Diwali, fondly known as the festival of lights, is around the corner, and it is certainly the most important event in the Hindu calendar. Not only is it important to the Hindu community, but it is of substantial significance to other religions as well. The auspicious day marks the concurrence of several historical events across different centuries. For example, the Pandavas returned to Hastinapur after being in exile for 12 years. As per the Jain scriptures, Lord Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara, attained nirvana on this day. Last but not least, or perhaps the most prominent of all, this day is celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya..
Speaking of Ayodhya, the city is known for many things. First and foremost, it is the birthplace of Lord Rama and several other revered saintly figures. Second, it is among the seven pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Last but not least, the city is well-known for its scrumptious and timeless delicacies.
As we inch closer to Diwali, we thought of telling you about 5 dishes Ayodhya is famous for so that this year you celebrate Diwali the way it is done in Ayodhya.
Chaat:
If we are talking about the famous dishes of Ayodhya, we’d be committing a sin if we missed out on this. A bite of this crispy and tangy delicacy, adorned with a myriad of ingredients and a melange of savory chutneys, would certainly make your heart say “Yeh dil maange more”.
Veg Biryani:
An aromatic culmination of aged basmati rice cooked with a multitude of vegetables, spices, and condiments, Veg Biryani is Ayodhya’s quintessential dish, typically served with a bowl of raita. This simple yet scrumptious delicacy is loaded with essential nutrients and could be whipped up in an hour, making it an ideal meal that would take care of your hunger pangs instantly.
Dahi Vada:
What do you do when you have lentils, sweet curd, tangy chutneys and spices at your disposal? Well, you make Dahi Vada. The soft and squishy lentil fritters dipped in rich and creamy sweetened yogurt, and topped up with tangy chutneys and spices make up one of the most popular snacks served across the Indian subcontinent. The melt-in-mouth fritters stacked up in a pyramid are a common sight on the streets of Ayodhya. These dumplings are a party for the palate and a must-have on your festive menu this year.
Kachori:
Had there been awards bestowed upon food items, Kachori would have won the award for the best street food. It’s the ultimate gem of Indian street food. Having a spicy lentil filling at the core and jewelled up with several satiating ingredients, Kachori makes up for a fulfilling and delicious meal at any time of the day.
Rabri:
The metamorphosis of milk into a dense creamy dessert is nothing short of witnessing an unfathomable act of magic. Garnished with loads of dry fruits and a dash of cardamom powder, this stunning dessert is a treat in itself. As far as people of Ayodhya are concerned, they, generally, enjoy their Rabri with hot and simmering jalebi. Sounds like a delicious combination, doesn’t it? Well, why don’t you try it out yourself this Diwali?
If you are planning to make these dishes on your own, then you’ll have to have all the essential ingredients ready at your disposal and… If you’re wondering where to find these magical ingredients, well let me tell you, they aren’t as magical and eluding as Newt Scamander’s notorious creatures.
These ingredients are ubiquitous and you can buy them either from a local mom and pop store or from a supermarket. The choice is yours. However, if you are looking for something you can trust, check this out.
So, which one of the aforementioned delicacies did you find the most mesmerizing? Which one of these are you going to try this festive season? Let us know in the comment section below.
That’s it from our side today. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali.
Until next time,
Eat healthy, Be happy.
