Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals in Northern India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, is a celebration dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The festival is incomplete without offering a variety of traditional, homemade delicacies that reflect the culture and devotion of this vibrant festival. Let’s dive into some must-try traditional Chhath Puja recipes and the significance they hold in the festivities.

1. Thekua

• Description: Thekua is an iconic Chhath Puja offering, known for its crunchy texture and rich, sweet taste. Made with whole wheat flour, jaggery, and flavored with coconut and cardamom, it’s a snack that holds a special place in every Chhath celebration.
• Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, jaggery, grated coconut, ghee, fennel seeds, and cardamom.
• Recipe:
1. Melt jaggery in warm water, mix with wheat flour, add coconut, fennel seeds, and cardamom.
2. Knead into a dough, shape into discs, and deep fry until golden brown.
• Tip: Make sure the oil is medium-hot to ensure an even, crispy texture.

2. Rasiya Kheer

• Description: This rice pudding, sweetened with jaggery, is another traditional offering during Chhath. Rasiya, also known as rice kheer, has a comforting, creamy texture and a unique flavor from the jaggery.
• Ingredients: Rice, milk, jaggery, and cardamom.
• Recipe:
1. Boil milk and cook the rice in it until soft.
2. Add jaggery (preferably after cooling it slightly so it doesn’t curdle the milk) and a pinch of cardamom powder.
3. Simmer until thickened, then serve warm or cold.
• Tip: Stir continuously to avoid sticking and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Kasar

• Description: Kasar is a lesser-known but much-loved delicacy during Chhath Puja, typically enjoyed as a dry, sweet ball or laddoo. It’s made with rice flour, sesame seeds, and jaggery, with a delightful crunch.
• Ingredients: Rice flour, jaggery, sesame seeds, ghee.
• Recipe:
1. Roast rice flour lightly with sesame seeds.
2. Melt jaggery with a bit of water and pour it over the rice flour mixture.
3. Mix well and shape into laddoos while still warm.
• Tip: Use freshly roasted sesame seeds for a deep, nutty flavor.

4. Poori (Puri)

• Description: Poori is a puffed, deep-fried bread that’s simple yet essential in the Chhath Puja spread. It’s often served as a savory side but also pairs well with sweet dishes like Rasiya.
• Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, and salt.
• Recipe:
1. Knead flour with water and a pinch of salt to make a firm dough.
2. Roll into small circles and deep fry until they puff up and turn golden.
• Tip: Roll evenly to help the poor puff and avoid excess oil absorption.

5. Kaddu Ki Sabzi (Pumpkin Curry)

• Description: Known for its sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor, this pumpkin curry is a must-have Chhath dish. Served with poori, it’s a delicious contrast to the sweeter offerings.
• Ingredients: Pumpkin, mustard seeds, green chilies, amchur powder, and salt.
• Recipe:
1. Sauté mustard seeds and green chilies, add pumpkin cubes, salt, and spices.
2. Cook until tender, add amchur powder for tanginess.
• Tip: Don’t overcook; the pumpkin should be soft but still hold shape.

6. Gur ki Roti (Sweet Jaggery Flatbread)

• Description: Gur ki Roti is a sweet flatbread made with jaggery, whole wheat flour, and ghee. It’s often part of the Chhath meal as a simple yet heartwarming treat.
• Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, jaggery, cardamom, and ghee.
• Recipe:
1. Dissolve jaggery in water and mix with whole wheat flour and cardamom.
2. Knead into a dough, roll into flat circles, and cook on a tawa with ghee until golden brown.
• Tip: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips for a Flawless Chhath Feast

1. Use Pure Ingredients: Since these dishes are prepared as offerings, use unadulterated ingredients like pure ghee, fresh jaggery, and whole spices.
2. Mind the Temperature: When frying Thekua or Poori, the oil should be moderately hot to avoid soggy or overly hard results.
3. Stay Attentive: Many recipes require careful stirring or continuous attention, so plan enough time to avoid any mishaps.

Conclusion

These traditional Chhath Puja recipes are more than just food; they’re a tribute to cultural heritage and devotion. Preparing these dishes with love and care adds to the sanctity of Chhath Puja and brings the family together in celebration. Try these recipes to experience the essence of this beautiful festival, and feel the blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.