A blissful day of Shravan month– Raksha Bandhan. The day when the air is filled with the echoes of laughter and homes overflow with love. And, amidst the mawkish atmosphere, hungry souls can be seen crowding plateful of savouries, awaiting a chance to gallop everything on a platter.
In India, ‘muh mitha kijiye’ is not just a phrase but a feeling. A sweet emotion of love, pleasure, and merriment. Whether it’s an auspicious festival or sharing of joy with your loved ones, any moment that is splashed with the colours of euphoria have to be celebrated with sweets. For you, it may be one of the traditions passed down to your generation by your forefathers. Yes, it is. But, have you ever wondered why this tradition has been followed religiously in India? Its aliveness can be attributed to the sacred symbolism of sweets. Let’s unfold the delicious secrets:
For centuries, food has been viewed to symbolize and communicate multiple meanings on different occasions. And, sweets and desserts have been an important part of that practice. Sweetness equals goodness, temptation, gratification, and reward. For the early man, honey was considered the nectar of God. In Buddhism, sweetness represents fertility.
Specifically, talking about the Hindu culture, key ingredients used to bake moulds of deliciousness (mithai); sugar, milk, and ghee are considered to be ‘sattvic’ meaning pure and balanced. Because of the quality of sattva, sweets and desserts are offered to Gods and spiritual leaders.
As across religions and cultures, the feelings of divinity, purity, jollity, and everything righteous is manifested in the form of sweets, therefore, delicacies are served during celebrations.
In Indian culture, festivities and feasting go-hand-in hand beautifully. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is no exception. Sweetened the siblinghood and moments of this auspicious festivals with these homemade desserts.
Besan Ladoo
Ladoo is a traditional Indian sweet relished mainly on festive or religious occasions. Besan ladoo is one of the variants of the Indian ladoo which is made with sugar, ghee, and besan (gram flour). The use of Besan gives it a crunchy taste. Besan ladoo is an excellent sweet option for brothers who are wheat intolerant because besan is gluten-free. Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with a twist by offering these flavorsome treats, showcasing affection through a thoughtful choice.
Coconut Barfi
Offering sweets after tying of rakhi to brother is a ritual. Not only bless your brother with love but also with taste. This time, make his favourite coconut barfi at home. All you need is tender coconut, sugar, milk, cardamoms, and lots of love! It will surely taste good! Coconut is light to eat as well as a source of vitamins and minerals. Not only does it offer a delectable taste, but it’s also packed with nutritional goodness. Strengthen the bond while relishing a treat that’s not just delightful but also nourishing.
Creamy Cake
Who said that traditions and cultures have to be followed in the same old way? With changing times, they tend to be boring. Therefore, add unique and creative touches to the age-old rituals to make them interesting while retaining their significance. Instead of sweets, offer your brother a rakhi cakes baked by you. Bake a delicious cake in his favoured flavoured and make his heart melt. Amidst changing times, this unique gesture brings a fresh perspective to rituals while retaining their emotional essence.
Sooji Halwa
Can you think of any happy moment without the presence of sooji halwa? Probably no! It is no less than a family member whose presence is of utmost importance. For Raksha Bandhan, make the good old, sooji halwa for your brother and please him sweetly. Garnish the halwa with cashews, almonds, and pistachios for a healthy feeling. This Rakhi, serve your brother a spoonful of cherished memories intertwined with the sweetness of sooji halwa.
Mava Peda
An instant sweet which can be easily made at home. Peda is made with condensed milk and can be filled with any filling like (dry fruits, saffron, coconut, etc.) With this mithai, relish the sweet old memories with your brother. A treat that encapsulates your shared moments, these pedas bring smiles and warmth on Raksha Bandhan.
Kalakand
A sweet of milk and paneer that melts that liquefies in the mouth in the first bite. For Indians, Kalakand is a pure delight. During the time of festivals, markets are flooded with a lot of sweets, but often their quality gets compromised. Don’t risk your happiness. Bake them yourself. Make Kalakand at home for your brother, this Raksha Bandhan. Delighting taste buds with its melt-in-the-mouth texture, it stands as a testament to your culinary skills and sibling love, making the celebration truly memorable.
Phirni
It is a north Indian dessert made with rice paste, sugar, and milk. Phirni is less sugary in taste as compared to other Indian sweets, which makes it perfect for people who do not like extra sweet desserts. It can easily be made in homes. You can add flavours to give the recipe a new twist like pan phirni, mango phirni, etc. Elevate the Rakhi festivity by infusing distinct flavors like pan or mango phirni, reimagining traditions and embracing innovation.
Kheer
Remember those days, when the aroma of kheer was enough to make you feel in heaven. You may have grown up, but the love for kheer remains the same. For Rakhi celebrations, make kheer for your brother and surprise him deliciously. A heartwarming gesture brimming with tradition and affection, this kheer embodies your shared memories and deepens your bond.
Gulab Jamun
Who can ever say no to soft fried balls of sugar–gulab jamun. Traditionally made from milk solids (khoya) and garnished with dry fruits, gulab jamun surely makes festivities more celebratory. Modern recipes call for dried milk powder instead of khoya, but the taste and experience remain heavenly throughout. Presenting these scrumptious treats on Rakhi adds a touch of delight to the festivities, reinforcing the cherished bond between siblings.
Cupcakes
They may look small in size, but they taste no less delicious than a large box of cake. As Raksha Bandhan falls on Independence day, frost your cupcakes in tri-color to mark both these auspicious festivals. These miniature delights hold the essence of two important celebrations, transforming moments into cherished memories.
In the realm of sibling love, distance may dampen the spirits but never the sentiment. With Raksha Bandhan approaching, the longing for shared moments amplifies. Fret not, for the perfect remedy lies in the realm of homemade rakhi desserts. Crafting these heartwarming delights – the essence of Rakhi desserts – holds the power to transcend miles, evoking cherished memories and emotions. As you prepare these flavorsome confections, you’re essentially assembling Rakhi hampers of affection and care, symbolizing your enduring bond. These treats encapsulate the very essence of the festival – a sweet union that not only satisfies taste buds but also bridges the gap, reminding your brother that love knows no distance.
