Delicacies of Shiva Ratri

Hindus have special food for every occasion and celebration. Maha Shiva Ratri is no exception. So, get acquainted with some of the dishes prepared for Shiva Ratri

Maha Shiva Ratri is an annual Hindu festival honouring God Shiva. The name also makes reference to the night when Shiva performs the spiritual dance known as Tandava.

It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, and forgiveness. This night happens to be the darkest night of the year. Because of certain planetary positions on this night, it is believed to have a powerful, natural surge of energy in the human system.

As the Maha Shiva Ratri is celebrated throughout the country, people enjoy the food that is prepared and offered to Lord Shiva as well as enjoying it themselves. Some of the delicacies are given below:

Sabudana Khichadi

Sabudana is high in starch, which helps compensate for the energy loss caused by fasting. While there are numerous sabudana recipes available, the most common is sabudana khichdi. Soaked sabudana cooked with ghee, jeera, rock salt, and other ingredients makes for a filling, delicious meal after the fasting.

Lassi, Chaas or Ghotta

Lassi and chaas are high in nutrient ions which are commonly consumed on Shiva Ratri. Lassi and Chaas are consumed because it keeps you hydrated and nourished throughout the day. Ghotta is another type of drink which is made from Ganja (weed).  Ghotta is consumed as prasad, which is basically a sweet drink with marijuana.

Gajar ko halwa

Gajar ko halwa is a carrot-based sweet dish made with milk, dry fruits, and sugar. Shiva Ratri is celebrated with gajar ko halwa. In Nepal, during Shiva Ratri, gajar ko halwa is also consumed with a small amount of weed added to it.

Potato

Potatoes are a common food that can be used to make almost anything. In Nepal, during Shiva Ratri, people have a bonfire and, then, grill potatoes on it. When the fire gets less in intensity, they have them. It is a well-known method of eating potatoes by burying it in the ashes.

Happy Maha Shivaratri! 

Compiled By: Nikita Gautam

photo credit: Kitchen Mai,Allrecipes,Tasted Recipes,Live Science

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