10 Traditional Bengali Desserts to Enjoy This Durga Pooja

Durga Pooja is a time of joy, celebration, and mouthwatering food, especially when it comes to Bengali desserts.

These sweets are not just delicious; they are a part of the rich culture and tradition that fills the air with sweetness during the festivities. From creamy treats to syrupy delights, each Bengali dessert tells a story of love and craftsmanship.

Join us as we explore the top 10 Bengali desserts you must try this Durga Pooja and indulge in these delightful flavours.

Importance of Offering Bhog in Hinduism

Foods during the Hindu festivals are part of the offerings called bhog. It symbolizes gratitude and respect towards the divine and is believed to strengthen the bond between the devotee and God. Thus, prepare offering to the deities and the deities reciprocate by showering blessings upon their beloved devotees by giving them bhog. This tradition enhances the religious aspect of Durga Pooja making every sweet offering not just a treat but a heartfelt gesture of worship.

10 Delicious Bengali Desserts

Here are the 10 Bengali desserts you must try this Durga Pooja.

1. Rasgulla

These delicate and oozing milk solid balls known as chhena are part and parcel of Bengali mishmash. The right amount of sweetness in combination with sponginess is the thing that makes rasgullas simply delicious. If planning to visit Kolkata then do not forget to taste the rasgulla from Nolen Gur which is a reproduction of the Bengal, which will make your Durga Pooja memorable.

2. Nut Butter Sandesh

This type of Bengali dessert is an amalgamation of standard sandesh with nut butter it will rouse your pallets’ taste buds. Their nut butter sandesh at Bengal Sweet House in Kolkata blends the texture from the regular chhena and a new dimension from the nuts butter and gives a whole new meaning to the traditional sweets you gorge on during Durga Pooja.

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3. Mishti Doi

Mishti doi is a delicious yoghurt Bengali dessert sweetened with jaggery, offering a rich and creamy taste. Known for its probiotic benefits, it’s not just a treat but also a great option for healthy eating. At Bengal Sweets in Howrah, their mishti doi is a must-try this Durga Pooja, balancing flavour and health perfectly.

4. Payesh

This spiced rice pudding, prepared using milk as well as spices such as cardamom is a must-serve during occasions such as Independence celebrations. Mitra Café in Kolkata serves a homely tasting payesh which is a favourite Bengali dessert in each household during Pooja.

5. Chomchom

Chomchom is an unusual Bengali dessert resembling small pieces of logs, which is prepared from flour and soaked in sugar syrup, and coated sometimes with coconut or khoya. If you want to taste the best chowchow do visit K.C. Das in Kolkata –it will make sure that your goddess pooja becomes a sweet affair for you.

6. Pantua

Pantua is similar to the gulab jamun but this again is a distinctly preparaed being deep fried. Filled with chhena and coated with syrup this sweet is irresistible. Visit Sukumar Dutta in Kolkata to taste their pant, the taste is warm and sweet when savoured in the Pooja.

7. Kheer Kadam

Kheer kadam features a unique combination of two layers: stands for a kheer-filled core and a chewy chhena outer layer. This delicious Bengali dessert has to be tasted at Bhawanipur Sweet Shop in Kolkata. Every piece of the sweet gifts a pop of flavour which describes the Bengali vernacular cuisine during the festive time.

8. Shobji Bhaja

Shoji bhaji again is more of a savoury recipe however depending on the spices used, it can also be slightly sweet. Their sweet version is available at Bengal Gharana in Kolkata and it includes nut butter which gives the dish a distinct flavour profile and brings depth to it making it a great addition to the festive table.

9. Malpua

Malpua is a very tasty food item prepared from flour and coconut and contains sugar syrup. If you want to try it traditionally, head on over to Bengal Sweet House found in Kolkata which offers a crispy malpua that is simply soft within and sweet which makes it perfect for the celebration of Durga Pooja.

10. Baked Sandesh

This completely translates the traditional sandesh into an innovative new idea and bake it to give an entirely new taste and texture. Visit Sweet Corner in Kolkata to enjoy baked sandesh-interpreting a wonderful Bengali dessert for Pooja/sweet treated with modernity with roots in tradition.

Conclusion

Bengali desserts are the heart of Durga Pooja, bringing sweetness and joy to the celebrations. Whether you prefer creamy, crispy, or syrupy treats, these top 10 sweets offer a taste of tradition and happiness. Don’t miss the chance to savour these delights during the festive season.

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