Holi 2023: Why these traditional foods are consumed on Holi

Holi is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is also known as the ‘Festival of Colours’ and is a time for people to come together, play with Gulal and water, and enjoy traditional foods. It is undoubtedly the most amazing time of the year, where there is fun and enthusiasm around. Since every festival is associated with certain pakwans, similarly Holi is associated with Thandai, Gujiya, Malpua and Kathal ki Subzee. (Images courtesy: iStock)

During Holi, it’s a custom to make Kathal ki Sabji in Jharkhand and Bihar along with rice. This is because there are several people who crave for Mutton Curry, and this is the perfect vegetarian substitute for the natives of these places. Jackfruit is often called the vegetarian meat and is made in the same way one would prepare Mutton Curry. This is why one of the major reasons one must have this delicacy on Holi.

This sweet beverage is synonymous with Holi as it is consumed across the country. This delicious drink is made with chilled milk, lots of nuts and spices like fennel seeds, and cardmom. During Holi, Thandai is consumed as a refreshing drink to beat the heat and is also believed to have medicinal properties. The drink is often laced with Bhang, a preparation made from cannabis leaves, which is believed to have mood-altering properties and is consumed for recreational purposes during the festival. Thandai is also considered to be a cooling drink, and the combination of spices such as fennel, cardamom, and rose petals is believed to have a soothing effect on the body. Another reason why we consume Thandai on Holi is because of Bhang is a favourite of Lord Shiva, and thus the drink.

Fried vada dipped in chilled & creamy curd, Dahi Vada is one of the best dishes one can have on Holi. It is a popular Indian snack made of lentil or urad dal pakodi that are soaked in yoghurt and topped with various sweet and savoury chutneys, spices, and herbs that makes it mouth-watering. Dahi Vada is often served during Holi as it is a cooling and soothing dish that helps to balance the heat of the weather and the spicy foods consumed during the festivities. Also, food historian and KT Acharya has also mentioned in his book ‘The story of our Food’ about the dish that it has been mentioned in the Sanskrit-encyclopedia - ‘Manasollasa’ as ‘Kshiravata’.

A delicious dessert cum sweet snack, Gujiya is a must have on Holi and is a dish that no one can skip having. This filled pastry does have a Turkish connection, but if reports are to be believed then this dish has a history of more than 500-years and dates back to the time of Radha-Krishna. As per reports, this sweet dish is part of one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan Radha Raman Temple that dates back to 1542.

If you love consuming Malpua with Rabdi, then you are in for a surprise as it is considered the oldest Indian dessert. This sweet dessert’s history can be traced back to the Vedic Age and has been mentioned in the ancient literature that dates back to 1500 BC. The earliest known recipe of Malpua was called ‘Apupa’ and was made with barley flour, desi ghee and honey. It has been mentioned in the Rigvedas that this dessert was only offered to the 'enlightened’ souls.