When the autumn breeze arrives and the rhythmic beats of dhaak echo across Kolkata, one thing is certain — Durga Puja 2025 is here! Beyond the vibrant pandals and cultural programs, the festival is also about savoring an endless variety of flavors. From temple bhog to spicy street eats, Durga Puja food is an experience in itself.
Here’s your complete guide to the must-try dishes for every day of the celebration.
🌅 Mahalaya – The Beginning of the Feast
Mahalaya signals the arrival of Maa Durga. On this day, start your gastronomic journey with a wholesome Bengali breakfast:
- Luchi & Cholar Dal – Fluffy fried bread paired with mildly sweet Bengal gram curry.
- Beguni – Eggplant fritters, crisp and golden.
- Rasgulla or Sandesh – A touch of sweetness to welcome the goddess.
Tip: Local sweet shops offer festive discounts during Mahalaya — perfect for early morning indulgence.
🕉️ Shashthi – Light & Flavorful Bites
The first official day of puja is best enjoyed with light snacks as you hop from one pandal to another:
- Puchka (Pani Puri) – The undisputed king of Durga Puja food; tangy water-filled delights that refresh you instantly.
- Jhalmuri – A spicy puffed rice snack, perfect for munching while admiring decorations.
- Telebhaja – Onion rings, potato chops, and other deep-fried treats sold by street vendors.
🙏 Saptami – Traditional Bhog
Saptami is when community kitchens open their doors with divine offerings:
- Khichuri – A soft mix of rice and lentils, cooked with ghee and spices.
- Labra – A wholesome vegetable curry made from seasonal produce.
- Tomato Chutney & Payesh – Sweet accompaniments that complete the plate.
Rasokriti also prepares customized bhog menus for home pujas or private gatherings, ensuring the same authenticity with professional service.
🌺 Ashtami – Feast Like Royalty
Ashtami is considered the heart of the festival, so your plate should be grand:
- Luchi with Aloor Dom – Soft luchis paired with spicy potato curry.
- Kosha Mangsho – Slow-cooked mutton in a rich gravy, ideal for lunch with family.
- Mishti Doi – A creamy, caramelized yogurt dessert.
Pair these with chilled beverages or lassi from local stalls.
🕊️ Nabami – A Blend of Street & Home-Cooked Delights
Nabami is for balancing tradition with a touch of indulgence:
- Kathi Rolls – Kolkata’s favorite wrap stuffed with kebabs or paneer.
- Fish Fry & Cutlets – Crispy snacks best served with mustard sauce.
- Chanar Jilipi – A sweet twist on jalebi, made with cottage cheese.
Evening pandal visits become better when you add these bites to your itinerary.
🌙 Dashami – Sweet Endings & Farewell
On Dashami, as Maa Durga prepares to leave, food symbolizes warmth and goodbyes:
- Rosogolla – The iconic soft sweet that melts in your mouth.
- Nolen Gur Sandesh – A seasonal delicacy that welcomes the upcoming winter.
- Bhoger Khichuri with Payesh – A comforting finale to the festival.
Close the day with a light dinner — perhaps a plate of pulao and vegetable curry to wind down.
💡 Pro Tips for Your Durga Puja Food Journey
- Carry a reusable bottle and napkins; hopping between pandals and food stalls can get messy.
- Keep cash handy for small vendors.
- Share plates with friends so you can try more items without feeling too full.
- Use social media hashtags like #DurgaPuja2025 and #KolkataFoodies to share your discoveries.
🍽️ Rasokriti: Your Partner for Festive Catering
While exploring the streets is exciting, hosting your own puja feast requires expert planning. That’s where Rasokriti comes in. Whether you’re organizing a bhog, a corporate gathering, or a family lunch during Durga Puja, Rasokriti delivers premium catering with authentic flavors.
From elaborate vegetarian bhogs to non-veg platters featuring fish, chicken, and mutton, their chefs ensure quality, hygiene, and presentation in every dish. With customized menus, you can focus on enjoying the festival while Rasokriti takes care of the food.
📞 +91 8928747434
🌐 www.rasokriti.com
🌟 Why Food Is Central to Durga Puja
Food is more than sustenance during Durga Puja; it’s a symbol of community and devotion. Sharing plates of khichuri, savoring piping-hot puchkas, or exchanging boxes of sandesh strengthens bonds between family, friends, and neighbors.
As Durga Puja 2025 approaches, remember that every dish is part of a larger story — of heritage, joy, and togetherness. Taste generously, celebrate wholeheartedly, and keep the flavors alive even after the idols are immersed.
