Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the four-day festival is known for its deep devotion, traditional rituals, and strict fasting practices. But apart from the prayers and offerings, food also holds a special place in Chhath celebrations.
From the famous crispy thekua to sweet jaggery kheer, every traditional preparation has its own cultural and religious importance. These homemade delicacies are prepared with devotion and offered as prasad to the Sun God. Many of these recipes have been passed down through generations, keeping the culinary traditions of Bihar alive.
Here are some popular traditional sweets and snacks that make Chhath Puja celebrations special.
1. Thekua – The Most Famous Chhath Prasad
No Chhath Puja celebration feels complete without thekua. It is one of the most popular traditional sweets of Bihar and an essential offering during the festival.
Thekua is prepared using wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, ghee, and sometimes coconut. The dough is shaped into small pieces using traditional wooden moulds and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Its slightly crunchy texture and rich jaggery flavour make it a favourite among children and adults alike. Thekua is offered to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya during Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. It is also distributed among family members, neighbours, and friends as prasad.
2. Rasia Kheer – A Special Kharna Preparation
Rasia, also known as jaggery kheer, is one of the most important dishes prepared on the second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna.
Unlike regular rice kheer made with sugar, rasia is traditionally prepared using rice, milk, and jaggery. The ingredients are cooked slowly to create a creamy and naturally sweet dish. Devotees first offer the kheer to Chhathi Maiya before consuming it as part of the Kharna ritual. The meal is generally accompanied by chapatis or rotis. After this evening meal, devotees begin their strict 36-hour fast without food or water.
3. Kasar – A Traditional Sweet Offering
Kasar is another traditional sweet commonly prepared during Chhath Puja, particularly in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
It is generally made using coarsely ground rice flour, jaggery or sugar, and ghee. Some households also add cardamom or other ingredients for flavour. The mixture is shaped into small round ladoos. Kasar is considered an important part of the traditional Chhath prasad. Its simple preparation and familiar homemade taste make it a favourite during the festival.
4. Rice Laddoo – A Homemade Festival Favourite
Rice laddoos are another traditional sweet prepared in many households during Chhath Puja. Made using rice flour, jaggery, and ghee, these laddoos are known for their simple ingredients and delicious taste.
Depending on family traditions, the preparation may vary from one region to another. Some families prepare them with roasted rice flour, while others use coarsely ground rice. These homemade sweets are often included in the offering baskets and shared with relatives and neighbours.
5. Pua – A Traditional Sweet Snack
Pua is a popular traditional sweet found in Bihar and several other parts of North India. It is especially enjoyed during festivals and family celebrations.
The dish is prepared using wheat flour, milk, sugar or jaggery, and sometimes mashed banana. The batter is deep-fried in small portions until golden brown. Soft from the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, pua is enjoyed by people of all ages. Although its preparation differs across households, it remains a familiar festive delicacy.
6. Malpua – A Festive Delight
Malpua is another sweet dish that is prepared in some households during festive occasions. It is made using a batter of flour, milk, and sugar, which is fried into small pancakes.
Some variations include mashed banana, cardamom, and fennel seeds. The fried malpuas may also be dipped in sugar syrup for extra sweetness.While malpua is not a compulsory Chhath offering, it is enjoyed as part of festive meals in many families.
The Importance of Food in Chhath Puja Traditions
Food during Chhath Puja is not simply about taste; it is closely connected with devotion and purity. Traditional dishes are prepared at home with special attention to cleanliness and the choice of ingredients.
Many families follow the practice of preparing prasad without onion and garlic. Food is cooked in clean surroundings, and traditional utensils are often kept separate for festival preparations.
Another beautiful aspect of Chhath food traditions is that recipes are passed down from mothers and grandmothers to younger generations. Children learn how to prepare thekua, shape kasar, and arrange offerings by watching their elders.
Celebrating Chhath Puja Through Traditional Flavours
The traditional sweets and snacks of Chhath Puja reflect the cultural richness of Bihar and its neighbouring regions. From the crispy thekua and sweet rasia to homemade kasar and seasonal fruits, every offering carries a story of faith, family, and tradition.
As Chhath Puja approaches, kitchens across Bihar and other parts of India become busy with preparations. Families come together to prepare traditional delicacies, arrange prasad baskets, and get ready for the festival. These familiar flavours do more than make the celebration special. They preserve a culinary heritage that has been cherished for generations. Ultimately, the food of Chhath Puja reminds us that the festival is not just about rituals and prayers but also about family bonds, cultural identity, and the joy of sharing.
