Traditional foods for chat puja
The traditional foods you must try during Chat Puja, and learn how they play a role in the rituals and gatherings.
Traditional Foods You Must Try During Chat Puja
Chat Puja, a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, is celebrated with great devotion, especially in northern India, particularly in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The festival, observed over four days, involves fasting, prayers, rituals, and offerings. Food plays an important role in Chat Puja as devotees prepare special dishes with love and dedication, using simple and pure ingredients to honor the deities. Here are some traditional foods you must try during this holy festival.
1. Thekua
Thekua is one of the most iconic dishes of Chat Puja, made especially as a prasad (sacred offering) to the Sun God. This sweet, fried snack is made from wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and cardamom. Some people also add grated coconut or fennel seeds for extra flavor. The dough is shaped into small pieces, pressed in special wooden molds, and then deep-fried until golden brown. Thekua has a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, making it a favorite among all age groups. It symbolizes devotion and is believed to have been prepared since ancient times, passed down through generations as a key dish of Chat Puja.
2. Kasar
Kasar, also known as laddu, is another popular Chat Puja sweet treat. Made from roasted rice flour, ghee, and jaggery, these laddus are not only delicious but also carry a unique nutty aroma from roasted rice. Shaped into small round balls, Kasar laddus are often given as prasad. Some families add grated coconut or dry fruits to add more taste and texture. Kasar symbolizes simplicity and purity, as it uses basic ingredients that have been staple foods for centuries. It’s easy to make and very nutritious, making it a perfect offering and snack during the festival.
3. Rice Kheer
Rice Kheer, a creamy and flavorful dessert, is commonly prepared during Chat Puja. Made with rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, this kheer is cooked slowly until it reaches a rich, thick consistency. Often garnished with chopped almonds, pistachios, and raisins, it has a soothing taste and texture that’s hard to resist. Kheer represents prosperity and is seen as a dish that unites family members. Some people add a twist by using jaggery instead of sugar for a more earthy, caramelized flavor, which is a healthier alternative as well.
4. Puri and Sabzi
Puri (fried wheat bread) with a light, non-spicy potato curry (sabzi) is another traditional offering during Chat Puja. Made with wheat flour and fried in ghee or oil, puris are puffy and golden. They are typically paired with a potato curry that is mildly spiced, often prepared with turmeric and cumin, giving it a light yellow color and subtle flavor. This combination is simple yet satisfying, symbolizing wholesomeness and purity. In some families, the curry might also include pumpkin, which adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
5. Rasab
Rasab is a refreshing drink made from raw sugarcane juice, which is offered during Chat Puja, especially on the last day of the festival. The drink symbolizes purity and is used to break the day-long fast of devotees. Sugarcane juice, rich in natural sugars, is seen as a way to restore energy after the rigorous rituals. Sometimes lemon and ginger are added to enhance the flavor, making it a sweet, tangy, and revitalizing drink.
6. Kaddu-Bhaat (Pumpkin and Rice)
Kaddu-Bhaat, or pumpkin with rice, is a humble yet delicious meal that devotees enjoy during Chat Puja. Pumpkin curry is made with simple spices like cumin, fenugreek, and turmeric, which bring out the sweetness of the pumpkin. It is served with plain, steamed rice, creating a comforting and balanced meal. This dish signifies simplicity and the idea of consuming foods that are easy to digest after long hours of fasting. Kaddu-Bhaat is often enjoyed by families after performing the evening rituals.
7. Sattu
Sattu, a flour made from roasted chickpeas, is a popular ingredient used during Chat Puja. It is known for its high nutritional value and is often used to make sweets or savory items. Sattu laddus, prepared by mixing sattu with ghee and jaggery, are quite common. The earthy flavor of sattu, combined with the sweetness of jaggery, makes it a perfect energy booster. Some people also make sattu drinks with water, salt, and lemon, which is both refreshing and nourishing. Sattu symbolizes strength and resilience, ideal for fasting devotees.
8. Coconut-based Offerings
Coconut is considered sacred and is often included in offerings during Chat Puja. Fresh coconut is either grated or chopped and added to dishes or served as a standalone offering. Some devotees also make coconut-based sweets, such as coconut laddus or coconut halwa, to serve as prasad. These sweets are made with grated coconut, milk, and sugar, creating a delightful treat that is cherished by both children and adults.
The foods prepared for Chat Puja are deeply symbolic and reflect the simplicity and devotion that are central to the festival. Each dish is made with care, emphasizing purity and natural ingredients, which are considered blessings from the Sun God. Trying these traditional foods not only adds to the experience of the festival but also connects people to the rich cultural heritage of Chat Puja.
