Daily writing prompt

Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful and peaceful mood. Today’s writing prompt is both delightful and thought-provoking: “Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?”

As I reflected on this, one festival immediately came to my mind—Chhath Puja, a deeply significant celebration for our family.

Chhath Puja is not just a festival;

It is a moment of spiritual connection, family bonding, and cultural pride. Every year, without fail, our entire family gathers at our native place to celebrate this special occasion.

The sense of togetherness and devotion that permeates the atmosphere is truly unparalleled.

And, of course, no celebration is complete without the special dishes that we prepare, which are as sacred as the rituals themselves.

The culinary highlights of Chhath Puja in our family include Thekua, Ladoo, Kheer, and Rotis made in traditional clay pots.

Each of these dishes carries its own story, significance, and flavor, making the festival memorable not just for the taste but for the love and effort that goes into preparing them.

Thekua is perhaps the most iconic of all

Yes, Thekua is perhaps the most iconic of all. It is a sweet, crispy delicacy made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.

But what makes it truly special is not just the ingredients, but the ritual of making it together.

Every family member participates in rolling the dough, shaping it, and frying it to perfection.

It is said that helping in the preparation of Thekua brings spiritual merit and blessings.

Beyond religious belief, I have always found that the act of creating something together strengthens bonds and generates a sense of pride and joy.

Watching Thekua turn golden brown, filling the house with its sweet aroma, is a moment of simple yet profound happiness.

Then there are the Ladoos, round, soft, and inviting, made from ingredients like Rice flour, sugar, and ghee.

Their sweetness symbolizes the joy and abundance of life, and they are always distributed as prasad during the festival.

Similarly, Kheer, a rich, creamy rice pudding, is another dish that fills our hearts as much as it fills our stomachs.

The aroma of slowly simmered milk with rice and sugar, flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts, brings back memories of generations who made these dishes before us. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and celebratory all at once.

The Roti made in clay pots is another special part of our Chhath Puja feast.

Unlike regular rotis, these are prepared in earthen pots, which impart a distinct earthy flavor and are considered more wholesome.

Eating this humble yet divine bread as prasad reminds us of our roots, the simplicity of life, and the sacredness of tradition.

What makes these dishes extraordinary

What makes these dishes extraordinary, however, is not only their taste but the collective effort and enthusiasm with which they are made.

Everyone in the family, from the youngest to the eldest, has a role to play. Children help in kneading dough or rolling small ladoos, while elders supervise and share their wisdom.

This cooperation and shared responsibility create an atmosphere of celebration even before the festival formally begins.

In our home, preparing Thekua or Kheer is not a task; it is a ritual, a joy, and a way to express love and devotion simultaneously.

The food prepared during Chhath Puja also embodies a deeper philosophy—it teaches patience, humility, and the beauty of working together.

The careful selection of ingredients, the meticulous cooking, and the eventual offering to the Sun God remind us that every small effort, when done with love and devotion, holds immense value.

It is a moment when spirituality and culinary art meet, and when the act of making food transcends mere sustenance to become a celebration of culture, family, and faith.

These traditions continue to the younger generations.

Through these special dishes, we also pass on traditions to the younger generations.

Cooking together becomes a living lesson in culture, faith, and family history. It is a way to ensure that the essence of Chhath Puja—and its culinary heritage—remains alive in our hearts and continues to inspire joy and devotion for years to come.

And finally, I would say,
Yes, our family does prepare special dishes for the holidays, and Chhath Puja is the perfect example of how food can become a bridge between generations, a source of spiritual fulfillment, and a vessel of love and togetherness.

The joy of gathering, cooking, and sharing these dishes is unparalleled.

It is a vivid reminder that holidays are not just about rituals—they are about creating lasting memories, celebrating culture, and cherishing the bonds that tie us together.

Special Dishes that Bring Families Together

So, whenever I am asked whether we make special dishes for the holidays, my answer is simple: – Yes, and these dishes carry with them the love, devotion, and shared joy of an entire family.

In every bite of Thekua, every spoonful of Kheer, and every morsel of Ladoo, we celebrate not just a festival but life itself.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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