Navratri is an auspicious festival celebrated all over India. The nine-day celebrations this year starts today on Sunday, October 15. During these nine days, we are reminded of the victory of good over evil, and we come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion with our family, friends, music, and some delicious foods.
The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of Kans grass, signifying that Goddess Durga has descended from her abode in Kailash and arrived in the plains. The aroma of traditional Bengali dishes adds to the charm of the Durga Puja holidays. Let’s explore some of the most authentic Bengali foods you must try during this festive season.
Khichuri
Khichuri holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, especially during the Durga Puja celebration. This dish evokes a unique sentiment among Bengali people. It’s a simple yet cherished preparation that caters to individuals of all age groups. Typically, it involves combining roasted yellow moong dal and rice with an assortment of vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, peas, etc cooked in a manner similar to other khichuri dishes. The combination of dal and rice offers a good balance of vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates. It is considered a wholesome, one-pot meal.
Kathi Roll
It is an absolute must-try street food during the five days of Pujo. These greasy rolls are loaded with succulent chunks of chicken or mutton, crunchy onions, street-style ketchup, and a dash of ‘bhaja moshla’ to satisfy those hunger pangs between meals.
Ghugni
It is another popular street food during Durga Puja. It is made with peas and puffed rice, and garnished with chopped onions. So, if you are from the northern parts of India and want to experience Bengali’s special Pujo food, Ghugni is a must-try.
Sandesh
Sandesh is a mouthwatering sweet you can’t miss during the Navaratri season. If you have a penchant for sweets, then do try it. It is prepared using jaggery, milk, and sugar. In some variations, chhena or paneer is used instead of milk. This must-have sweet melts beautifully and will refresh your mood.
Bengali-style Chinese
Durga puja is incomplete without trying this Bengali special! It mostly includes black pepper as a dominant flavour. Another thing about Bengali Chinese is cornstarch. Bengali soups are majorly thick to the extent of making you feel full.
Kolkata Biryani
Durga Puja and Bengali cuisine go hand-in-hand. This delectable rice dish holds a special place in the hearts of all Bengalis and is a must-try dish during Pujo. The popularity of Kolkata Biryani is evident from the fact that every biryani joint in the city is packed with people during Pujo. It is exceptionally light, low on essence and colour, yet mildly spiced with just the right amount of spices to enhance the taste. It is accompanied by boiled egg and gravy dishes like Chicken/Mutton Korma and Changezi.
Doi Maach
Doi Maach is a non-vegetarian Navratri special loved by many Bengalis. It includes Rohu fish, curd, and a spicy gravy that offers a unique flavor combination of both spiciness and sweetness. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice or chapati.
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