Celebrating Govardhan Puja 2025: Significance and Gulgula Recipe
Govardhan Puja Celebration
Govardhan Puja, which follows Diwali, is set to take place on October 22nd this year. This festival commemorates the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to shield the residents of Brij. The event is marked with immense joy and devotion.
Traditions of Govardhan Puja
During Govardhan Puja, devotees create a representation of Govardhan Mountain using cow dung and offer their prayers. A variety of special dishes are prepared for the occasion, with gulgula, or sweet dumplings, being particularly significant. Here’s how to make gulgula.
Gulgula Recipe
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
Wheat flour: 1.5 cups
Jaggery: 1/2 cup
Water: 1/2 to 3/4 cup
Fennel seeds: 1 teaspoon (lightly crushed)
Cardamom powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
Oil or ghee: for frying
Instructions:
Begin by combining 1/2 cup of jaggery with 1/2 cup of water in a large pot. Stir until the jaggery is fully dissolved. You may break the jaggery into smaller pieces for quicker dissolution or soak it in hot water for a while.
Once dissolved, strain the mixture to eliminate any impurities.
Add the wheat flour to the strained jaggery solution. Incorporate the lightly crushed fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and baking soda, mixing thoroughly.
Whisk the batter until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency, slightly thinner than pakora batter. Allow the batter to rest for 15-20 minutes to ensure the gulgulas are soft and fluffy.
Heat oil or ghee in a pan until medium hot. Reduce the heat to medium once ready for frying.
Using your hands or a small spoon, drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the dumplings until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
Once golden and puffed, remove the gulgulas from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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