For the people living in India, a lot of different food items have separate connotations. Some are basic staple dishes for each season, while others are popular for its health benefits. Also, many of such food dishes are popular in particular regions in India and special for their residents. Khichuri Bhog, in essence, is mostly the latter.
Indeed, the Bengali Hindus in West Bengal, and those living in other areas, associate Kichuri Bhog with the festival of Saraswati Puja. During this festival, the ‘Bongs’ eat this vegetarian meal during their midday meal after the puja. It is tasty and filling and is an important meal during this period. Plus, Khichuri Bhog contains a lot of nutritional elements, so it is a healthy option to try even for the non-Bengali.
What is Khichuri Bhog?
In the Bengali language, the word ‘bhog’ denotes enjoyment. And for the Bengali, that is what this dish signifies and is an important part of this festival. The cooks prepare this dish in large quantities, slowly over 3-4 hours, and then serve it hot with other accompaniments. The ‘khichuri’ is made of lentils and rice and served with vegetable medleys like ‘labra’ and ‘chhyachra’. Other dishes include ‘phulkopi’ (cauliflower), ‘kancha kola’ (green banana), potato, and brinjal fries. Plus, the Bhog also includes papad, sweets, and chutney of various kinds. Non-vegetarian items are strictly excluded from this meal.
Cultural importance
As mentioned earlier, the Khichuri Bhog is a vegetarian dish that the Bengali Hindus eat during Saraswati Puja. During this festival, they celebrate the Goddess of Knowledge, Maa Saraswati. The festival stretches for 2-3 days in West Bengal, though the puja occurs only on one day. The citizens celebrate this period with music and dancing, while many offer their books to the Goddess for Her blessing.
Plus, in some communities, little children start learning to write during this puja. In other Hindu communities, this festival is also called the Basant Panchami. They celebrate this day as it marks the beginning of spring, and people pray for a good harvest.
Nutritional benefits
There is a lot of nutritional value in the entire Khichuri Bhog. Firstly, the lentils and rice is cooked with turmeric powder and salt, and it contains iron, fibre, carbohydrate, proteins, and different minerals. The salt provides sodium, and even those who are sick can eat this food easily. This does not contain high levels of fat and is light for the stomach.
Also, all the items are cooked with edible oils that are high in good fatty acids. The dishes other than ‘khichuri’ are full of healthy vegetables that contain rich nutrient content. These include minerals, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, fibre, and antioxidants. While the sweets do have a high amount of sugar content, the overall ‘bhog’ is very healthy.
Why choose us?
To prepare a good Khichuri Bhog during Saraswati Puja, you need to use the best ingredients. In this concern, choosing our premium-quality rice grains would help you. They contain a lot of healthy nutritional elements and are safe for a person’s health. Furthermore, we offer many types of such products, and you can choose one that you need.
