Every year, Saraswati Puja also known as Basant Panchami is celebrated across India and is dedicated to Maa Saraswati- the goddess of knowledge, art, music, and language. Here is a list of delicacies to include in your puja platter as an offering to the goddess and share among family and friends:
Khichuri: This simple yet nutritious dish symbolizing purity and wholesomeness is a must-have in Saraswati Puja. It's prepared with rice and lentils without onion and garlic.
Labra: This Bengali-styled multi-vegetable curry is made with mildly spicy gravy and garnished with grated coconut- a must-have nourishing dish on Saraswati Puja.
Chandrapuli: A sweet treat prepared using coconut, rice flour, and jaggery with the shape of a crescent moon, symbolizes creativity and artistic power and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati.
Dadhikarma: Made with yogurt, rice, veggies, and spices, this is a delightful savory on the occasion of Saraswati Puja.
Kesar Sheera: Also known as Kesari Bath, this aromatic dish made with roasted semolina boiled in milk and added with sugar, saffron-infused milk, and nuts, is a blessing on an auspicious day like Saraswati Puja.
Coconut Laddoos: This delicacy made with coconut and condensed milk, is offered as prasad on Saraswati puja and distributed among the devotees.
Malpua and Rabri: The batter of flour, sugar, and milk with flavors from cardamom and saffron, is fried in ghee until it gets a crispy golden brown edge and soaked in sugar syrup with the aromas of nuts- a must-have delicacy during Saraswati Puja.
Sandesh: Synonymous with the festival of Saraswati Puja, this sweet delicacy is made from Chhena or fresh cottage cheese, added with sugar, cardamom powder, and the essence of rose or saffron.
Patishapta: Soft rice crepes are filled with sweet stuffing made with coconut, khoya, and jaggery, a must-have treat during Saraswati Puja.
Basanti Pulao: Referring to its orange-yellow hue, this saffron-scented comfort rice dish is the modified version of meethe chawal of the western part of India.
Medu Vada: Popular in south India during the time of Saraswati Puja, this hearty meal can be savoured with sambar and chutney.