Updated at : 10-09-25 19:26:20

What's your Durga Puja diet?

Durga Puja is a festival of emotions for millions of Bengali-speaking people in West Bengal and different parts of the world. When you discuss Durga Puja, images of Kash and Shiuli flowers become prominent.

Just like a harp, the image of flowing flowers creates the sound and symphony. Just like the other image, food is an inalienable element of the festivities. But what if I use the phrase Durga Puja Diet?

Durga Puja and Diet, sounds oxymoronic, doesn’t it? Yes, it is possible, you can enjoy Sharodiya, immersing in the smells of the Kathi rolls and irresistible Biryani… but mindfully.

The Festive Food Scene During Sharodiya Festival

Durga Puja is hands down the largest festival in Bengal, not only in ritualistic terms but also food and entertainment.

You will be stunned to know that the week-long festivals are estimated to roll in a massive ₹80,000 crore! Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Durga Puja food is one of the important discussions. The food which reigns supreme during the wave of festivities includes:

Bengali cuisine: It is the Bengali delicacies which people like to dive into with heart’s content like sweets (Rasagulla, Sandesh, etc.), Puris (Luchis) and a host of Bengali veg and non-veg delicacies like Cholar Dal, Alur Dom, Basanti Pulau, Mutton and Chicken, etc.

Mughlai Dishes: Bengal’s Awadhi influence has made Kolkata a Mughal in Awadhi food. It comprises Mughlai Paratha, Chanp, Biryani, Pulao, Kebabs and a host of other mouth-watering delicacies. We understand that Durga Puja healthy eating seems to be losing out here.

Apart from them, Rolls, Chinese, Phuchka and a host of other dishes charge the festive vibes long before in the taste buds just before the Pujas.
According to an observation of Swiggy done in 2022, the surge in food orders increases up to 45% during the festivities. Hence, it results in weight gain, especially during these 4 to 5 days! Yes, it’s true.

Durga Puja Diet: How To Satisfy Your Taste Buds But Keep Your Health Intact

The awareness of diet and health has increased multi-fold. This is why you will see increases in searches like festive eating tips and festive diet plan during the Durga Puja. Food and Kolkata become synonymous and a central point during the festivities. However, let us discuss how you can plan a balanced diet even during the Puja.

1. Have a Great Kick Start of the Day

Just like most of you wake up at 4 o’clock to listen to the Mahalaya by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, you must make the right start to your day. You can try out the following foods:

Greek yoghurt with honey.
Fresh fruit juice.
Idlis or Dosas.

A fresh and positive start makes your weight management during festivals successful. With this food, you will stay light throughout the day.

2. Durga Puja Bhog: Delicious and Healthy

Bhog is counted as one of the most important healthy Durga Puja recipes. It is tasty and irresistible. It’s every Bengali’s favourite. The quintessential Durga Puja Bhog comprises:

Steamed Rice.
Labra (mixed vegetable curry).
Dal (Bengal gram dal, mung dal, etc.) recipes.
Mango Chutney and Payas.

Every Bengali has their emotions attached to it. Most importantly, it does not make you suffer. Bhog is way more nutritious compared to street food, and with it, you can stay full throughout the day.

3. Hydration

During the peak festive time, we mean the Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, you will be completely immersed in mirth and merriment.

A lot will go from your body, we mean salt. Yes, hours of pandal hopping may make you feel tired and dehydrated. Hence, staying hydrated is a key element to this development.

We would urge you to shun soft drinks like Colas. They are high in sugar content. Hence, drinking water is an important point in the discussion of the Puja Diet.

4. Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Food

As we discussed earlier, one can savour a host of Bengali veg and non-veg dishes. Also, many are searching for calorie-friendly festive food.

However, the main Bengali food during Puja includes Khichuri-Begun Vaja, Luchi-Alur Dom, Paneer dishes, etc. They fall under the veg category.

On the other hand, the Biryanis, Kosha Mangsho and other fish recipes fall under the non-veg category.
However, you have to strike a balance between the two, keeping your health in mind but enjoying every bit of the fun.

Durga Puja is the grandest celebration, and a lot of emotions go into it. Food, unbelievably, has an important part in the wave of festivities. Hence, you have to be selective with your Puja diet. It will help you sap every bit of the celebration but at the same time not put an additional load on your stomach and health in particular. The best advice, visit a professional on weight management before Puja begins.