Varsha PandeyThekua without which Chhath Prasad is incomplete
Arghya is offered to Lord Sun from Thekua only.
Then after Parana, the Prasad of Thekua is distributed among the neighbors and relatives.
But for those who are going to celebrate Chhath for the first time, we will tell you a simple method of making Thekua.
With its help, you can easily make Chhath Prasad Thekua at home.
Chhath Prasad is incomplete without Thekua.
Thekua is a very famous food in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
It is made in every street and locality on the occasion of Chhath, but Thekua lovers make it and eat it anytime.
At the same time, many people include Thekua as Prasad.
But whatever the recipe, its taste is such that one wants to eat it again and again.
The practice of Chhath Puja is considered incomplete without it, which means that during Chhath Puja, devotees or fasting people complete their fast without any help or food or drink.
But has this question ever come to your mind when and who would have made Thekua for the first time and did the trend of making it start?
If yes, then all your questions will be answered in this article.
About Thekua
Thekua is a type of traditional sweet, which is eaten during Chhath Puja. It is a type of delicious Prasad and is offered to Chhathi Maiya. Rice, wheat, flour, sugar, and oil are used in making Thekua.
History of Thekua
It has a very old history and is a traditional offering of Chhath Puja. It is believed that offering this food to Chhathi Maiya increases happiness and prosperity in the family of the fasting person. The tradition of Chhath Puja and Thekua is important in the state of Bihar as well as in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Thekua is also distributed as Prasad during the puja aarti during Chhath Puja.
Let us tell you that Thekua is also called Khajuriya or Thikri.
However, there is no definitive information available regarding any individual or organization as its specific creator.
But many historians believe that about 3700 years ago i.e. in the Rig Vedic period around 1500-1000 BC, there is mention of the Thekua-like sweet ‘Appup’.
How did the name Thekua come about?
The origin of the name Thekua is the tradition of Chhath Puja.
The word Thekua is from the Bihari language and means ‘to lift’ or ‘to establish’.
In Chhath Puja, during the worship of Chhathi Maiya (Sun Goddess), fasting devotees pick this food and eat it during the puja aarti after the fast.
Thekua’s name reflects the specialty of Chhath Puja and is recognized as the traditional food of this puja.
It is a traditional Indian sweet snack that originates from the state of Bihar in northern India.
However, particularly popular during festivals like Chhath Puja and is also enjoyed as an everyday snack.
It is made from wheat flour, sugar or jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), and ghee (clarified butter), and it is flavored with cardamom or other spices.
Here’s a basic recipe for making Thekua
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1/2 cup grated jaggery or sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, grated jaggery or sugar, cardamom powder.
Heat the ghee until it melts and add it to the dry ingredients.
Mix everything together to form a crumbly mixture.
Gradually add a little water (about 2-3 tablespoons) and knead the mixture into a firm and smooth dough.
The dough should not be too soft or too hard; it should have a consistency similar to cookie dough.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat.
Pinch off small portions of the dough and shape them into small discs or cookies.
You can make various shapes and designs on the cookies using a mold or a fork.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shape into the hot oil.
Fry them in batches until they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides.
Make sure the heat is medium-low to ensure even cooking.
Remove the fried one using a slotted spoon and drain the excess oil by placing it on a paper towel.
Allow the fried to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
They will become even more flavorful as they cool down.
Conclusion
It is known for its unique taste and texture, with a combination of sweetness and the aromatic flavor of cardamom.
It’s a delightful treat that is enjoyed by people in the region during special occasions and as a tea-time snack.
