9 foods that should be consumed on Dussehra for a prosperous year ahead

In India, no festival is complete without a delectable spread and Dussehra is no exception, Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is one of the most prominent festivals in India and this year the festival will fall on October 2. From North to South and East to West, every state celebrates the festival with its local delicacies that are believed to bring in luck and good fortune. Here are a few unique Dussehra foods that are said to be consumed on this day for a prosperous year ahead.

In UP, the festival is incomplete without the bhog of Dal Paratha and Kheer. Made with cooked chana dal, carom seeds, and salt, parathas are served with rice kheer to the deity during the morning prayer of Dussehra and it is believed that eating this delight brings in good luck, health, and prosperity in the family.

On Dussehra, motichoor laddoo is offered to Lord Hanuman and it is believed that eating desi ghee motichoor laddoo on Dussehra brings in happiness and sweetness in life.

It is a popular delicacy of Karnataka and is considered to be an auspicious food on the day of Dussehra. Made with jaggery, coconut, rice flour and wheat flour, this dish is also offered as prasad on Dussehra.

Another food item that is eaten on Dussehra is Paan. It is believed that offering betel leaves to Lord Hanuman is auspicious. It is said that paan is a sign of respect and love, which celebrates the ‘victory of good over bad’. In UP and Bihar, eating pan on this day is a popular practice.

In India, we have been practicing the habit of eating dahi-cheeni before doing something new. It is believed that the practice brings in luck. The practice is also followed on the festival of Dussehra. Curd is also offered to Goddess Durga and as per historians, women in Orissa offer cooked rice soaked in water, along with curd to the Goddess and post that the ritual of Ravana dehan is performed.

In West Bengal, eating rasgulla on Vijayadashami is considered lucky. Prepared with milk, chenna, and sugar, rasgullas are a special offering for both Dussehra and Navratri in the City of Joy, which comes in many flavours.

This popular combination from Gujarati cuisine is also relished on the day of Dussehra. It is believed that Lord Rama used to love a sweet called Shashkuli which is now known as Jalebi. His love for this sweet was so much that he celebrated his victory over Ravana by eating Jalebi. According to Hindu scriptures, fafda is paired with jalebi because it is believed that one must end their fast by eating something prepared using gram flour (besan) as it brings in prosperity.

Coconut represents fertility, wealth, and purity. Breaking a coconut before prayers and then consuming it on Vijayadashami is seen as inviting prosperity into the home.

Also known as flattened rice, is light and sattvik and is considered auspicious, especially in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, and is often offered to deities for abundance in life.

All Images courtesy: istock

Disclaimer: The foods and traditions mentioned are based on cultural and religious beliefs associated with Dussehra. They should be viewed as symbolic practices and not as medical or dietary advice.