Chhath Puja 2024: Thekua, pirukiya, and other traditional treats that bring festive feels

Chhath Puja is all about deep devotion, connection with nature, and keeping it real with food that speaks straight to the heart. Held primarily in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, this festival sees families gather to offer thanks to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, for their blessings. But it¡¯s not just the rituals that make it special¡ªthe food offerings are legendary! Each dish made during Chhath Puja symbolises purity, tradition, and a unique connection to the land and culture.

Thekua: Chhath¡¯s crunchy icon

Thekua is the crown jewel of Chhath Puja treats. Made from the simplest ingredients¡ªwheat flour, jaggery, and ghee¡ªThekua is deep-fried until it¡¯s crunchy and golden brown. This snack, which could be compared to a rustic, heartier cookie, is revered as an offering to the Sun God. Its humble ingredients and homemade feel reflect the purity of the festival, and with each bite, you get a taste of both tradition and love. Thekua represents the essence of Chhath Puja: it¡¯s made with devotion and without any fancy trimmings, yet it remains a favourite!

Pirukiya: The sweet stuffed delight

Pirukiya, also called Gujiya in some regions, is another Chhath essential. It¡¯s a pastry stuffed with a filling of khoya (milk solids), coconut, dry fruits, and sugar, then deep-fried to perfection. Unlike Thekua, Pirukiya has a richer taste and is a bit more indulgent. Known for its sweet, flaky texture, Pirukiya is offered as prasad during the rituals. This sweet treat¡¯s traditional flavours make it the perfect dessert to cap off a day of prayers and offerings. Plus, it¡¯s festive and special enough to share with loved ones as a symbol of warmth and togetherness.

Dahi chuda: The morning ritual refresher

Next up is Dahi Chuda, a simple dish of flattened rice mixed with curd and sometimes sweetened with a touch of jaggery. This dish is known for its cooling properties and is perfect for morning rituals when the fasting starts. Dahi Chuda is a refreshing, no-fuss meal that¡¯s both nourishing and symbolic of Chhath¡¯s humble spirit. Its lightness makes it easy to digest and is just the thing to keep devotees going through the day.

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Kaddu bhaat: Simple yet soulful

Kaddu Bhaat, a combination of pumpkin curry and rice, is the savoury offering often prepared during Chhath. This dish is made without onions or garlic to keep the flavours mild and pure, aligning with the festival¡¯s sacred vibe. The mildly spiced pumpkin curry and plain rice form a balanced, satisfying meal that¡¯s perfect for breaking the fast. It¡¯s humble, hearty, and yet, like all Chhath foods, made with reverence.

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From the crunch of Thekua to the richness of Pirukiya, each Chhath dish brings a unique flavour and meaning to the festival. They¡¯re not just foods¡ªthey¡¯re expressions of devotion, heritage, and the deep-rooted traditions that make Chhath Puja one of the most cherished celebrations in India.