Saraswati Puja 2025: 7 Yellow Dishes To Make At Home
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On February 2, Saraswati Puja will be observed as Basant Panchami. Mostly observed in India, this colourful festival honours Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, the arts, and knowledge. On this occasion, the colour yellow has a very special significance as a symbol of vitality, wealth, and the arrival of spring. As offerings to the goddess, devotees make a variety of yellow dishes and dress in yellow. 

Food is a major part of the celebrations as it symbolises ethnic customs and familial unity. Every yellow dish, from classic sweets to aromatic rice dishes, not only enhances the festive mood but also acts as a means of expressing appreciation for knowledge and creativity.

Boondi Ladoo

Made with gram flour (besan), boondi ladoo is a traditional dessert that is served during celebrations such as Saraswati Puja. To prepare the boondi, small, circular droplets of batter are fried in ghee and then flavoured with sugar syrup and cardamom. The addition of turmeric or saffron gives it a vivid yellow colour. Cardamom powder and chopped almonds are also often used to add taste and texture.

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Basanti Pulao

Bengali celebrations feature the preparation of an aromatic rice dish known as Basanti pulao. The dish's yellow colour, which is derived from turmeric or saffron, gives it its name. Usually, ghee, spices, and occasionally nuts or vegetables are added to cooked basmati rice. This fragrant pulao can be eaten as a celebratory dish on its own or goes well with tasty curries. Because of its  colour, it has become a speciality in the Saraswati Puja celebrations.

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Kesari Sheera

Keshari Sheera is a classic sweet dish made with sugar, ghee, semolina (suji), and cardamom or saffron for flavour. As an offering to the goddess, this dish is frequently made on auspicious occasions such as Saraswati Puja. Achieving the ideal consistency and roasting the semolina are crucial for making it. Saffron is included for adding colour, and it gives the dish its distinctive aroma. Add some texture and taste by garnishing with chopped nuts, such as cashews and almonds. 

Moong Dal Halwa

Made with split green gramme (moong dal), sugar, ghee, cardamom, and nuts, moong Dal Halwa is a tasty dessert. This decadent treat is frequently made as an offering to Goddess Saraswati during festivals. After the soaked dal has been ground, it is cooked with cardamom, sugar, and ghee until it thickens and turns golden. The deep yellow colour and distinctive texture are produced by the prolonged stirring and cooking procedure. For extra flavour, add pistachio and almond slivers as garnish. This halwa not only pleases the palate but also symbolises prosperity.

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Khichdi

Made with rice and lentils, khichdi is a nourishing one-pot meal that is especially important on Saraswati Puja. Its simplicity, which embodies nourishment, makes it a perfect offering. The khichdi, which is spiced with cumin and turmeric, is also a healthy. The cooking method ensures that the dal and rice are cooked just enough to be soft while still preserving their distinct textures. The addition of fresh coriander and ghee as garnish improves the dish's appearance and taste.

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Mango Phirni

During Saraswati Puja, mango puree is mixed with ground rice cooked in milk to create the delicious dessert known as mango phirni. Cardamom and mango are added to the cooked ground rice after it has been sweetened with sugar and boiled with milk. The dessert adds a joyous touch to the puja thali because of its vibrant colour and smooth texture. If preferred, it can be topped with chopped nuts or strands of saffron and served cold.

Rajbhog

Similar to rasgulla, rajbhog is a classic Bengali dessert that is bigger and contains flavoured khoya (milk solids). After being filled with nuts and flavourful spices, the cheese balls are baked in sugar syrup. For this recipe, you need two skills: making the cheese and getting the correct saffron infusion. When add to the puja thali, these golden spheres enhance the puja bhog’s aesthetic appeal and flavour—this delicious dessert represents abundance.

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