The festive season is right upon us as we are set to welcome Navratri and Durga Puja in a few days, post which there will be Dussehra and in less than a month we’ll have Diwali! I love this time of the year with all the festive vibes, lights, traditions and inter-mingling of different cultures and rituals. There’s just so much positivity around, and of course so much food! Where on one hand we have Navratri wherein the staple bhog of halwa poori and kale chane makes me nostalgic and hungry, the other has Durga Puja where pandal hopping is all about indulging in mouth-watering Bengali treats such as fish chops, kathi rolls and so much more!
Durga Puja is a five-day spectacle that would begin this year on 1st of October and end on 5th October with Vijaydashami. During this time, the devotees of Goddess Durga offer her with variety of bhog and puja offerings, till the time she departs for heaven. According to legend, it is believed that during the time of Durga Puja, Goddess Durga visits her maternal home on earth, for her devotees and followers and showers them with love and prosperity. In return, her devotees pamper her during her stay on earth with all sorts of celebrations, of which feast is a huge part. The best of Bengali cuisine, besides other delicacies, are on the feast right from mutton chop, Mughlai Paratha, Ghughnis and more! Various pandals are set up across the countries wherein food is the highlight!
We’ve got five amazing Bengali foods that are a part of every Durga Puja Pandal, and you can even make them all at home!
1. Kathi Rolls
Isn’t Kathi Rolls a mass favourite now? Originated in Kolkata, Kathi Rolls have taken over the country by storm as one of the most loved street foods. With spicy chunks of meat mixed with sauces, crunchy onions and spicy chutney, wrapped inside a flat-bread, these are ought to be a crowd pleaser.
2. Fish Chops
Quite a staple at Durga Puja Pandals, fish chops are made of soft fish which is underneath a crusty, spicy exterior that lends an array of flavours.
3. Ghughni
Made with dried yellow or white peas, ghughni is a street food which is a mix of spicy and sweet flavours. It might remind you of Masala Puri, but it is in fact thicker. Sprinkle some chaat masala on top and relish the mouth-watering treat as is.
4. Puchkas
Pani puri of Maharashtra, Gol Gappa of the north, this chaat item has lovers across India. And while you can enjoy these little crispy puris filled with tantalising spiced water, chickpeas and boiled potatoes at any time of the year, they just taste all the more better during the time of Durga Puja festivities.
5. Luchi with Kosha Mangsho
This combination of little, plump puris made with refined flour served with Kosha Mangsho (mutton curry) is one that shouldn’t be missed! Packed with bold and vibrant spices, Kosha Mangsho boasts of just the right flavours of clove, cardamom and cinnamon cooked in mustard oil.
