How Different States Celebrate Ravan Dahan With Food

Ravan Dahan marks the countdown to Diwali, and hence, it is among the most celebrated festivals across India. While there are no specific dishes associated with it, the regional spreads are a blend of traditional sweets, seasonal delicacies, and staple delights that add colour to the plate and taste to palates.

Ravan Dahan or Dussehra is an important day marked in the Hindu calendar. It is believed to be the auspicious day when Lord Rama finally killed the demon king and freed his wife, Goddess Sita. On this day, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran (his brother) and Meghanatha (his son) are installed in large playgrounds and burned. While the day symbolises the victory of good over evil, it also brings families together, which means everyone chattering and reminiscing about good old times over food. Much like other festivals, Dussehra also has some specific dishes associated with it across Indian states. With this piece, celebrate Vijayadashmi with seasonal harvests, regional delicacies, and mythological stories.

Langar In Punjab

In Punjab, people gather for langar in Gurudwaras. The seva spread comprises halwa, puri, chhole, and rice. On the streets, vendors sell makke ki roti and other tandoori snacks. In fact, some restaurants even start selling sarson ka saag, a winter delight for which greens become available around this time of the year. The feast of Dussehra represents the bounty harvest and robust fare for which the state is known around the world. In villages, several communities come together to organise cultural fests and local chefs showcase their culinary skills.

Farsan And Undhiyu In Gujarat

Dussehra marks the end of Navratri, and since it is the last day, the celebrations around the state know no bounds. From staples like fafda to seasonal delights like undhiyu, the tablescape looks nothing short of a vibrant fare organised to pay homage to the culinary past. The farsan (local snack spread) includes dhokla, khandvi, jalebi, and more. As the effigies are burned, family members enjoy a hearty meal. Some people prepare popular Navratri delights like sabudana khichdi, lapsi, doodh pak, and shrikhand.

Modak And Puran Poli In Maharashtra

Modak is not just a favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha, but it graces the festive spread throughout the year. While celebrating Dussehra, people make this delight at home and experiment with its flavours. Apart from modak, puran poli is also an integral part of the feast. The festival is marked with the exchange of apta leaves, and after the Ravan Dahan, people come back to their homes to a sweet-laden spread. Savouries include batata bhaji, poha chivda, and varan bhaat along with traditional sweets like shrikhand and basundi.

Pulihora In Andhra Pradesh

Celebrations of Vijayadashmi are incomplete without tangy pulihora. Once the effigies are burned, the entire family sits for a feast comprising tamarind rice and boorely, which are fried sweet dumplings. Both dishes have one overpowering note that is complemented by another. It symbolises the chaos of life – you cannot enjoy a sweet fruit without the sourness of the hurdles.

Payasam And Bisi Bele Bath In Karnataka And Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and several other parts of South India, Dussehra rituals include Ayudha Puja. Ravan Dahan happens in certain places, followed by a grand food fest. Vendors install food stalls and sell dishes like bisi bele bath, sundal (spiced legumes), kosambari, holige, payasam, ladoos, and pongal. In many households, the food is served on a banana leaf as a gesture of wholesomeness and bounty.

Mishti In West Bengal

Ravan Dahan in West Bengal is celebrated along with Vijayadashmi, when Goddess Durga killed the demon king Mahishasura. It is the last day of Pujo celebrations and an emotional time for many bidding farewell to Goddess Durga. The spread consists of regional sweets like rasgulla, mishti doi, sandesh, and kheer. Street food stalls sell ghugni, puffed rice, labra, and aloo chokha. The spread in Odisha is also quite similar, but it also includes regional sweets like chhena poda.

Thekua And Pua In Bihar And Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Ravan Dahan is celebrated with fervour and joy. From this day onwards, people start counting days to Diwali, burn effigies, firecrackers light up the sky, and families visit local fairs. They indulge in chaat, local delights like litti chokha, aloo chaat, gol gappe, palak patta chaat, chhole bhature, pav bhaji, ram ladoo, etc. Thekua, pua, besan ladoo, imarti, jalebi, gulab jamun, and tilkut are also prepared at home and offered to Gods and Goddesses.

Ker Sangri And Gatte Ki Sabzi In Rajasthan

Rajasthani celebrations are vibrant – men, women, and kids perform on folk songs, visit the fair, light up the diya of hope after Ravan Dahan, and indulge in regional delicacies. The spread has lip-smacking dishes like ghewar, ladoo, dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, mirchi vada, kachori, rabri, and more. The thali symbolises prosperity and togetherness. Bitter, sweet, sour, astringent, and salty notes come together to create a symphony for your taste buds. Each bite leaves you a little satiated but also a little hungry for the next.