Diwali 2024 In Goa: 5 Special Poha Varieties Goans Make For Narak Chaturdashi

Diwali is among the most celebrated festivals in India and is known to be observed with lots of sweets and festive dishes. However, each region in the country has their own way of celebrating the "festival of lights." Speaking particularly about Goa, the culinary affair of the state is deeply associated with Hindu Saraswat Brahmin community with simple and hearty vegetarian dishes. As the festive season reaches our doorsteps, Goan households prepare for an auspicious celebration filled with customs, rituals and a variety of yummy dishes. Also Read: While Diwali is more than just a single day of celebration. It brings several important days such as Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and in Goa, Narak Chaturdashi-a day dedicated to commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Among all the rituals, the tradition of enjoying different varieties of poha or flattened rice, locally known as fov, stands out. Here are five special poha varieties that are prepared in Goa during Narak Chaturdashi.

Doodhantle Fov

Also known as milk poha, this sweet and creamy dish is a Goan favourite, specially for Diwali. Prepared with flattened rice and milk, it is sweetened with sugar. Doodhantle fov offers a rich and comforting start to the day and is a perfect balance of sweetness, symbolising the beginning of a prosperous Diwali celebration. Bataat Fov A savoury alternative to the sweet poha varieties, potato poha is a hearty dish that incorporates flattened rice with diced potatoes and onions flavoured with spices. This dish is similar to the famous aloo poha from Maharashtra but carries a distinctive Konkani flavour. The potatoes add texture, while the mix of spices like turmeric and mustard seeds infuses it with delicious flavours. Dhaiyanche Fov

Dhaiyanche fov is a refreshing and hearty Goan dish prepared with poha and curd. This no-cook recipe is simple yet satisfying, offering a tangy contrast to the other dishes typically prepared for Diwali. To prepare the dish curd is mixed with soft poha, making it a popular breakfast option. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also serves as a healthy choice during the festive feasts. Roosantle Fov Roosantle fov is a rich, coconut-flavoured version of poha, where beaten rice is soaked in creamy coconut milk and sweetened with jaggery. The use of coconut milk and jaggery gives the dish a yummy sweetness that is unique to Goan cuisine. Flavoured with cardamom, this variety of poha or fov is both aromatic and indulgent. Kalayille Fov This variation of poha features desiccated coconut instead of coconut milk and is also called dry poha. The combination of coconut, jaggery and spices like turmeric and mustard seeds creates a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. Kalayille fov is often served dry, making it a lighter option compared to its coconut milk counterpart and is also easy to make.