Food Voyager

A Delicious Culinary Journey for Durga Puja 2023

Durga Puja commemorates the ceremonial veneration of Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

This festival pays homage to the unstoppable feminine power embodied in “Shakti,” providing a cause for celebration. It serves as an opportunity for revitalization and coming together, as well as a festive observance of India’s traditional culture.

A Culinary Journey for Durga Puja
A Culinary Journey for Durga Puja

West Bengal, transforms into a colossal exhibition of devotion, culture, and indeed, gastronomy.

The streets and pandals (elaborate temporary structures erected for the festival) are not only filled with devout spirits but are also permeated with enticing aromas that promise a tantalizing journey for the palate.

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Durga Puja (Visarjan) at Belur Math via Flickr

Food, in its myriad forms, becomes a pivotal element of the celebrations.

Stalls adorned with vivid decorations serve everything from traditional Bengali sweets like roshogolla and sandesh to an array of spicy, flavorful curries and fried delicacies.

The bhog (community feast) is a special highlight, where devotees and visitors are served a prasad of khichuri, labra (a mixed vegetable dish), and a sweet to end the meal, typically payesh (rice pudding).

Streets become a live gallery of culinary art where traditional and modern, sweet and spicy, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes coexist, offering something for every palate. Each morsel encapsulates the warmth and richness of Bengali culture, turning the act of eating into a form of worship and community bonding during the glorious days of Durga Puja.

Celebrate the arrival of Maa Durga with “Dhol Dhak Dhunuchi 4.0

This Durga Puja festival, foodies can explore a divine culinary journey at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat to celebrate the arrival of Maa Durga with “Dhol Dhak Dhunuchi 4.0”. Join in the festive spirit as we welcome Maa Durga with the enchanting sounds of Sanskrit recitations at dawn on October 14, 2023. 

Pujor Mahabhoj, a 5-day long food festival will showcase the serene beauty of the Pushpanjali and the tranquil aura of the Sandhya aarti, a sacred journey to the heart of devotion.

Experience the grand Pujor Mahabhoj that spans from Sashti to Dashami (20th October – 24th October). Live food stations, each a theater of flavours and aromas will pay tribute to Kolkata’s iconic street food, showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage. From the sizzling grills to the aromatic spices, recreate the bustling streets of Kolkata.

The heart of this grand feast will be a sumptuous spread of authentic Bengali dishes, carefully crafted to reflect the region’s classics like ‘Kosha Mangsho,’ a slow-cooked, tender mutton delicacy; ‘Basanti Pulao,’ a fragrant saffron-infused rice dish; ‘Kolkata Style Chicken Biryani,’ a culinary masterpiece in its own right; ‘Aloo Posto,’ a comforting potato preparation, and ‘Chanar Dalna,’ a rich and creamy paneer curry. Each dish is representative of traditional Bengali cuisine.

From Sashti to Dashami (20th October – 24th October) food will be prepared right before your eyes, adding an interactive and engaging element to your dining experience. The menu has been thoughtfully curated to offer a fusion of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of the city.

This jubilant celebration will further be elevated by live entertainment, featuring the rhythmic beats of dhol, the resounding resonance of dhak drums, and the mesmerizing performance of dhunuchi dancers.

A Culinary Journey for Durga Puja
A Culinary Journey for Durga Puja

The culinary journey will conclude with a gourmet dessert buffet, a true delight for all those with a sweet tooth. The grandeur of Durga Puja would be lacking without indulging in some sweet delights. Bengali desserts will take center stage, featuring a delectable array of sweets like  ‘Chhena Jalebi,’ ‘Kheer Kadombo,’ ‘Pantua,’ ‘Chamcham,’ ‘Komala Bhog,’ ‘Seetabhog,’ ‘Rosogolla,’ and ‘Mishti Doi’ .

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