Basant Panchami 2025: 4 Traditional Bhog Recipes For Saraswati Puja

Basant Panchami, also called Saraswati Puja, is an important Hindu festival that honours Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Creativity. This year, it will be celebrated on February 2nd. The festival takes place on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Maagh, and it marks the beginning of spring. It's a time filled with fresh energy and hope, and the colour yellow, symbolising energy, prosperity, and positivity, is closely associated with the celebration. A key part of the festival is offering traditional food to the goddess.

Basant Panchami Bhog Recipes

Here are three dishes that form an integral part of the Basant Panchami bhog:

Zarda Pulao (Saakar Baath)

Here's the quick and easy recipe of Zarda Pulao by Chef Anand Naik, Deltin Goa: 

Ingredients: 

• cup ghee / clarified butter
• cashew / kaju, halves
• almond / badam, chopped
• tsp raisins / kishmish
• dry coconut / kopra
• pods cardamom / elachi
• cloves / lavang
• saffron / kesar
• basmati rice, soaked 30 minutes
• cup sugar
• condensed milk (opt)

Recipe: 

1. Heat half of the clarified butter in a heavy-based pan. Once hot, add the cashews, pistachios and raisins and roast until the cashews are a golden-brown color. Drain and set aside.
2. Add the remaining ghee to the pan and add the cardamom and cloves. Allow to sizzle for a few seconds, then add the water and saffron and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the rice, place a lid on the pan and cook the rice gently until almost cooked. Remove the lid, mix the rice gently, then add the sugar, condensed milk and reserved raisins and toasted nuts. Remove from the heat and allow to sit with the lid on for a few minutes.
4. Stir the rice gently before dividing between serving bowls.

Jora Ilish

In Bengali communities, especially in East Bengal, it’s a common tradition to offer jora ilish (a pair of hilsa fish) to Maa Saraswati. The hilsa fish, known as the "queen of fish," is seen as a symbol of wealth and good luck. The fish is usually coated with turmeric and mustard oil, then cooked slowly with mild spices. People believe that offering jora ilish brings prosperity and blessings to their homes.

Boondi Laddoo

Boondi laddoo is a must-have offering during Basant Panchami. These sweet, golden treats are made by deep-frying gram flour batter into small droplets (boondi), which are then coated in sugar syrup. The bright yellow colour and delicious taste make them a favourite for the celebration. Representing joy and prosperity, boondi laddoo is an important part of the bhog thali, bringing delight to both the goddess and the devotees.

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Gur Wale Chawal

Also called jaggery rice or meethe chawal, this sweet dish is a favorite during Basant Panchami. It’s made by cooking basmati rice with jaggery, ghee, saffron, fennel seeds, and coconut flakes. The golden colour of the dish fits perfectly with the festival’s yellow theme. Gur wale chawal is a comforting and tasty treat that’s enjoyed by both the devotees and the goddess.

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Credits: Freepik