“Durga Puja Bhog” refers to the special food offerings that are made to the goddess Durga during the Durga Puja festival. This is a significant part of the religious and cultural aspects of the celebration. The bhog is traditionally vegetarian and includes a variety of dishes that are considered pure and sanctified. Some of the common items included in Durga Puja Bhog are:
Khichuri: A one-pot dish made with rice and lentils, often cooked with vegetables and mild spices.
Labra: A mixed vegetable curry, which is simple and flavorful.
Beguni: Slices of eggplant (brinjal) coated in gram flour and deep-fried.
Payesh: A traditional rice pudding or kheer made with rice, milk, and sugar.
Sona Moong Dal: A sweet preparation of moong dal (split green gram) cooked with jaggery.
Niramish Aloor Dum: Spicy potato curry prepared without onion and garlic, often flavored with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Chutney: Tamarind chutney or mango chutney is sometimes served to add a tangy element to the meal.
Papad: Crispy papads or poppadoms are commonly served as a side dish.
Bhaja: This refers to fried items like fried pointed gourd (potol bhaja), fried banana (kolar bora), and other deep-fried snacks.
Shinni: A type of sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery.
Mishti Doi: Sweet yogurt, often served in earthen pots to enhance the flavor.
Rasgulla: Spongy and sweet cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup.
Durga Puja Bhog is prepared with great care and devotion and is considered an offering to the goddess Durga before it is distributed to devotees. It is usually served as a community meal in pandals (temporary structures set up for the festival), and people of all ages and backgrounds come together to partake in this sacred and delicious feast during Durga Puja.
