Paush Bada celebrations in Rajasthan

JAIPUR - Thousands of people thronged at Jaipur to celebrate the traditional festival of food item called Paush Bada, a typical traditional snack that helps to fight the cold in winter season.

It is a month long festival held during Paush, a month in winter in the Indian lunar calendar.

The festival of Paush Bada is one of the biggest religious festivals in Jaipur.

This festival is being celebrated in temples for last 40 to 45 years. It is a holy offering to Gods and devotees from far off places take part in the festival.

“Paush is the coldest month in winter. We prepare fried ‘paush badas’ and serve hot to the people. Also, it is offered to god during the festival. Along with it, we also prepare Halwa, Puri and Saag. People enjoy eating them during winters,” said Ramveer Singh, a local.

‘Paush Bada’ is the main food item of the festival. It tastes spicy with liberal sprinkles of chilly, garam masala and moong pulse. It is eaten during the winter season because of its anti-cold properties.

“The mixture with which ‘paush badas’ are prepared, helps fighting the cold in winter. It is prepared from various Indian spices like kali mirch, dhania, saunf and garam masala. Eating Paush bada helps fighting cold during winters,” said Sitaram, a cook.

Hundreds of devotees wait in queue for hours to savour the winter special snack ‘Paush Bada’. (ANI)