Chhath Puja Food Guide: Traditional Dishes To Prepare On Surya Shashti

Chhath Puja, an ancient Vedic festival honoring the Sun God Surya Dev and Goddess Shashthi Devi, is celebrated over four days with purity, fasting, and the preparation of traditional dishes using natural ingredients. A key delicacy of Chhath is Thekua, a deep-fried wheat flour dough sweetened with jaggery, ghee, and coconut. The festival commences with Nahay Khay, where devotees cook Kaddu Bhat, a cleansing meal made from bottle gourd or pumpkin cooked in ghee and served with steamed rice.

On the second day, Rasiyao or Rasiya Kheer is prepared, a sweet dish made from rice, jaggery, ginger, and cardamom. Energizing food like Kasar, made with powdered rice and jaggery, aids devotees in staying warm and nourished during the winter. Malpua, soft syrup-soaked pancakes made from flour and milk, is enjoyed as a festive indulgence during Chhath Puja. On the second day, Chana Daal and rice are cooked in ghee.