Festivities in India are synonymous with food. In Bengal it is Food Extravaganza! The city of Kolkata is ready for any festivities but during Durga Puja and Kaali Puja, the city just drowns in a frenzy of euphoria!
No Puja is complete without the afternoon Bhog Prasad. Bengalis observe Durga Puja from the sixth day, Shoshti. The prasad on that particular day is without the use of rice. Luchi, sabji, and an abundance of fruits and sweets are offered as Bhog to Goddess Durga.
From Saptami onwards the staple prasad of khichdi, labda (mixed veg), Beguni, Chutney, and Payesh are offered as Bhog. One may find variations of the accompaniments with the Khichdi in many places. Everyone is welcome and can queue up for this delectable, steaming-hot Bhog at any local Pandal or Institutions like Ramkrishna Mission, Belur Math. Chitteshwari Durga Mandir in Kashipur, North Kolkata has the exceptional tradition of serving Basanti Pulao and Fish as part of the Bhog on Navami. However, the one thing guaranteed with Bhog is that it tastes purely Divine.
The whole State gears up with aromatic arrays of food to entice and appease the hungry sightseers, thronging along the roads and allies in serpentine queue to catch a glimpse of the different Pandals.
The festivities are a melting pot of people from all backgrounds. The exceptional display of Art in the Pandals, the enchanting lighted streets along with the exotic blend of food, bring out the true Secularistic culture of our Nation. No wonder, Food is regarded as one of the most reverential elements in every festival of India and no Puja is complete without food.
