Celebrating Dussehra on a Plate: Iconic Regional Flavours That Bring Families Together
Celebrating Dussehra on a Plate: Iconic Regional Flavours That Bring Families Together
Dussehra, a festival symbolising the victory of good over evil, is not just about rituals and processions—it’s also about food that unites communities. Across India, families come together over dishes that carry centuries of tradition, devotion, and festive cheer. From the sweetness of Karnataka’s obbattu to the comfort of North India’s poori-aloo, each region’s delicacy adds a unique flavour to the celebrations.
Here are some of the most iconic dishes that make Dussehra a festival of taste as much as tradition:
Jalebi-Fafda: Gujarat’s Festive Favourite
In Gujarat, Dussehra mornings start with crunchy fafda paired with hot, syrupy jalebi. This sweet-and-savory combination is believed to aid digestion after Navratri fasting and is symbolic of fresh beginnings. The long queues outside sweet shops are proof of how deeply this dish is tied to community celebrations.
Obbattu/Holige: Karnataka’s Sweet Offering
Known as obbattu or holige, this flatbread filled with chana dal, jaggery, and ghee is the highlight of Mysuru Dasara feasts. Served with ghee or milk and often offered as prasadam, it represents festivity and prosperity while carrying the essence of Karnataka’s traditions.
Bhog Khichuri: Bengal’s Sacred Meal
During Durga Puja’s Vijaya Dashami, bhog khichuri takes centre stage in Bengal. Made with moong dal, rice, vegetables, and mild spices—without onion or garlic—it is served with labra (a mixed vegetable curry) at pandals across the state. Paired with sweets like rasgulla and payesh, it embodies Bengal’s festive spirit of sharing and togetherness.
Poori-Aloo: North India’s Comfort Food
In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, households celebrate with the timeless combination of poori and aloo sabzi, often accompanied by kheer, laddoo, or jalebi. This hearty yet simple meal is both ritualistic and celebratory, enjoyed before families head out for Ramlila or Ravana dahan.
Luchi with Aloo Dum: Assam and Bengal’s Celebration Dish
In Assam and Bengal, luchi with aloo dum marks the joy of Vijaya Dashami. The fluffy deep-fried bread served with mildly spiced potato curry makes for a perfect festive meal, usually paired with sandesh or rasgulla. Beyond its taste, it symbolises family togetherness before bidding farewell to Goddess Durga.
From sweet treats to savoury delights, these traditional dishes make Dussehra a festival that truly celebrates both victory and flavour.
