Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and the Arts. This year, it falls on February 3rd. Celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Maagh, Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring, bringing with it new energy and hope. The color yellow, symbolizing prosperity, positivity, and vitality, is an integral part of the celebration. One of the most cherished traditions of this festival is offering special bhog to the goddess.
Basant Panchami Bhog Recipes
Here are four traditional dishes that are prepared as offerings during Saraswati Puja:
1. Zarda Pulao
A fragrant and sweet saffron-infused rice dish, Zarda Pulao is a popular offering during Saraswati Puja. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
2 tbsp cashews (halves)
2 tbsp almonds (chopped)
1 tbsp raisins
2 tbsp dry coconut (sliced)
3-4 cardamom pods
2 cloves
A pinch of saffron strands
1 cup basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
½ cup sugar
2 tbsp condensed milk (optional)
Instructions:
Heat half of the ghee in a pan and roast cashews, almonds, and raisins until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Add the remaining ghee to the pan along with cardamom and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds.
Pour in water, add saffron, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the soaked rice, cover, and cook until almost done.
Gently mix in the sugar, condensed milk, and roasted nuts. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes.
Serve warm in small bowls.
2. Jora Ilish
A revered tradition in Bengali households, Jora Ilish (a pair of hilsa fish) is offered to Maa Saraswati as a symbol of wealth and good fortune. The preparation is simple yet flavorful:
Method:
Coat fresh hilsa fish with turmeric and mustard oil.
Cook slowly with mild spices to preserve its delicate taste.
Offering Jora Ilish is believed to bring prosperity and blessings to devotees.
3. Boondi Laddoo
A delightful and auspicious sweet, Boondi Laddoo is a staple during Basant Panchami. These golden, round treats symbolize joy and prosperity.
Ingredients:
1 cup gram flour (besan)
½ cup water
1 cup sugar
½ cup water (for syrup)
½ tsp cardamom powder
Ghee for frying
Instructions:
Prepare a smooth batter using gram flour and water.
Heat ghee and drop small droplets of batter using a perforated ladle.
Fry until golden and crisp. Drain and set aside.
In a pan, prepare a sugar syrup with water and sugar until one-string consistency.
Mix the fried boondi with syrup, add cardamom powder, and shape into laddoos.
4. Gur Wale Chawal (Sweet Jaggery Rice)
This comforting and aromatic dish aligns perfectly with the festival’s yellow theme.
Ingredients:
1 cup basmati rice
½ cup jaggery (grated)
2 tbsp ghee
A pinch of saffron
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 tbsp coconut flakes
Instructions:
Cook basmati rice until soft and fluffy.
In a separate pan, heat ghee and add fennel seeds.
Stir in grated jaggery and a little water to make a syrup.
Mix the cooked rice into the syrup, add saffron and coconut flakes.
Cover and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Each of these bhog dishes holds deep significance, offering a blend of flavors and devotion to Maa Saraswati. Celebrate Basant Panchami with these traditional recipes and seek the goddess’s blessings for wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity.
