India being one of the most diverse countries in the world homes many religions. Rich in the tapestry of religions and ethnicities, the country celebrates over 50 festivals annually. With festivals, there comes a diverse range of scrumptious foods each having a special significance. Although Indian cuisine is well-known across the world, some of these dishes are only made during festivals. From Eid to Diwali, just the thought of eating sweet as well as savoury dishes including ‘Gujiya’, ‘Sevaiyaan’, and ‘Biryani’, is thrilling. Let’s take a look at the best 6 mouth-watering Indian festive dishes that you should try if you haven’t already.
Gujiya
Gujiya is a sweet dish made during Holi, the festival of colors. This vibrant festival is one of the most awaited festivals in India for bringing people together and mostly for an array of dishes. Gujiyas are made using a filling of dried khoya, sugar, suji, dry fruits, and cardamom inside wheat flour casing and then deep-fried in ghee.
Biryani
Biryani makes a big part of celebrating Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, two major Muslim festivals. Cooked with love using basmati rice, marinated meat, and caramelized onions, this wholesome dish serves as the best reward after Ramadan and the highlight of the “festival of sacrifice”. Truth be told, you can have biryani anytime of the year given its vast popularity, but what better way to indulge in this festive season when you can foray into the royal kitchens of Awadh at Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya with their iconic Dum Pukht Gosht Biryani to melt-in-the-mouth kakori kebabs, soft breads and much more. It does come highly recommended and we agree.
Modak
Modak is the highlight of Ganesh Chaturthi which is celebrated with great fervour in the state of Maharashtra. Considered the favorite sweet dish of the Hindu deity Ganesha, this dessert has several versions. It is a steamed sweet made with a mixture of crushed coconut, jaggery, and khoya inside a rice flour dough.
Pakora
Pakora is a versatile savoury snack associated with multiple festivals. However, during the Hindu New Year of Diwali, the vegetable pakora is often made at homes. These deep fried fritters are made using vegetables like onions and potatoes, gram flour, and spices.
Roshogolla
Roshogolla is a culturally significant sweet that is associated with multiple festivities in the country. The sweet is a big part of Durga Puja, the prime festival of the Bengali community. It is a milk-based dessert made using chenna (Indian cottage cheese) that is simmered in a cardamom and rosewater-scented sugar syrup.
Sarson Ka Saag
Sarson ka saag and Makki di Roti are the classic duo enjoyed during the festive celebration of Lohri and Baisakhi in Punjab. Sarson ka Saag is a dish that is made using mustard greens and spices whereas its counterpart Makki ki Roti are flatbreads made using maize flour.
Images: Pinterest and ITC Maurya, New Delhi
