10 Traditional Indian Sweets Enjoyed In Akshaya Tritia
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It is quite common for the Indians to engage in a festive mood as they have a long list of festivals throughout the year. They are now gearing up for the upcoming festival, Akshaya Tritiya. Also known as Akha Teej, it is a significant Hindu festival occurring on the third lunar month of Vaishakha. The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Parshurama – the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is worshipped on this day along with Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.  

This year Akshaya Tritiya is on May 10. The day holds a special place in the Hindu culture. The day is believed to be a good time for new beginnings, prosperity, and abundance. In the Hindu culture, people buy gold on this day which is considered one of the earliest and most traditional ways of investment. Besides, another custom associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the preparation and sharing of traditional Indian sweets. These treats symbolise the sweetness of life and also the joy and warmth of the festivity.  

Here is a list of sweets that are enjoyed during Akshaya Tritiya.  

  • Peda  

Rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavour of the peda make it the quintessential Indian sweet enjoyed during the festival. The sweet is made from condensed milk, and sugar and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. Peda is available in different shapes and sizes. They are often decorated with almonds or pistachios, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. During Akshaya Tritiya, pedas are exchanged as tokens of good luck and prosperity.  

  • Rasgulla  

This Bengali sweet has made its way into every festive spread, including Akshaya Tritiya. These are soft, spongy, and soaked in sugar, made from chenna and semolina dough. These milk-based delicacies are cooked until they are light and airy. They are simmered in a sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom and rose water. Rasgullas are known to symbolise purity and abundance, making Akshaya Tritiya extra special.  

  • Kaju Katli  

Also known as Kaju Barfi, this a classic Indian sweet made from ground cashews, sugar, and ghee. The sweet is loved because of its smooth texture and rich flavour. Kaju Katli is often decorated with edible silver foil. This sweet is eaten during Akshaya Tritiya which symbolises prosperity and good fortune. Kaju Katli provides a melt-in-the-mouth experience, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds.  

  • Gulab Jamun  

Every occasion is incomplete without the indulgence of Gulab Jamun. It is a golden-brown dumpling soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. This sweet is eaten in Akshaya Tritiya and symbolises sweetness and abundance, bringing joy to all people. Made of khiya and flour, these soft and juicy balls are infused with cardamom and rose water. Often garnished with chopped nuts or rose petals, they add a hint of crunch and visual appeal.  

  • Coconut Laddoo  

Made from grated coconut, sugar, and condensed milk, coconut laddoo or nariyal laddoo is one of the most common sweets eaten during any festivity. These laddoo are also a popular choice for Akshaya Tritiya and they are rolled into bite-sized balls and garnished with chopped nuts or edible silver foil. In this, the creamy texture of coconut combined with the sweetness of condensed milk creates a heavenly treat. They are offered as prasad, symbolising purity and devotion.  

  • Soan Papdi  

Patisa or Soan Papdi, this flaky, melt-in-the-mouth sweet is enjoyed owing to its unique taste and texture. It is made from besa, ghee, and sugar and flavoured with cardamom. It is made by layering thin strands of the sweetened gram flour mixture. This is a light and airy confection that melts on the tongue. Soan Papdi is often exchanged as gifts with loved ones during Akshaya Tritiya, symbolising the sweetness of relationship and blessing.  

  • Jalebi  

Enjoyed for its crunchy texture and tangy-sweet flavour, jalebi is a crispy, syrupy, and irresistible delight. It is made from fermented batter, deep-fried in circular shapes, and soaked in sugar syrup infused with saffron and cardamom. They are a festive treat across the country. The vibrant orange hue and intricate swirls make it a perfect treat to celebrate Akshaya Tritiya.    

  • Halwa 

In every festival, Indians incorporate halwa in the platter and Akshaya Tritiya is no exception. Whether it is made from semolina, atta or carrots, halwa imparts a luscious texture and aromatic flavour. It is garnished with nuts and dried fruits and adds warmth and sweetness to the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya. 

  • Kheer

This creamy, fragrant and comforting traditional dessert graces the table during Akshaya Tritiya. It is made by simmering rice in milk with the addition of sugar and kheer and flavoured with cardamom, saffron. The kheer is garnished with almonds, pistachios and raisins. This dessert evokes the feeling of nostalgia on this auspicious day. 

  • Shrikhand 

Hailing from the western state of Gujarat, shrikhand is a delightful sweet that combines yoghurt, sugar and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. Shrikhand is known for its creamy and refreshing taste. It is often served chilled and garnished with silvered nuts and a sprinkle of edible rose petals. This sweet is a popular choice during Akshaya Tritiya.