Gudi Padwa 2022: India is blanketed in a celebratory mode, yet again! While many of us are celebrating Chaitra Navaratri, Ramadan and Baishaki, the western region of Maharashtra and Konkan is welcoming a brand new year. The festival of Gudi Padwa marks the start of the New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus and is celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout Maharashtra and neighbouring regions. The festival essentially marks the first day of the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar. On the day of Gudi Padwa, people wake up early and place decorative Gudi flags and motifs on their doorstep and perform pujas. Later in the day, they feast on some traditional delicacies and dance their way into the year.
(Also read: Gudi Padwa: The Significance of The Maharashtrian Festival)
Gudi Padva celebrations are incomplete without the delicious range of Marathi delicacies that are especially prepared during the festival. And, given our undying love for festive sweets and desserts, we bring for you a list of classic Marathi desserts that you can prepare at home to mark Gudi Padwa 2022.
Gudi Padwa 2022: Classic Marathi Desserts For Gudi Padwa 2022
1. Shrikhand (Our recommendation):
Talk of Marathi sweets and the rich and creamy Shrikhand will definitely cross your mind. It is basically a classic dahi-based dessert that also includes elaichi, sugar and dry fruits. Shrikhand holds a firm place in both Gujarati and Maharashtrian cuisines and is extensively prepared for almost every special occasion. This recipe here has a special twist which comes with the use of saffron (Kesar). Here is the recipe for you.
2. Puran Poli:
Another classic Marathi sweet dish, Puran Poli is as much a festive speciality, as it is an everyday comfort dish. In the Marathi language, the sweet filling is called puran and the outer bread is the poli. It is a delicious side dish with rich flavours yet is extremely easy and quick to make. Loved by all age groups, here is how you can make these at home.
3. Basundi:
Basundi can be called the close cousin of rabri. Milk is boiled and thickened with sugar, nuts and other ingredients for this recipe. A simple yet decadent sweet dish, this basundi recipe will help you prepare a memorable feast for everyone. Here is the recipe.
(Also read: Gudi Padwa 2022: 5 Shrikhand Recipes To Amp Up Your Traditional Feast)
4. Kaju Modak:
A quintessential Ganesh Chaturthi treat, modak can also be added to a traditional sweet platter for welcoming the Marathi New Year. And while you are at it, why not take the dish a notch higher and prepare a much more delicious and rich version? Kaju modak is just the right fit for celebratory feats and is quite easy to make too. Click here for the detailed recipe for Kaju Modak.
5. Coconut Ladoo:
Bite-sized ladoos made with the goodness of condensed milk, khoya, desiccated coconut and almonds add a great touch to your Gudi Padwa dessert platter. Ladoos are anyway loved by all but make them sweet and crunchy with coconuts and they are sure to be gobbled up in minutes! We assure you that with this recipe, you just cannot stop at one! Click here for the detailed recipe for coconut ladoo.
There you have it, enjoy these sweet and decadent desserts while you celebrated the Marathi New Year at home.