The Ritual of Cooking During Festivals
India, a land of vibrant festivals and diverse cultures, is known not just for its grand celebrations, but also for the soulful food that accompanies every occasion. In Indian households, festivals are not complete without the ritual of cooking—an act that transcends daily chores and becomes a spiritual, emotional, and cultural experience.
Cooking during festivals is more than just preparing meals; it is a sacred ritual that connects generations, preserves traditions, and brings families together. Every dish tells a story, and every ingredient carries significance.
A Sacred Beginning
The ritual of festive cooking usually begins days in advance. Homes are cleaned, kitchens are reorganized, and ingredients are carefully sourced. In many families, shopping for festival-specific spices, sweets, or utensils is a tradition in itself. For instance, during Diwali, women often begin preparing snacks like chakli, shakkarpare, and laddoos days before the actual celebration.
Before any dish is cooked, many Indian households light a lamp in the kitchen and pray to Annapurna Devi or the household deity for blessings. This moment of silence and devotion marks the beginning of something pure and deeply rooted in belief.
The Role of Women and Family Bonds
Traditionally, women of the house have taken the lead in preparing festive meals, though modern kitchens often see enthusiastic contributions from men and children. Recipes are passed down from mothers to daughters, grandmothers to grandchildren. Cooking becomes a shared activity, strengthening bonds and reviving stories from past celebrations.
During Pongal in Tamil Nadu, families gather around a pot of boiling rice and jaggery, chanting “Pongalo Pongal!” as the mixture overflows—symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Similarly, in Bengal during Durga Puja, bhog is prepared in large quantities, not just to feed the family but to offer to the goddess and share with the community.
Food as an Offering
One of the most beautiful aspects of festive cooking is that it is always prepared with the intention to serve the divine. Be it modaks for Ganpati, kheer for Janmashtami, or seviyan for Eid, food is first offered to gods and goddesses before it is consumed.
Each item has a symbolic meaning. Modaks, for example, are believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite and represent knowledge and prosperity. On Makar Sankranti, sesame and jaggery are used because they generate warmth and are considered purifying substances during winter.
Unity in Diversity
Though India celebrates a wide variety of festivals, food remains a unifying force. The variety of dishes prepared across regions reflects the diversity of India, yet the intention behind them remains the same—gratitude, love, and joy.
In Kerala, Onam is celebrated with the grand Onasadya, a feast of over 20 dishes served on a banana leaf. In contrast, during Navratri in North India, people follow a satvik diet, abstaining from onion, garlic, and grains, and preparing dishes using water chestnut flour and rock salt.
Despite these differences, what binds them all is the spirit of sharing—offering food to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
Preserving Culture Through Cuisine
In an age where instant meals and food delivery dominate, festive cooking keeps our culinary heritage alive. These rituals remind us of our roots, of times when cooking was an act of mindfulness and joy. It also serves as a silent protest against the fast pace of modern life, urging us to slow down and savor every step—from chopping vegetables to serving the final dish.
The ritual of cooking during festivals is a celebration in itself. It is a sensory experience filled with the aroma of ghee, the sound of sizzling oil, and the sight of colorful sweets and savories. But beyond the senses, it touches the soul—bringing families together, preserving traditions, and offering gratitude through food.
In every festive meal lies the essence of celebration, culture, and timeless love.
