From shorshe ilish to ghevar: Savouring puja delicacies

Ranchi: Durga Puja holds a special place in the hearts of Ranchiites. Beyond its religious significance, the festival serves as a time for families to reunite, as the younger generation often migrates for better educational and career prospects. During this period, homes come alive with joy, reminiscence, and the aroma of long-forgotten dishes.

The Mukherjees, a Bengali family settled in Ranchi for generations, take pride in celebrating their heritage during the puja. Rupali Mukherjee, a homemaker from Dhurwa, shares, "My son works in Bangalore, and my daughter is studying in Delhi. They both make it a point to return home every puja. We prepare shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce) and luchi (deep-fried bread), dishes my mother cooked during every Durga Puja."

For the Agarwal family, who have Marwari roots intertwined with Ranchi's culture, traditional sweets like ghevar and malpua hold a special place.

Anita Agarwal from Kokar said, "My grandmother's malpua recipe is over 50 years old. We prepare it every puja."

A Yadav family, of Bihari heritage, residing in Dhurwa, brings their own traditions to the festive table. Renu Devi saod, "Durga Puja means reunion and thekua for us. Even though we avoid onion and garlic during this time, we make very tasty puri sabzi and kheer. My daughter lives in Patna preparing for NEET, and she never misses out on the puja feast. These dishes remind us of the simplicity of our roots."

Durga Puja in Ranchi transcends its religious aspect, uniting generations through customs, cuisine, and treasured memories.

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