Food for festivity: India celebrates every occasion with distinct flavours on its platter

As a country known for its rich culture, festivities unveil a treasure trove of flavours with each region offering its own unique twist.

A festival is an excuse to feast. The numerous festivals of India are enriched with many mouth-watering sweets and lavish meals. Palatable items like barfi, mithai and pakoras are some of preparations that one sees during most festivals. But each festival has a distinct set of delicacies. Holi sees a variation of dishes from region to region but thandai (a sweet, creamy milk drink) is common across. Janmashtami, celebrated with great pomp in places like Mathura and Vrindavan, with a variety of milk preparations flaked with almonds and saffron. West Bengal during Durgotsav sees an atmosphere akin to a carnival with Sandesh (a sweetmeat) giving the much needed sugar rush to those partaking in festivities.

Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam sees a community feast decked with preparations made out fresh harvest produce such as green vegetables, coconut, jaggery, rice, sesame and milk products. Moving southwards, Onam brings a serving of rice, with other dishes (Kootan) which include different types of curries such as sambar, rasam, papadum, banana, yogurt/buttermilk.

Vishu brings 'Sadhya' which makes for an attractive visual with the many flavorsome delicacies laid out on a banana leaf. The four-day long harvest festival of Pongal sees a traditional style meal prepared with rice, dal, jaggery, dry fruits, sugar and milk, cooked in a (new) clay pot out in the open.

Planing a visit to coincide with a festival is a great way to add value to your trip. These festivals serve as a binding force for various communities to exchange delicacies from one family to another.