New Delhi: Kharna Prasad is a sacred offering that is prepared during the Chhath puja festival. This traditional recipe is prepared on the eve of Chhath Puja, which marks the beginning of the 36-hour-long fast. Chhath puja is being celebrated on November 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2024. Kharna Prasad is a sweet and savoury dish that is prepared from rice and lentils which are cooked in earthen pots and fruits. The prasad is offered as a prayer to the Surya dev seeking his blessing and security. The importance of the Kharna Prasad dwells in its simplicity, purity, and divine essence.
The Prasad is carefully crafted with love and devotion, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between nature, culture, and society. As devotees share the Kharna Prasad with their family and friends after offering it to god, it strengthens the bonds and fosters unity. In the recipe below, discover the simple yet deep beauty of this sacred food offering, and experience the holy energy of Chhath Puja.
How to prepare Kharna Prasad?
This recipe is a guide through the traditional preparation of Kharna Prasad, highlighting its cultural importance and spiritual significance. The Kharna Prasad includes kheer which is prepared with rice and jaggery (gud) and roti or Thekua. Here is how to prepare the Kharna Prasad:
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Ingredients
For Jaggery Kheer (Gud ki Kheer):
- 1 cup rice (small-grained, preferably soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1.5 litres of milk (full-fat milk for richness)
- 1 cup jaggery (adjust as per sweetness preference)
- 1-2 tablespoons of grated coconut (optional)
- A few chopped dry fruits (cashews, raisins, almonds) – optional
For roti:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- Water as needed
- Ghee for roasting
For Thekua (optional addition):
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup jaggery (melted in a little water)
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
- Ghee for frying
Instructions
1. Gud ki Kheer
- Pour the milk into a vessel and boil it.
- Once the milk begins to boil, add the soaked rice to it.
- Cook the rice on low-medium heat while stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the milk has come to a thick consistency.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool a bit before adding the jaggery.
- While adding the jaggery stir it until it gets fully dissolved.
- Now add the grated coconut and dry fruits if using and stir well.
- Serve it once cool.
2. Roti
- Take whole wheat flour in a bowl and knead it with enough water to make a soft dough.
- Let it rest for a few minutes.
- Divide this dough into small portions.
- Roll out each portion into small circles and cook on a tawa with a small amount of ghee until both sides are golden brown.
3. Thekua (Optional)
- In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, jaggery syrup, and fennel seeds.
- Knead this mixture to prepare a stiff dough.
- Take small portions of the dough and shape it into round, flat discs.
- Press gently.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan and fry the Thekuas on low-medium heat until they turn golden brown.
Place the prepared Kharna Prasad on a clean plate. The Kharna Prasad is first offered to Chhathi Maiya as part of the ritual before and then distributed among the family members and devotees. Kharna Prasad is prepared with great devotion, faith and purity. Make sure your kitchen, utensils and ingredients are clean before you begin its preparation.
