Central to the Diwali festivities are the traditional delicacies that grace the dining tables, adding an extra layer of delight to the celebrations. Among these, Anarsa holds a significant place. A delectable sweet treat that is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Diwali.
India’s Love For Anarsa During Diwali
Anarsa is made from soaked powdered Rice, Jaggery or Sugar , Poppyseed and Ghee. This luscious dish is prepared in different styles and shapes at #festivals.#anarsa #SwadBiharKa #SweetsofBihar #BiharTourism #BlissfulBihar #ExperienceBihar #ExlporeBihar #Food #Culture #Bihar pic.twitter.com/Uqi0ezGAVR
— Bihar Tourism (@TourismBiharGov) November 3, 2021
The significance of Anarsa extends beyond its taste. Its preparation often involves families coming together, sharing stories, and passing down the recipe through generations. The process is a bonding experience, where wisdom and love are exchanged along with the secrets of making the perfect Anarsa. It’s not merely a dish but a tradition that links the past with the present, creating a nostalgic thread that ties families together.
During Diwali, the aroma of Anarsa wafts through homes, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and anticipation. The joy of savouring these sweet treats is complemented by the camaraderie and laughter shared among loved ones.
The circular, flaky disc is prepared from a dough of powdered rice and grated jaggery and deep-fried in ghee till it’s a lovely golden brown colour and crispy on the inside and out. The flaky rice biscuit melts in your mouth and is exactly the right amount of sweetness, neither overwhelming nor lacking.
Anarsa is prepared in houses across Maharashtra as naivedya, an offering offered during Lakshmi Puja, one of the most important rituals performed during Diwali to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The traditional Maharashtrian faraal, a variety of savoury and sweet delicacies generally prepared during the festival and shared with visiting family and friends, also features the sweet.
Anarsa brings sweetness to life. Its creation involves time, effort, and the amalgamation of simple ingredients, paralleling the efforts and bonds that keep families and communities strong and connected during the festivities.
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Make Anarsa At Home
The beauty of Diwali and Anarsa lies not only in their flavours and lights but also in the emotions and traditions they carry. There’s the essence of togetherness, heritage, and the sweet aroma of homemade Anarsa. This evokes a sense of belonging and joy that transcends generations.
Making Anarsa is an art form in and of itself. It takes time, skill, and a few components. It involves soaked powdered rice, jaggery or sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and poppy seeds. You soak the rice overnight. Then, crush it to a fine paste, and combine with jaggery. And let it ferment to create a dough-like consistency. This dough is then precisely moulded into little discs. Then, dusted with poppy seeds, and delicately fried in ghee till golden brown and crispy.
The celebration of Diwali varies from region to region, but the underlying message of light, goodness, and togetherness remains constant. Diwali and Anarsa, hand in hand, encapsulate the spirit of unity, tradition, and the celebration of life’s simple joys. Anarsa provides a beautiful reminder of the longstanding traditions and cherished moments. As always, this festival is to draw people together to delight in the splendour of lights.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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