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Hariyali Teej is around the corner and one can see the festive fervour everywhere. This year, Hariyali Teej is on 19th August I.e., Saturday and the Indian households are all set to echo with fervent joy and devotion. Not just married women but also unmarried girls celebrate the festival with utmost enthusiasm and happiness. The women worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and worship for longevity of their husbands.
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Among the so many significant things during the festival, there is one dessert that you will find as a part of the rituals. You know what it is? Yes, ghewar, a traditional Rajasthani sweet dish that holds significant cultural and culinary importance during the Hariyali Teej festival. This deep-fried and honeycomb lookalike Indian dessert has tiny holes and spores with a thick layer of malai or cream topped with nuts. The silky malai offers a nice contrast to the crispy, spongy texture and makes it the dessert of your dreams. You will often find this dessert during Rakshabandhan, Hariyal Teej and other festivals that fall in monsoon. But, why?
Well, this is no coincidence but there is a reason behind it. Because of its peculiar texture, Ghewar is prepared only on Monsoons. This dessert requires moisture which is why damp weather is an ideal time to make it. If it is made in absence of moisture, it would not be prepared in the first place and will also dry out soon. Moisture gives it a perfectly soft and spongy texture. You know what? The significance of ghewar on Teej is just not about the weather but there is more to it.
Ahead of Teej, the halwai shops are flooded with large amount of ghewar. This is because, married women have this dessert as the first thing after they break their fast. Besides, ghewar is also offered to the gods. If some experts are to be believed, ghewar is made with a lot of ghee and this is why it is consumed right after the fast. Ghee provides the right amount of warmth and energy to the body. Eating Ghewar on Teej is associated with Ayurvedic practices Vaat and Pitta. The climatic conditions lead to restlness and acidity. And having dessert made of ghee like ghewar, keeps body calm and relaxed.
Besides, the preparation and sharing of Ghewar during Hariyali Teej bring families and communities together. It is often made in households and distributed among relatives, neighbors, and friends as a gesture of goodwill and harmony. The act of sharing Ghewar reinforces social ties and spreads the festive spirit.
