Festivals and occasions

Igyas Ekadashi

The 11th day of each lunar fortnight, twice a month

Many families fast on Igyas, with one meal and no grains or pulses. Fruit, nuts, milk and potato dishes are popular. Besan is made from a pulse, so dishes with besan are usually kept for another day.

For Igyas, Batatay ji Poath is made plainly, without turmeric or souring.

Sabudhanay ji KhichadiSago khichdiRiceSabudana VadaDeep-fried sago pattySnacksBatatay ji PoathPotato soupDinnerRajgiri jay Atte jo SheeroAmaranth flour puddingSweetsRabriThickened sweet milkSweetsPedaSweetened milk balls (milk fudge)Sweets

Diwali and Ankoot Diyari, Annakut

October–November

Sweets are made and shared at Diwali. On Ankoot, the day after Diwali, 56 dishes (chhappan bhog) are offered: sweets, savouries, rice dishes, lentils, papads and breads.

MohanthalRoasted gram flour fudge (Mohan Thal)SweetsMesuGram flour fudge (porous, ghee-rich besan sweet)SweetsBadam BurfiAlmond fudgeSweetsKaju KatriCashew fudgeSweetsPista PakPistachio fudgeSweetsNayar PakCoconut fudgeSweetsBoondi ja LadooSweet gram flour dumpling ballsSweetsMagji LadooSweet gram flour balls with dry fruitsSweetsPedaSweetened milk balls (milk fudge)Sweets

Dussehra Dassera

September–October

Santa is the traditional sweet for Dussehra.

SantaDeep-fried flour cakes with sugar coatingSweets

Thadri Thado

In Sawan (July–August)

The Sindhi cold-food day. No fire is lit, so the food is cooked the day before.

LolaJaggery ball candy (fried jaggery-and-sesame flour balls)SweetsKhand TikkiSugar ball candy (fried flour-and-sugar-syrup balls)SweetsBhaat KhattoTangy curd riceRice

Uttaryan Makar Sankranti

January, the kite festival

Sesame and jaggery sweets.

ChikkiMixed nut pralineSweetsTir ja LadooSesame seed and jaggery ballsSweetsTir ji ChikkiSesame seed and jaggery fudge (a variation of Tir ja Ladoo)Sweets

Chhathi Chaati, the naming ceremony

After a baby is born

Chhathi jo kheer (Pistay-Badam jo Kheer) is served hot, and santa is given to the guests.

Pistay-Badam jo KheerMilk with pistachios and almondsChutneys, pickles & drinksSantaDeep-fried flour cakes with sugar coatingSweets

For the new mother

After childbirth

Khorn, a mix of edible gum, nuts and poppy seeds, is traditionally given to the new mother with warm milk.

KhornEdible gum mixChutneys, pickles & drinks

Panuma the pregnancy ceremony

Mesu is the traditional sweet, and Khatto Saag is made.

MesuGram flour fudge (porous, ghee-rich besan sweet)SweetsKhatto SaagFried poppadum in curdCurd dishes

Aacha Sathairo and weddings the pre-wedding rituals and Kheer Piyaran

At Kheer Piyaran, Pistay-Badam jo Kheer is served at room temperature. Pista Pak is the wedding sweet, and the Hallo Dhol Vajayun songs are sung.

Pistay-Badam jo KheerMilk with pistachios and almondsChutneys, pickles & drinksPista PakPistachio fudgeSweets

Surj Lotaro

Aami jo Saag, a raw mango relish, is served with roat.

Aami jo SaagRaw mango relishChutneys, pickles & drinks

Bhog Dharanu every day

Daily

Freshly cooked food is first offered to Shrinathji, then eaten as prasad. Boondi is a common temple prasad.

BoondiSweet gram flour dumplingsSweets

Birthdays and upset stomachs

Naram Khichadi is the go-to comfort food.

Naram KhichadiSoft rice & split green gram porridgeLunch

Travel and pilgrimage

Food that keeps well on a journey. Kokis and stuffed phulkos were packed for trips and picnics.

KokiThick, slow-cooked ghee unleavened breadBreakfastBatatay jo PhulkoSpiced potato-stuffed flatbread (aloo paratha)BreakfastJeera PuriCumin-flavoured crisp fried flatbreadBreakfast

Winter warmers

Warming foods for cold mornings.

Bhaat Piyo KheerRoasted broken-wheat milk porridgeBreakfastGiroliJaggery-stuffed whole-wheat pancakesBreakfastTir ja LadooSesame seed and jaggery ballsSweetsKhornEdible gum mixChutneys, pickles & drinksTurranj jo MurraboCitron marmaladeChutneys, pickles & drinks

Summer coolers

Sharbats that cool the body after time in the sun.

Mograay jo SharbatJasmine flower coolerChutneys, pickles & drinksThadaiAlmond and poppy seed cooler (thandai)Chutneys, pickles & drinksChandan and Gulab SharbatSandalwood and rose summer coolersKutchi & moreWorking recipeChaai and LassiSalted and sweet buttermilkKutchi & moreWorking recipe