Chhath Puja 2024: From thekua to kaddu bhat, try these delicious traditional recipes to vibe more

Chhath Puja is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya Devta, and Chhathi Maiya by fasting and preparing sacred offerings. Celebrated by women across northern India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, this festival includes cooking up dishes that are not only delectable but also hold cultural and spiritual significance. Here are some classic recipes that will elevate your Chhath Puja this year.

Thekua

Thekua, a sweet wheat-based fritter, is the quintessential Chhath offering. Known for its crunchy texture and rich flavour, this treat is made by mixing whole wheat flour, jaggery, and spices like cardamom. Small dough rounds are shaped and decorated with patterns, then deep-fried until golden brown. Serve them as a crunchy, delightful offering to Surya Devta!

Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, jaggery, cardamom powder, ghee, and oil for frying.

Instructions: Dissolve jaggery in warm water to form a syrup, and mix it with wheat flour, cardamom, and ghee. Knead it into a dough, shape the dough rounds, and deep fry them until crisp and golden. Allow them to cool before serving.

Kaddu bhaat

Kaddu Bhaat (pumpkin curry) is another Chhath staple, paired with puris or rice. Made with pumpkin, spices, and ghee, it¡¯s a savoury dish with a hint of sweetness, providing the perfect balance after a day of fasting.

Ingredients: Pumpkin (cubed), ghee, cumin seeds, turmeric, and red chilli powder, and fresh coriander for garnish.

Instructions: Heat ghee, add cumin, turmeric, and pumpkin cubes, and cook until tender. Add salt, spices, and a sprinkle of sugar for balance. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Rasiyaw

This rice kheer with a jaggery twist, Rasiyaw, is a creamy, comforting dessert that completes the Chhath meal. Traditional kheer is cooked in milk, and jaggery is added for sweetness, giving it a rich, caramelised flavour. This dish is typically served with puris.

Ingredients: Rice, jaggery, cardamom, and chopped nuts.(no milk)

Instructions: Boil rice in water and jaggery until creamy, then add cardamom, and garnish with nuts and serve warm or chilled.

Hara chana

Hara chana (green chickpeas) is a simple yet flavorful dish, saut¨¦ed in ghee with spices like cumin and turmeric. Soak the chickpeas overnight, then cook them with ghee, green chilies, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander for garnish.

Kasar Ke laddu

These traditional laddus are made by mixing powdered rice (rice flour), jaggery, fennel, and ghee. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls for an easy, nutritious treat perfect for sharing or offering during the puja.

Chhath Puja is more than just a fast ¨C it¡¯s a celebration of cultural roots and devotion. So, prepare these delightful dishes, offer your prayers, and enjoy the festive spirit with family and friends.