Chhath Puja 2023 Thekua Recipe-Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and spiritual festivals celebrated widely across the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. It involves offering prayers and gratitude to the Sun God for bestowing energy and life on the Earth.
An integral part of Chhath Puja is preparing prasad known as ‘Thekua’ which is then offered to the rising and setting Sun. Here is an easy recipe to make delicious and crispy thekua at home for Chhath Puja 2023.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of the Karthik month of the Hindu lunar calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of October or November.
The main purpose of Chhath Puja is to thank the Sun God (Surya Devta) for sustaining life on Earth. It is believed that the cosmic energy from the Sun is vital for existence of all living beings.
The festival is celebrated over a period of 4 days:
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay: Fasting begins after ritual bathing
- Day 2 – Kharna/Lohanda: Prasad made of rice, jaggery, milk is offered in the evening
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Offerings to the setting Sun
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Offerings to the rising Sun
During this period, devotees undergo rigorous fasting and prayer rituals. The prasad known as ‘Thekua’ holds a great significance and is a key part of Chhath festivities.
What is Thekua?
Thekua is a dry sweet snack that is made specially during Chhath Puja as an offering (prasad) to God Sun. It is made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar/jaggery and ghee.
Other names for thekua are:
- Sattu ka Thekua
- Loknath ka Thekua
- Khura Thekua
It is usually shaped into small biscuits or bread-like pieces. Coconut, dry fruits and spices are also added to enhance the flavor. Thekua has a sweet taste with a crispy and crunchy texture.
Thekua is easy to prepare at home. It can last for many days without getting spoilt which makes it perfect for Chhath festivities. Let’s look at the detailed recipe now.
Ingredients for Thekua Recipe
- 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (Atta)
- 1 cup Jaggery (Gur)
- 1⁄2 cup Ghee
- 1⁄2 cup Water (approx)
- 1⁄2 tsp Cardamom (Elaichi) Powder
- 1⁄4 tsp Nutmeg (Jaiphal) Powder
- Oil for frying
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Grated Coconut (fresh/frozen)
- 2 tbsp Mixed Nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- 1 tbsp Raisins (Kishmish)
Step-by-Step Method to Make Thekua
- Take wheat flour in a big bowl. Add the ghee and mix it properly till well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Grate the jaggery block and melt it slightly in a pan on low flame. Add 1⁄2 cup water and stir well. Switch off the flame when the jaggery melts.
- Pour the melted jaggery into the flour bowl. Add elaichi powder, jaiphal powder, grated coconut, chopped nuts and raisins.
- Knead it into a semi-soft dough using enough water. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Cover and keep aside for 15 mins.
- Take a small portion of dough and give it a lemon size round shape. Press it a bit with your palm to flatten it. Make all thekua in the same manner.
- Arrange the shaped thekua pieces on a tray and keep it in sunlight for 2-3 hours till it dries out completely.
- Heat sufficient oil in a kadhai. Ensure the oil is hot before frying the thekua.
- Gently slide 2-3 pieces at a time in the oil. Fry them on medium flame till light golden turning the pieces frequently.
- Drain excess oil and transfer the fried crispy thekua pieces on paper napkins. Allow it to cool down completely before storing in air-tight containers.
- The thekua stays fresh for 1-2 weeks if stored properly. Offer it as prasad during Chhath Puja celebrations.
Tips and Variations
- Roast the flour lightly before using to make thekua more crunchy.
- You can also use wheat flour + rice flour in 50:50 ratio.
- Add a pinch of baking soda while kneading for extra crispness.
- Shape thekua into rounds, squares or rectangles as desired.
- Add a few saunf/fennel seeds for enhanced flavor.
- Serve thekua with tea or coffee for a quick snack.
Significance of Thekua Prasad in Chhath Puja
- Thekua is considered as a Satvik or pure vegetarian food. Hence it is prepared as an offering during Chhath.
- It is made using simple, easily available ingredients that have cooling properties to beat fatigue.
- The 205
- The crispy and crunchy texture symbolizes the power of Sun’s energy.
- Sharing thekua prasad is a way of spreading joy and blessings of the holy festival.
- Preparing thekua at home brings the family together in celebration.
- Chhath being a tough fasting ritual, thekua provides energy and nourishment after prayer rituals.
Conclusion
Preparing traditional thekua and offering it as prasad is an integral part of Chhath Puja celebrations.
The easy dry snack combines the goodness of wheat flour, jaggery and ghee. With unique sweet-crisp texture and taste, thekua is always a delight.
This Chhath Puja, try making homemade thekua following the simple recipe given above. Offer it with devotion to the Sun God and seek his blessings for health, prosperity and happiness.
Thekua can also be relished with family and friends along with evening tea. It makes for a perfect accompaniment for festive celebrations.
