Gudi Padwa is a time of joy, renewal, and delicious food! These eight traditional dishes not only enhance the festive spirit but also carry deep cultural significance. Whether you have a sweet tooth or love savory delights, these authentic Maharashtrian dishes will make your Gudi Padwa feast truly special.
A festival in Maharashtra is incomplete without Puran Poli! This soft, sweet flatbread is made with a filling of chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, and cardamom, stuffed inside wheat flour dough and cooked on a tawa with ghee. It is often served with a drizzle of warm ghee or milk.
Shrikhand is a creamy, yogurt-based dessert that is flavored with saffron, cardamom, and sugar. It is often garnished with nuts and served with puris, making it a perfect festive delicacy. Mango-flavored Amrakhand is also a popular variation enjoyed during Gudi Padwa.
This simple yet delicious combination is a staple in Maharashtrian households during festivals. The Batata Bhaji (spiced potato curry) is mildly spiced and paired with crispy, deep-fried pooris, making it a comforting and festive meal.
A crispy and flavorful snack, Kothimbir Vadi is made with coriander leaves, gram flour, and spices. The mixture is steamed, sliced, and then shallow-fried until crispy. It is a must-have savory treat during Gudi Padwa celebrations.
Kesari Bhaat is a fragrant and sweet saffron-infused rice dish, prepared with ghee, nuts, and sugar. This dish represents prosperity and sweetness in the coming year, making it a significant part of Gudi Padwa feasts.
A Konkani and Goan specialty, Sanna is a sweet and fluffy rice cake made using coconut, jaggery, and fermented rice batter. This dish is a delicious alternative to regular idlis and pairs well with coconut-based curries.
Kharvas is a traditional Maharashtrian milk pudding made from colostrum milk (cheek milk), jaggery, and cardamom. It has a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and is enjoyed as a festive delicacy on special occasions like Gudi Padwa.
A unique part of Gudi Padwa celebrations, this prasad is made with neem leaves and jaggery. The bitterness of neem and the sweetness of jaggery symbolize the balance of life's joys and sorrows. Consuming this on Gudi Padwa is believed to bring good health and positivity in the new year.