When food becomes spiritual and a path to salvation
Faith flows through every river, every sunrise, and every prayer during Chhath Puja. For four days, families come together, preparing with love, patience, and reverence, not only for the Sun God but for the bonds that connect generations. Food, in this sacred celebration, becomes a language of faith — each dish a symbol of purity, care, and offering. The journey begins on Day 1-Nahay-Khaye, a ritual cleansing of body and mind. Devotees eat a pure, sattvic meal, often made from seasonal vegetables like lauki (bottle gourd), rice, and lentils, cooked in desi ghee. Accompanied by a simple homemade chutney, this light and nourishing meal strengthens the body for fasting while setting a tone of mindfulness and devotion.
Day 2 introduces the preparation of kheer, begin, which is part of kharana, the meal taken before the long fast. A sweet rice pudding that is symbolic of prosperity and devotion. Made with milk, jaggery, and rice, kheer’s creamy texture and natural sweetness are central to the offerings for the Sun God. Families often prepare generous portions, sharing it with neighbours, spreading joy and festive warmth. Alongside kheer, Thekua (or Thekariis) hold a special place. Thekua, a deep-fried wheat and jaggery delicacy, is crisp, fragrant, and long-lasting, ideal for rituals that span several days. Thekua, often softer and enriched with nuts and dry fruits, adds depth and richness to the offerings, making the spread visually and tastefully appealing. Fruits also play a vital role in the celebration. Seasonal fruits such as bananas, guavas, sugarcane, and apples are washed and arranged carefully as offerings. Their natural sweetness and freshness symbolise purity, abundance, and gratitude.
The vivid colours and textures of the fruits complement the heavier treats, creating a harmonious balance of flavours on the altar.
The culmination of the festival comes with Parana, the ritual-breaking of the fast. Devotees partake in wholesome meals comprising rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets, replenishing their energy and celebrating the successful completion of the spiritual journey. The food during Chhath Puja reflects patience, care, and devotion. Every dish is prepared with love and attention, each ingredient carefully chosen to honour the rituals and the Sun God.
From the cleansing simplicity of Nahay-Khaye to the sweetness of kheer in kharana, the crunch of thekua, and the freshness of fruits, each item carries meaning. Watching thekua being shaped carefully in our own hands, or in the skilled hands hands of grandparents, adds a personal touch that makes every bite special. The festival shows how food bridges the physical and spiritual, tradition and modernity, devotion and community. Isn’t it fascinating that these simple, lovingly prepared dishes — made in our homes, in our hands — carry centuries of culture, connect generations, and turn a ritual into a feast for the senses? Chhath Puja shows that devotion and taste travel hand in hand, making every morsel a moment of gratitude, celebration and wonder.
