Durga Puja is all about friends, family, fun, music, rituals and of course good food. Durga Puja brings people together for celebration, with food serving as a pivotal element in spreading happiness among participants. During Durga Puja, there are many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to enjoy. It is a great time to experience the flavors of traditional Bengali cuisine.
The Bengali cuisine shines during these five days of celebration, offering a delightful array of traditional vegetarian dishes that hold a special place in the hearts of Bengalis. In this page, we’ll take a culinary journey through the heart of Durga Puja, exploring the festive recipes and traditional dishes that make this occasion truly special.
If you are in Bengal during the festival you cannot miss the celebrations and the gala events. You must have the ‘Oshtomi (Ashtami) Bhog’ which is specially prepared and distributed in all most all pandals. Food is a major part of festivities all over the world, but even more so for Bengalis and their festivals. The best part of Bengali festivities is that any other festivals there is no restriction to what one can eat.
A huge array of possibilities, from sweet to spicy, veg to non-veg, simple to exotic and authentic to fusion, there are hundreds of options to choose from. We have attempted to filter some of the best and all time favourite dishes which will be loved by everyone and people of all ages, and curate a list of few must have food items during Durga Puja. However, do not restrict yourself to just these items and try out as much of Bengali dishes as you can and enjoy its goodness in the spirit of the festival.
Aloo Posto (Potato in Poppy Seed Gravy)
Aloo Posto is a vegetarian delight where potatoes are cooked in a poppy seed paste. It’s a must-have on the menu during Puja celebrations. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful.
Dhokar Dalna (Lentil Cakes in Gravy)
Dhokar Dalna is a traditional Bengali dish made from lentil cakes that are cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy. It’s hearty, delicious, and a favorite during the festive season.
Luchi with Cholar Dal (Fried Bread with Bengal Gram Curry)
Luchi, or deep-fried bread, is paired with Cholar Dal, a mildly sweet and spiced Bengal gram curry. It’s a combination that epitomizes the festive spirit.
Shorshe Phoolkopi (Cauliflower in Mustard Gravy)
Cauliflower florets are cooked in a flavorful mustard sauce to create Shorshe Phoolkopi. It’s a quintessential Bengali dish that’s perfect for the festive table.
Ghugni (White Peas with Onions)
A street food dish, ghugni is prepared using white peas and can be enjoyed with puffed rice and with the side of chopped onions. This snack recipe is a must have during Durga Puja.
Mochar Chop (Croquettes Banana Flower Chop)
A very traditional and unheard of chaap recipe, mochar chop is actually banana chops. Prepared by frying a mix of mashed bananas, potatoes and spices this dish is best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of tea, and serves as a catalyst in reaping quality family time.
Mishti (Sweets)
No Bengali celebration is complete without seasonal delicacies like Sandesh, Rosogolla, and Mishti Doi. The sweets epitomize the sweet spirit of Durga Puja.
Durga Puja is not just about food; it’s a time when the city is adorned with magnificent pandals (temporary structures to house the deity), artistic decorations, and cultural performances. It’s a visual and culinary delight. The city of Kolkata and other parts of Bengal come together in a collective celebration of art, culture, and faith. The delicious food binds it all together, making the festival truly memorable.