Diwali sweets are an essential part of the festivities as they add sweetness to the celebrations.
Here five traditional Odia sweets represent the diversity of Odisha's culinary heritage and are a must-try this Diwali:
Rasabali
Rasabali is a traditional sweet dish from Odisha, made from deep-fried cheese patties soaked in thickened, sweetened milk. Flavoured with cardamom, this dish has a rich and creamy texture, making it a popular dessert during Diwali.
Chhena Poda
Any celebration is incomplete without Chhena Poda in Odia households. This traditional dessert is made by baking chhena (paneer) mixed with sugar, semolina, and flavoured with cardamom and nuts.
Khaja
A crispy, sweet pastry layered with sugar syrup and flour. Mitha Khaja’s delicate crunch and sweetness make it a delightful snack to enjoy in Diwali.
Khasta Gaja
This special deep-fried sweet is commonly prepared during various festivals, weddings, and celebrations. This dish is made of refined flour, fried with oil and soaked in sugar syrup.
Pitha
Pitha refers to various types of traditional Odia cakes or pancakes, typically made from rice flour or lentil flour. They can be sweet or savoury and are often filled with ingredients like jaggery, coconut, or chhena. Pithas are an essential part of Odia festivals and celebrations.