Durga Puja, the grand celebration honouring Durga Maa, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the country of India, and even further beyond.

During the 9-10 days of festivities, communities come alive with dazzling decorations, delicious food, energetic dancing and spirited rituals. As we know Durga Puja symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated because Durga battles the demon king Mahishasura. If you’re in the country during these special days you will be immersed in prayers, pujas, aartis, dance performances and sumptuous feasts

These 10 days aren’t just a casual religious event, but a festive spectacle that brings family, friends, neighbours and even strangers together to celebrate and relish in glory. Durga Puja is celebrated during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which would be September/October in the Gregorian calendar. Although the merriment is for all 10 days, the puja starts on Shasthi (the sixth day) and ends on Vijaya Dashami (the tenth day). During this time, Durga puja special food and sweets for Durga puja are loved by everybody.

10 Common Items Of A Bhog Thali

Bhog Ki Thali is an important part of Hindu prasad and usually has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Although the exact items are different for all the different regions of the country, and personal preferences, of course, durga puja dishes might include:

1. Rice: Steamed rice is a staple in most Bhog Thalis.
2. Dal: Usually a simple lentil preparation like Dal Tadka or Dal Fry.
3. Roti/Chapatti: To eat the sabzi with
4. Paneer Ki Sabzi: Paneer is often included in the thali, in a tomato curry base.
5. Mithai: Sweets like Kheer, Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, or Sandesh are common.
6. Salad: A simple salad made from cucumber, tomato, and other vegetables.
7. Papad: We all know what papad is, fried or roasted.
8. Chutney: Either of Imli, Pudina, or Nariyal.
9. Buttermilk/Lassi: To drink along with the meal, either masala chaas or flavoured lassi might be included.

6 Bhog Recipies For ​​Durga Puja Prasad

Here are six traditional Durga puja recipes for prasad!

1. Khichdi:

Here is a delicious Durga puja khichdi recipe!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup split yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water
• Ghee (clarified butter) for tempering

Preparation and Cooking:

1. Wash rice and lentils thoroughly. Heat some ghee in a pressure cooker, and add cumin seeds.
2. Add onions and sauté till golden brown. Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
3. Add rice, lentils, and water. Pressure cook until well cooked.
4. For tempering, heat ghee in a small pan, and add cumin seeds. Pour this over the khichdi before serving.

2. Paneer Curry:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 250g paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Oil for cooking

Preparation and Cooking:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté till golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, and sauté till the raw smell disappears.
2. Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates.
3. Add paneer cubes, and garam masala, and cook for a few minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

3. Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) Curry:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (excluding soaking time for chana dal)

Cooking Time: 25 minutes (excluding pressure cooking time for chana dal)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal, soaked for a few hours
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Oil for cooking

Preparation and Cooking:

1. Pressure cook soaked chana dal until tender.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds. Add onions and sauté till golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, and sauté till the raw smell disappears. Add tomatoes and cook till soft.
4. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook the masala.
5. Add cooked chana dal, mix well, and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

4. Suji Halwa:

One of the best, Durga puja dishes, this one is as yummy as it’s easy.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (suji/rava)
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups water
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Cardamom powder for flavour
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Preparation and Cooking:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add semolina. Roast till it turns golden brown and aromatic.
2. In another pan, heat water. Add sugar and stir till it dissolves completely. Add saffron strands if using.
3. Slowly add the sugar-water mixture to the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the halwa thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Add cardamom powder.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts before serving.

5. Puri:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• Water (as required for dough)
• Oil for frying

Preparation and Cooking:

1. Knead the wheat flour with water to make a soft dough. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. Make small balls from the dough and roll them into puris.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Fry the puris until they puff up and turn golden brown.
4. Remove excess oil by placing the puris on tissue paper.

6. Kheer (Rice Pudding):

Included in the sweets for Durga puja list, this dish is quite iconic.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (excluding soaking time for rice)

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 litre milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts and raisins for garnish

Preparation and Cooking:

1. Boil rice in water until it’s cooked. Drain excess water.
2. Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the boiled rice and simmer until the mixture thickens.
3. Add sugar and cardamom powder. Cook until the kheer reaches the desired consistency.
4. Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins before serving.
5. Remember to offer these dishes to the deity first and then distribute them as prasad to the devotees.

With the spirit of devotion and celebration, Durga Puja brings together communities, families, and friends in a joyous occasion every year that transcends all boundaries. With the mouthwatering aroma of Durga puja special food like Khichdi, Paneer Curry, Chana Dal, Suji Halwa, Puri, and Kheer filling the air, our hearts are filled with reverence and gratitude to the lord. Make them at home today with our Durga puja recipes for the festive season.

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