Culinary Traditions of Raksha Bandhan: A Regional Perspective

July 24, 2024

The only thing greater than the love we have for our siblings? Food, among other things, but food is pretty high on that list. So, let’s raise a toast to the main reason we are all going to read this blog.

Raksha Bandhan is right around the corner, bringing with it an irresistible spread that's as rich in flavour as it is in tradition. From the aromatic sweetness of homemade laddoos to the savoury crunch of samosas hot off the pan, every bite on this auspicious day tells a story of love, togetherness, and culinary finesse. So, grab a seat at the table as we delve into the mouthwatering delights that make Raksha Bandhan truly special. 

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The Sweet:

1. Gulab Jamun:

What’s Raksha Bandhan without these delectable little balls of diabetes?


Gulab jamun is the quintessential Indian sweet that we’ve all grown up loving. They’re soft like velvet. As syrupy as juicy gossip. And sweet… just like you. Aside from our cheesiness, no Indian festival, especially Raksha Bandhan, would be complete without them. 

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2. Jalebi:

Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and completely drenched in sugar syrup, jalebis are another childhood favourite and a timeless treat all ages enjoy.

3. Rasmalai:

The aromatic concoction is perfect for those who love sweets that have a floral and creamy flavour palette. 

Made from flattened cottage cheese that is soaked in a luscious, sweetened milk infused with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes rose water, rasmalai is a luxurious indulgence. 

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4. Laddoos:

Popular all over the country, laddoos are a must-have during any Indian festival, especially during religious festivals as its typically presented as an offering to God and have a special place of an Arti Thali.

5. Barfi: 

Barfi is basically India’s fudge, only better.

Whether you choose to indulge in the infamous Kaju Katli or the more common Mawa barfi, you can make this crowd pleasure in multiple different ways.

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The Salty:

1. Chole Bhature:

A spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried dough. Ooof, with all the right words, ‘spicy’ and ‘deep-fried’, this dish is one smooth talker that gets our mouth-watering. 

Known for its robust flavours, chole bhatura is a must on Raksha Bandhan.

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2. Samosa:

Let’s be honest. We never need an excuse to chow down on a samosa. But when we have one, we are going to take full advantage of it.

These crispy, triangular pastries are traditionally filled with spiced potato or minced meat and served with sweet and sour chutneys, making them the perfect snack.

3. Pakora:

Pakoras are the crispy, golden nuggets of joy that turn any gloomy day into a celebration and bring an extra layer of warmth and love to Raksha Bandhan celebrations. These traditional deep-fried fritters, made from chickpea flour and a variety of vegetables like onions, potatoes, spinach, or even paneer, offer a delightful crunch with every bite.

4. Chaat:

Chaat is the ultimate street food. It’s completely drool-worthy and lip-smackingly delicious, with flavours that tantalise your taste buds like never before.

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The Drinks:

1. Lassi:

A creamy and refreshing dairy drink, one sip of lassi instantly transports you to the heart of India. Whether you opt for a traditional sweet lassi, a salty version with a dash of cumin, or everyone’s favourite mango lassi, this drink promises to soothe your senses and delight your taste buds.

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2. Rooh Afza:

A very rosy lemonade, Roof Afza is a refreshing drink that is infused with rose water. Often enjoyed during Raksha Bandhan to beat the summer heat, most households freeze this into popsicles to enjoy during the festivities.

3. Chai:

While chai isn’t subjective to Raksha Bandhan, it's the one drink that you cannot forget to serve during the special day. You see dear reader, chai has a very unique ability that no other drink has - bring people together to create memories over endless conversations, laughter, and love.

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