Chhath Puja is a significant festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and is celebrated with deep devotion, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. An essential part of this festival is the preparation of traditional recipes that are offered during the rituals and enjoyed with family and friends. Here, we bring you the top 5 recipes that will complete your Chhath Puja celebrations with authentic taste and cultural richness.
1. Thekua
Thekua is one of the most iconic offerings in Chhath Puja. This sweet and crispy treat is made from whole wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and grated coconut. Shaped into small discs or ovals, Thekua is deep-fried until golden brown. The combination of ghee and jaggery gives it a rich, caramelized flavor that makes it a crowd favorite during this festival.
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, jaggery, grated coconut, ghee, cardamom powder
Instructions: Mix all ingredients to form a dough, shape into small pieces, and deep-fry until golden brown.
2. Kasar Ke Laddu
Kasar Ke Laddu are simple yet delicious ladoos made from rice flour, jaggery, and ghee. This easy-to-make dessert has a slightly grainy texture and is flavored with cardamom and ghee. It is often offered to the Sun God during Chhath rituals.
Ingredients: Rice flour, jaggery, ghee, cardamom powder
Instructions: Mix rice flour and jaggery, then add warm ghee. Shape the mixture into small ladoos and enjoy.
3. Rasiyaw (Sweet Rice)
Rasiyaw, or sweet rice, is a popular prasad prepared during Chhath Puja. This dish combines rice, milk, and jaggery, creating a creamy, rich texture and a comforting taste. Rasiyaw is cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients: Rice, milk, jaggery, ghee, cardamom
Instructions: Cook rice in milk until it becomes creamy, then add jaggery and cardamom for sweetness and fragrance.
4. Kaddu Ki Sabzi (Pumpkin Curry)
Pumpkin curry is a savory addition to the Chhath Puja feast. Made with pumpkin, green chilies, and basic spices, this dish is paired with puris or rice and balances the sweet offerings of the festival.
Ingredients: Pumpkin, green chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric, salt
Instructions: Sauté cumin seeds, add diced pumpkin and spices, then cook until soft.
5. Ginger and Tulsi Tea
During Chhath Puja, devotees observe a fast and prepare herbal tea with ginger and tulsi leaves to keep warm and refreshed. This tea also helps with digestion and adds a soothing touch to the fasting routine.
Ingredients: Ginger, tulsi leaves, black tea leaves, honey
Instructions: Boil ginger and tulsi in water, then add tea leaves. Strain and serve with honey.
These traditional recipes add to the festive spirit of Chhath Puja, allowing families to come together and honor the Sun God with love, gratitude, and devotion.
