parathas, and halwa.
- - Makhana (Fox Nuts): Roasted as a snack or used to make kheer.
- - Fruits & Milk Products: Form a major part of the fasting diet.