Chhath ka Prasad

During Chhath Puja, a special type of Prasad is made using varieties of grains. Although, the celebration needs different types of grains, fruits, spices and various local products, some of them are available only due to the necessity of Chhath Puja.

The most important Prasad of Chhath Puja includes “Thekua”, which is made of flour, sugar or jaggery. This special type of sweet pudding is made either in the night of Kharna or in the morning or Sandhya Ghat (Evening Arghya or Offering). The vratti and other family members accompany each other either in the kitchen, on rooftop or at a cleaned place in the house to proceed with the Prasad making ritual.

The process of making Thekua or Chhath Prasad

Thekua is made of whole wheat flour (gehun ka aata/ maida), raisins (kishmish), dry coconut (sukha nariyal), jaggery (gur)/ sugar (chini), and ghee or refined oil. All these materials are purchased specifically for this festival beforehand.

A watery solution of jaggery or sugar and water is made, which is either sprinkled or added into the flour to form semi-dough (not too creamy/soft not too dry). Those involved in making Prasad take out a lump of dough, roll it and press it against the sancha (wooden mould or embroidered wooden surface). Before pressing it against the wooden surface, the preheat oil or ghee is poured on the sancha so that the dough doesn’t get sticky.

This flattened piece of dough is then deep fried in the oil or ghee till golden brown.

Other stuffs and materials for Chhath Puja Prasad

A small cultivation product namely “Suthuni” (a kind of tuber fruit) is found in the market only during Chhath Puja. Likewise, the other items as Prasad include Sugarcane with green leaves, Aruwa, Paddy (Sathi Dhan Variety which is mostly black), Lemon (mainly Kaghzi nimbu), Gagal (a variety of Big Lemon-species), Apples, Orange, Bodi, Cardamom, green Ginger, Coconut, Banana, Ghee and more.

Besides, at various places people make gulgule (a type of sweet puddings or sweet fritters types) and puris to include in Chhath Prasad.