Food and festivities are very closely related in India. Therefore, no festival and celebrations would be complete without some delicious dishes. One of India's most famous festivals is Dussehra. It is mainly celebrated on the tenth day of the Navratri holiday season and also refers to as Vijayadashami. With one main message at the core of it all, the triumph of virtue over evil, individuals celebrate this festival in many ways across the nation.
This year it will be celebrated on 5 October. Festive foods also play an important part in the Dussehra celebration, as they do for most other festivals. From East to West and North to South, each state celebrates the festival with local delicacies that are believed to bring good fortune. Here are a few unique Dussehra recipes you can prepare at home to bring the fortune and enjoy the festivities.
Best Dishes That Bring Good Luck On Dussehra
1. Jalebi And Fafda
A special dish of Gujarat, Jalebi, and Fafda, is a must-have on the day of Dussehra. There are many reasons why Jalebi and Fafda are eaten on this day. According to the legend, Lord Ram utilized to love a sweet called Shashkuli, which is now mainly known as Jalebi. His love for this delicious sweet was so much that he celebrated his conquest over Ravana by eating Jalebi. The reason why Fafda is eating with Jalebi is that according to Hindu scriptures, one must end their fast by eating something made using gram flour (besan).
2. Curd
Eating dahi-cheeni before doing something new start is an age-old tradition that is believed to bring good luck. Even on the festival of Dussehra, the curd is one food item that is not only savored with varied dishes but is also offered to Maa Durga. Specially in Orissa, women offer cooked rice soaked in water and curd to the Goddess. After this, the ritual of Ravana Dehan is performed.
3. Motichoor Ladoo
We all know Lord Hanuman's love for laddoos. On Dussehra, motichoor laddoo is offered to Lord Hanuman, and it is accepted that eating desi ghee motichoor laddoo on Dussehra brings sweetness and happiness to life.
4. Rasgulla
Like another parts of the country, West Bengal has its own main dish, which is accepted lucky on the day of Dussehra. Spongy and soft rasgullas dipped in sugar syrup are other sweet delights coming all the way from the east. It is prepared with milk, sugar, and chenna. Rasgullas are a special offering for both Dussehra and Navratri.
5. Paan
On the day of Vijayadashami, eating Paan is accepted to be very lucky. It is said that paan is a symbol of respect and love, which celebrates the 'victory of good over bad. According to the legend, Kumbhakana and Meghnath ate paan on the day of Vijayadashami to express their pleasure and celebrate the conquest of Lord Ram. Eating pan on this day is a very popular practice in UP and Bihar.
6. Sweet Dosa
A sugary delight made in Karnataka, sweet dosa is considered a lucky food on the day of Dussehra. Made with rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and wheat flour, this delicious dish is offered as a prasad during the Vijayadashmi and Saraswati Puja.
7. Moong Dal Halwa
Moong dal is enriched with protein and fiber. Moong Dal Ka Halwa is a very typical delicacy of North Indian households. It has a delicious taste with desi ghee and adding dry fruits and nuts, making it special. It is said that eating Moong Dal Halwa on this day brings good luck.
The festival season gives us a wonderful chance to spend time with our loved ones while indulging in delectable foods and treats. So, to make your occasion extra special, prepare these recipes mentioned above at your home and bring good luck. Happy Dussehra!