Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra is an auspicious day associated with Lord Rama, son of King Dasharatha who killed Ravana. Besides this on this day, Goddess Durga put an end to a demon named Mahishasura's tyranny by killing him with her trident in a battle that lasted for nine days. Thus, the nine-day long battle is celebrated as the festival of Shardiya Navratri in the month of Ashwin, Shukla Paksha that pays ode to Mother Goddess Durga and concludes with Vijaya Dashami.
Enjoy the festival with these top five food:
Jalebi- Rabdi / Fafda
According to the legend, Lord Shri Ram used to love a sweet called Shashkuli which is now referred to as Jalebi. His love for this sweet was so much that he celebrated his victory over Ravana was celebrated by eating Jalebi. Some people prefer eating Jalebi with Rabdi some with fafda as per their taste. It has become part of the culture in states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Eating fafda has different connotations as some say that scriptures suggest that every fast be broken with a dish made from gram flour, hence fast is ended with fafda. Another theory goes that Lord Hanuman loved eating food made from gram flour and so, while Gujarat celebrates with generous helpings of fafdas, other parts of India dish out heavenly besan laddoos or fried boondi drenched in sugar syrup for Dussehra.
Paan (betel leaf)
It is said that Paan is a sign of respect and love, which is for the ‘victory of good over bad’ and offered almost in all puja and even after food as a complete meal. According to the legend, Kumbhakanaran and Meghnath on the day of Vijayadashami also ate paan to express their joy and to celebrate the victory of Lord Shri Ram. Eating Pann on this day is a popular practice in Bihar, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
Sooji ka Halwa
Sooji ka halwa is the classic Indian semolina pudding made with ghee and dry fruits and mostly given as prasad on maha asthmi (8th day of Durga Puja) to Kumari Kanya. In Maharashtra, it is called sheera. It is often served with pooris (puri) and black chana.
Rasgulla (Roshogolla)
Roshogolla is soft and spongy milk-based sweet soaked in sugar syrup and one of the most popular Indian sweet. It is the most popular and in-demand item in any Bengali home during Puja time and goes perfect with the tagline “Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye” (Let have something as sweet).
Shrikhand
Indian sweet dish made using hung curd and powdered sugar and is usually served with pooris (puri). It is basically an assortment of silky-smooth curd, a hint of flavouring, and a crunch of dry fruits.
May you have a fun-filled and blissful Dussehra! May Goddess Durga grant all your wishes and bless you with good health, success and happiness. Good wishes for a joyous Vijayadashami!
Happy Navaratri and Dussehra!
