Durga Puja 2023: Bhog, mishti and other special dishes

Durga Puja brings with it a delightful array of food and special dishes that add to the festivities. (Representational Image).

Explore the delectable world of Durga Puja food and special dishes, a culinary experience that complements the grandeur of this vibrant festival in India.

Durga Puja is not just a celebration of spirituality and culture, but also a feast for the senses, especially the taste buds. The festival brings with it a delightful array of food and special dishes that add to the festivities.

Bhog: The Divine Feast

One of the most important aspects of Durga Puja is the bhog- a special offering to the goddess and a feast for devotees. It typically includes rice, dal, vegetables, sweets, and more. The bhog is distributed as a prasad to devotees.

Luchi and Alur Dom

Luchi, deep-fried bread, is a popular delicacy served during Durga Puja. It is often paired with Alur Dom, a spicy potato curry, creating a satisfying combination.

Mutton and Fish Dishes

In many households, non-vegetarian dishes take center stage during Durga Puja. Mutton and fish curries prepared with a blend of spices offer a tantalizing experience.

Sweets Galore

Durga Puja is synonymous with an abundance of sweets. Spongy rasgullas, sandesh, mishti doi (sweet yogurt), and a variety of Bengali sweets are savored during the festival.

Street Food Delights

Outside the pandals (temporary structures where the idols are placed), an array of street food is available. From puchka (pani puri) to rolls, the street food stalls offer a diverse range of savory and spicy snacks.

Traditional Bengali Cuisine

Durga Puja is a time when traditional Bengali cuisine shines. Dishes like macher jhol (fish curry), shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce), and bhapa pitha (steamed rice cakes) are relished.

Fusion Flavours

In recent years, chefs and home cooks have introduced fusion dishes that blend traditional recipes with modern influences, creating unique and delightful flavors.

Durga Puja is a sensory delight, not just for its grand celebrations but also for its delectable cuisine. The diverse range of food and special dishes, from traditional Bengali flavors to modern fusions, adds to the richness of the festival.

As devotees come together to celebrate the goddess, they also celebrate the culinary diversity and gastronomic delights of India.