Chhath Puja, a deeply rooted festival dedicated to the sun god Surya, holds special significance in Bihar, Jharkhand, and the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Celebrated six days after Deepavali, this ancient Hindu festival is a vibrant expression of gratitude for the bounties of life on earth and a humble request for certain wishes to be fulfilled.
At the heart of Chhath Puja lies devotion to Chhathi Maiya, the sixth form of Devi Prakriti and sister to Lord Surya. This revered Goddess is worshipped through rituals spanning four days, involving holy bathing, fasting, standing in water, and offering Thekua as prasad to the rising and setting sun.
Thekua: A Culinary Ode to Bihar’s Heritage
Embark on a culinary journey into Bihar’s rich culture with the traditional Chhath Puja prasad – Thekua. This handcrafted delight, reminiscent of Indian cookies, encapsulates the rustic charm of Bihar and is a culinary icon during festive celebrations in Bihar, Jharkhand, and the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Let’s bring a taste of Bihar’s heritage to your kitchen with this homemade Thekua, capturing the rich flavors of both taste and culture.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour (not very fine) – 2 cups (200gms)
- Jaggery powder – 3/4 cup (approx 95 11/0 GMs)
- Water – 1/3 cup (70 gm M L)
- Saunf – 2 tsp
- Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
- Dry coconut small pieces – 2 tsp (optional)
- Ghee – 3 tbsp (approx 40 gm)
- Cloves (optional)
- Ghee for frying
Method:
- In a bowl, add jaggery powder and water. Heat to melt the jaggery, creating liquid jaggery. Do not cook. Strain the liquid.
- In a platter, add ghee, saunf, cardamom, and coconut. Rub with your palm for a crumbly texture (Moin).
- Gradually add jaggery water, forming a dough. Do not overknead.
- Allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Make small balls and press into desired Thekua moulds or create custom designs. Optionally, add a clove like laung lata.
- Fry in ghee on low-medium heat until golden.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.
Enjoy the Culinary Symphony of Bihar’s Thekua
Savor the rich flavors and cultural essence of Bihar as you bite into these homemade Thekuas. Each piece is a testimony to the culinary heritage of Bihar, making it a delightful addition to your Chhath Puja celebrations.
