Chhath Puja, an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in the Mithila region of Nepal and parts of India, spans four days dedicated to worshiping the sun god and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. Believing the sun to be the god of energy, devotees honor him to bring prosperity and happiness to their families. As with many Nepalese occasions, Chhath Puja places a special emphasis on consuming delicious cuisine, featuring specific foods prepared for the festival and offered as homage to the sun god. To elevate your Chhath feast, we suggest indulging in a few scrumptious treats.

Kasar

Indulge in the well-known sweet dish made from rice flour, sugar, dry fruits, ghee, jaggery, and coconut. Formed into small or medium blissful balls, these treats boast a rich flavor enhanced by the use of ghee. The combination of powdered rice and jaggery also provides warmth during the winter.

Thekuwa

A signature Chhath festival delicacy, Thekuwa is offered to the sun god and Shashthi Chatiya Maiya during Chhath Puja, later enjoyed as ‘prasad’ by devotees. Made from wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and dried fruits, these tikkis are shaped from a tight dough and deep-fried in pure ghee.

Kaddu Bhaat

Despite any reservations about pumpkins, this curry is a Chhath Puja delicacy made with Kaddu/Lauki (Bottle Gourd), cooked in ghee with Himalayan or Sendha salt. A staple in the festive thali, it pairs well with pooris or bhaat, symbolizing purification for the extensive festival.

Rasiyaw (Kheer) with Puri or Roti

No Nepalese festivity is complete without rice pudding. Rasiyaw, a kheer variant with jaggery instead of sugar, is a sweet dish offered to Lord Surya in the evening, accompanied by puri or roti. Breaking the fast with this delectable treat is a customary practice, inviting family and friends to share in the Prasad.

Hara Chana

Completing the Chhath special thali, Hara Chana is a savory dish made by sautéing green chana in ghee with cumin seeds and green chillies. Some regions opt to offer them raw with puris or rotis after an overnight soak. This simple yet flavorful dish adds a savory touch to the Chhath festivities.

In conclusion, the Chhath Puja celebration is not just a religious observance but a sensory journey enriched by the flavors of traditional Nepalese cuisine. Each dish carries cultural significance, symbolizing purification, gratitude, and devotion to the sun god. As families come together to share these delectable delights, the true essence of Chhath Puja unfolds, transcending rituals and creating lasting memories of warmth, togetherness, and cultural richness. As the festival concludes, the lingering taste of these remarkable treats serves as a reminder of the joyous moments shared and the enduring traditions upheld during this auspicious celebration.

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