Kali Puja 2024: From Khichuri To Niramish Mutton; Enjoy The Festival With These Bengali Dishes

In West Bengal, Kali Puja is celebrated in the grandest way possible. Devotees celebrate the festival with massive pandals and spectacular arrangements. The bond between Bangalis and food is eternal and our celebrations are incomplete without relishing some good food, especially during festive seasons. Wondering what kind of Bengali dishes people usually love to eat during Kali Puja? This is a Bengali-approved list and includes the most popular and loved prasad options. The best part is that none of the dishes are too oily or spicy to make us fall sick or face stomach issues. Eat as much as you want to and enjoy the festival with pomp and glory.

These Delish Bengali Dishes Are A Part Of A Feast For Kali Puja

1. Khichuri

Pujo manei Khichuri (Puja means Khichri)! Be it for lunch or dinner, we need to eat Khichuri at every festival. And the same custom continues for Kali Puja as well. Made with gobindo bhog chaal and moong dal, the aroma of the heavenly dish is simply the best. No matter how full you feel, you would love to eat one more bite every time. People also love begun bhaja (fried brinjal), alu bhaja (fried potato), and potol bhaja (fried pointed gourd) to eat with Khichuri.

2. Labra

Do you know which dish tastes the best with Khichuri? Ladies and gentlemen, it is Labra! The pair of these two delicacies is no less than Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Made with lots of seasonal vegetables and some basic Indian spices, this veg preparation is tasty, super nutritious, and packed with flavours.

3. Niramish Mutton

Do not be surprised but we actually eat Niramish Mutton during Kali Puja. A veg preparation of meat sounds very unusual but this is a widely popular recipe and is eaten during this festival. The reason behind naming it niramish (vegetarian) is because of cooking mutton without garlic or onion. Devotees make this Niramish Mangsho preparation using a sacrificial goat.

Also read: What is Bhoot Chaturdashi? Why Do Bengalis Celebrate This On The Eve Of Kali Puja?

4. Luchi And Chholar Dal

Though Khichuri and Labra are primarily the famous Bengali dishes served to guests visiting pujo bari during Kali Puja, many people have started adding Luchi and Chholar dal to the menu over the years. Soft Luchi served with delicious Chholar Dal has always been a classic combination.

5. Basanti Pulao

Cooked with gobindobhog rice, each bite of Bengali-style Basanti Polao tastes heavenly. The aroma of ingredients used in cooking the dish infuses perfectly with good-quality rice.

In many pujo bari, people serve Bengali-style Fried Rice instead of polao. It is cooked with carrots, peas, cashew nuts, and raisins.

6. Alur Dom

Yummy Basanti Polao is served with savoury alur dom. The preparation is cooked without any onion or garlic. It is completely vegetarian and is enjoyed with luchi as well. Apart from alur dom, many households prefer serving paneer dishes with polao as well. These Bengali dishes are massively popular among devotees during auspicious celebrations such as Kali Puja.

7. Chutney

From pujo (festival) to biyebari (wedding) to jonmodin (birthday), every Bengali feast needs Chutney. It is a lot like a palate cleanser that we eat after savoury delicacies and before tasty sweets. Chutney can be made in different ways; a tomato preparation, chutney made with dates and aam papad, and more.

8. Chhanar Payesh

Have you eaten Chaanar Payesh yet? If not, you surely need to relish some very soon. Bengalis are known for their humongous sweet offerings and this payesh is simply one of the best and one of the most loved. The richness of milk mixing with nuts and melting in our mouths is simply unbelievable. Jibhe jol chole elo! (My mouth is watering!)

Also read: From Shiddha Chal To Ragi Koozh, Explore The Flavours Of Devotion With These Kali Puja Dishes

9. Bhapa Sandesh

Do you love Sandesh? Have you tried Bhapa Sandesh? The blend of cottage cheese with dry fruits, full cream milk, and cardamom tastes just out of the world.

10. Roshogolla

How can a Bengali feast be complete without gorging on at least a few Roshogolla (yes, it is not rasgulla)? Relishing soft sweets on a full stomach feels great.

These classic Bengali dishes are a must in every Kali Puja bhog. Which are your favourite dishes?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva