The long wait to celebrate one of the most important festivals of India comes to a close at the end of this week. People across the country are gearing up to celebrate Dussehra. You must be familiar with the lore associated with Dussehra or Vijayadashami. There are two main legends related to the festival. One is that of Ravana’s defeat at the hands of Lord Rama, and Dussehra translates to Dasha-hara or defeat of the 10-headed one. The other one involves the battle between goddess Durga and Mahishasura for nine nights that ultimately culminated on the tenth day with the latter’s defeat. These legends have a common thread, though. That is the triumph of good over evil.
And victory can be sweet — which brings us to some lip-smacking food that we can gorge on during Dussehra.
Burrrp!
All across the country, people prepare a wide variety of yummy delicacies. Most of them are available round the year in any street food shop. So why the big deal? Well, for one, it gives us an opportunity to make these delectable delicacies at home. So you don’t have to splurge too much. If that isn’t a problem, then put on your best dress, and join the fun on this amazing food trail.
Starting from the south of the country, trace your steps to Mysuru in Karnataka — where the magic of Dasara unveils itself in all its splendour, an exquisite exhibit of grandeur and glory, when the palace is illuminated with a myriad of light bulbs. Indulge in lip-smacking payasams , sweet pongals and of course, the Mysore pak. A splendid spread includes kosambri , palya , a vegetable salad tossed with grated coconut and mustard seasoning), gojju , tovve , a kind of dal without much seasoning, and huli or saaru , a thick broth of lentils and vegetables with freshly ground spices, coconut, and tamarind.
Let us now go to the western side in Maharashtra. Dig deep into the Maharashtran thali that is filled with rice, polya, a type of flatbread, lentils, one or two kind of vegetables, raita , curd, chutneys, pickles, and koshimbir , a type of salad. During festivals, most of us tend to stick to vegetarian food. But if you’re willing to take a leap of faith, then go for baajarachi amti or pomfret curry. Finish off with besan (chickpea or gram flour) laddoos or some soothing shrikhand!
Further up in Gujarat, don’t get lost in the dandiya crowd. Many people fast during the nine days leading up to Dussehra. And what yummy food they prepare to break this fast! It ranges from poori-dal, parathas made of rajgira or amaranth flour to milk-based desserts. Make sure you have the crunchy fafda made from gram flour, and a good helping of basundi .
In Rajasthan, don’t miss the dal baati churma — a humble dish from the villages of the desert State. Baati is a flaky bread served along with lentils and churma , a coarsely ground dish cooked in ghee and sugar. Up here, no festival is complete without this dish. While you’re at it, get your hands on some gujia , a deep fried pastry stuffed with dry fruits and khoya that is popular in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh as well.
Enjoy Ramlila, the re-enactment of Rama defeating Ravana, the effigy-burning, and the fireworks that follow up north, especially across Uttar Pradesh. Visit as many food stalls that dot the streets of Delhi as you’ll find everything from chaat, poori and parathas to curries loaded with butter and sweets.
In Bengal and Odisha, Durga Puja is devoted to goddess Durga. Every street corner you turn to, you will find idols of the goddess, as devotees immerse themselves in puja , prayer and festivities. And the best part is that food is worshipped too! Figuratively, I mean. Bhog is served to the goddess on her homecoming, and alongside, you’ll see that there is no dearth of food stalls and pandals that boast of a wide variety of food. Food melas or carnivals crop up during this time to give foodies a taste of all kinds of food, be it savoury or sweet. The list is endless — luchi alur dom , a maida-based poori, macher jhol or fish curry, poori-cholar dal, and shukto , a wholesome dish with vegetables, freshly ground spices and coconut milk, fish fry, meat and egg roll, and the sweet goodness of mishti doi , sandesh, roshogolla, lobongo latika, malpua, pantua and so many more. It would be a surprise if you’ve made it till the end without your mouth watering!
When you are wrapping up the festivities, don’t forget that such festivals are all about the happy moments you spend with family, spreading cheer, and, of course, the food!
