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Diwali Special Desserts: Why Kheer Is Eaten On Dhanteras And 4 Modern Versions To Make At Home
Kheer, a cherished Indian dessert, holds special significance during Dhanteras as an offering to Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising prosperity and blessings. This beloved treat is a staple at many Lakshmi Puja ceremonies across the country. Discover four unique types of kheer to prepare this Dhanteras, each bringing its own flavour and meaning to this auspicious festival.
Kheer
Photo : iStock
Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, holds immense significance in Hindu culture as a day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Among the many traditions associated with this auspicious occasion, serving and consuming kheer holds a special place. This creamy rice pudding not only delights the taste buds but also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.
The festival is deeply connected to Goddess Lakshmi, inspiring devotees to prepare various desserts to honour her. Among these offerings, kheer holds a particularly sacred place. While nariyal ladoos and lapsi are also considered auspicious, kheer is especially revered as a preferred offering for Goddess Lakshmi. It is widely included as prasad at Lakshmi Puja ceremonies across the country, believed to be among her favourites. To seek her blessings, it is encouraged to offer kheer during these festivities.
Kheer, also known as payasam in South India, is considered one of the most sacred offerings (prasad) to deities. On Dhanteras, serving kheer symbolises prosperity, abundance, and spiritual purity. The white colour of milk represents purity, while rice signifies abundance. When combined with sugar, these ingredients create a dish that embodies sweetness in life and the hope for a prosperous future.
According to ancient customs, serving kheer on Dhanteras is believed to please Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The tradition suggests that the more generous you are with kheer's ingredients (milk, rice, and dry fruits), the more abundant your blessings will be in the coming year. Many families also place a bowl of kheer near the Lakshmi idol during evening prayers.
Four Types Of Kheer To Make For Dhanteras
1. Classic Rice Kheer
The most traditional variety remains the rice kheer, made with fragrant basmati rice, full-fat milk, and sugar. Enhanced with cardamom powder, saffron strands, and garnished with almonds, pistachios, and raisins, this creamy delight represents the perfect balance of flavours. The slow-cooking process allows the rice to release its starch, creating a rich, velvety texture that's considered ideal for festive offerings.
2. Quinoa Kheer
For health-conscious devotees, quinoa kheer offers a modern twist while maintaining the sacred essence of the dish. Cooked with organic palm sugar or jaggery instead of refined sugar, this variation provides additional nutrients while reducing the glycemic index. The nutty flavour of quinoa complements the creamy milk base, creating a unique taste that's both nutritious and delicious.
3. Sabudana Kheer
Sabudana (tapioca pearls) kheer holds special significance during festivals. The translucent pearls symbolise purity and clarity in thoughts and actions. This variety is particularly popular as it's lighter on the stomach yet equally satisfying. The chewy texture of sabudana combined with the richness of milk and the crunch of nuts creates a memorable dessert experience.
4. Mixed Millet Kheer
This wholesome variety incorporates multiple grains like barley, millet, and brown rice, symbolising diversity and completeness. The different textures and nutritional profiles of various grains make this kheer not just a spiritual offering but also a balanced dessert. Flavoured with bay leaves, cardamom, and a hint of nutmeg, mixed grain kheer represents the coming together of traditional wisdom and modern nutritional understanding.
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A Mumbai-based writer whose greatest motivator in life is planning the next meal. She's always the first one to try something new and the stranger the...View More
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