Preparing Delicious Sweets for Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort, Usha. This ancient festival is marked by rituals and offerings that express gratitude for the sustenance and life that the Sun provides. Among the various rituals performed during Chhath Puja, preparing and offering sweets holds a special place. These sweets not only symbolize devotion but also serve as a delectable treat for family and devotees. In this article, we will explore some traditional sweets that are commonly prepared during Chhath Puja, their significance, and how to make them.

The Significance of Sweets in Chhath Puja

Sweets play a vital role in religious festivals across cultures, and Chhath Puja is no exception. They are offered as ‘prasad’ (a sacred food) to the Sun God during the festival, symbolizing purity and devotion. The act of preparing sweets also fosters a sense of togetherness among family members as they come together to create these delicious offerings.

During the four-day celebration, sweets are made from simple yet wholesome ingredients like flour, jaggery, milk, and bananas. These ingredients not only add flavor but also maintain the traditional essence of the festival. Let’s dive into some popular sweets you can prepare for Chhath Puja.

1. Thekua (A Traditional Snack)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup jaggery (grated)
• ½ cup grated coconut (optional)
• ½ cup water (or as needed)
• ¼ cup ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, grated jaggery, grated coconut (if using), cardamom powder, and ghee. Mix well until you achieve a crumbly texture. Gradually add water to form a smooth dough. Make sure it’s not too soft; it should be firm enough to hold its shape.

2. Shaping: Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly to form small discs or shapes of your choice.

3. Frying: Heat oil in a pan for frying. Once hot, carefully add the shaped dough pieces into the oil. Fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.

4. Cooling: Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a container for offering.

Thekua is not only delicious but can also be stored for several days, making it an excellent addition to your festive preparations.

2. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice (preferably basmati or any short-grain rice)
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar or jaggery
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A handful of cashews and almonds (optional)
• Raisins (optional)

Preparation:

1. Rinsing Rice: Begin by rinsing the rice under running water until it runs clear. Soak it in water for about 30 minutes.

2. Cooking Rice: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the soaked rice and reduce the heat. Cook it while stirring frequently until the rice becomes soft and creamy.

3. Sweetening: Add sugar or grated jaggery to taste and mix well until dissolved completely.

4. Flavoring: Stir in cardamom powder and add cashews, almonds, and raisins if you like for added texture and flavor.

5. Cooling: Let the kheer cool down before serving it as prasad during Chhath Puja.

Kheer is loved by many for its rich flavor and creamy texture and is often enjoyed by families after rituals.

3. Malpua (Sweet Pancakes)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar or jaggery
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Oil or ghee for frying

Preparation:

1. Batter Preparation: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, mashed bananas, milk, sugar or jaggery, and cardamom powder. Mix well until you achieve a smooth batter of pouring consistency.

2. Frying Malpua: Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of batter into the hot oil and fry till both sides turn golden brown.

3. Draining Excess Oil: Remove malpua from the pan using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Serving: You can serve malpua warm with some syrup or enjoy it plain as a sweet offering during Chhath Puja.

Malpua has an enticing aroma and a delightful taste that makes it a favorite among children and adults alike.

4. Bhajiya (Savory Fritters)

Although not sweet, savory bhajiya makes an excellent accompaniment to sweets during Chhath Puja celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 medium-sized potato (finely sliced)
• A handful of spinach leaves (chopped)
• Water (as needed)
• Salt to taste
• Red chili powder
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Batter Mixing: In a bowl, mix gram flour with salt and red chili powder according to your taste preferences along with enough water to create a thick batter.

2. Adding Vegetables: Fold in finely sliced potatoes and chopped spinach leaves into the batter.

3. Frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and drop spoonfuls of the batter mixture into hot oil. Fry until crispy golden brown on both sides.

4. Cooling: Drain on paper towels before serving alongside sweets during Chhath Puja.

Bhajiya adds variety to your offerings while complementing sweet dishes beautifully.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is more than just rituals; it’s about celebrating life through gratitude towards nature’s elements, especially the Sun God who sustains us all. Preparing sweets like Thekua, Kheer, Malpua, and Bhajiya allows families to bond over culinary traditions while offering their heartfelt devotion through these delicacies.

As you prepare these sweets this Chhath Puja season, take time to enjoy each step of cooking – it’s an opportunity to share love with family while honoring ancient customs that have stood the test of time. May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and sweetness into your homes!