Durga Puja in Bengal is a celebration for all the senses. The dhaak's sound, the vivid lights in each para, the scent of incense, and the sight of large idols are all present. But for most Bengalis, there’s no other fragrance that alerts Puja has genuinely arrived—the aroma of chocolates. From street companies to domestic kitchens, sweets take a middle degree throughout this festive time. Some are sold from antiques, depending on sweet stores.
Why Sweets Are a Big Part of the Celebration
In Bengali subculture, chocolates aren't simply cakes. They’re a part of our rituals, our way of showing love, and an image of happiness.
- Every bhog served to Maa Durga includes chocolates.
- People share sweets with neighbors after Anjali.
- Visiting someone’s house during Puja? You better not go empty-handed. A box of sweets is a must.
- Even when saying goodbye to the goddess on Dashami, sweets are shared with everyone.
Basically, no Puja is complete without something sweet on your plate.
The Most Loved Sweets of Durga Puja
There are many kinds of sweets in Bengal. But some are just meant for Puja season. Here are the ones you just can’t skip.
1. Everyone's Favorite Sweet Curd, Mishti Doi
Let’s start with the classic—Mishti Doi. This humble dessert doesn’t look fancy, but one bite and you’ll know why it’s a favorite.
What It’s Made Of:
- Full cream milk, thickened and sweetened
- Jaggery or caramelized sugar
- Set in an earthen pot
The clay pot adds a special earthy smell. You chill it before serving. And when it hits your tongue after a big lunch—it’s magic.
Tip: Pair it with luchi and alur dom for a typical Ashtami bhog vibe at home.
2. Nolen Gur Sweets – The Real Taste of Winter
Sweet shops begin bringing in Nolen Gur, a jaggery derived from date palm sap, even though Durga Puja takes place before winter. It’s seasonal, so Bengalis treasure every bit of it.
Sweets Made with Nolen Gur:
- Sandesh with a golden tint and smoky sweetness
- Payesh (rice pudding) that’s thicker, creamier, and more flavorful
- Nolen Gur Rasgullas—a beautiful twist on the white ones
These aren’t just sweets. They’re like warm hugs from your childhood.
3. Rasgulla – Soft, Spongy, and Full of Joy
You knew this was coming. Bengal's pride is Rasgulla, or "rosogolla" as we call it.
Made from chhena and cooked in sugar syrup, these white, soft balls are juicy and light. You can eat three and still want more.
During Puja, rasgullas are:
- Served at pandals
- Gifted in sweet boxes
- Offered as prasad to the goddess
And yes, you’ll find a bowl of it in every Bengali household this season
4. Sandesh – Simple, Elegant, and Always Welcome
Sandesh comes in many avatars. From dry to creamy, plain to flavored, this sweet always manages to impress.
Some types you’ll see around Puja:
- Kacha Golla – Soft and wet, ideal for senior citizens
- Chocolate Sandesh – for the kids, and the kids at heart
- Fruit Sandesh – often shaped like mangoes or apples
Sandesh is light, so you can have it anytime—even after a heavy bhog.
5. Chhanar Payesh – Sweet, Milky, and Full of Memories
Payesh is Bengal’s answer to kheer. But Chhanar Payesh? That’s something else.
You boil milk for hours, blend in chhena (cottage cheese), upload sugar or jaggery, after which allow it to simmer. A pinch of cardamom, maybe a few dry fruits—and it’s prepared.
It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for home-cooked Dashami meals.
6. Pantua – A Richer, Deeper Gulab Jamun
Even though pandua is made of semolina and chhena, it looks like gulab jamun. It’s fried golden brown and soaked in syrup. It features a soft middle and a crunchy outer layer, unlike rasgulla.
This one is usually eaten in the evening, after a long day of pandal hopping.
7. Chomchom – Bright and Creamy
Chomchom is cheerful. That’s the best word for it.
They’re often orange, white, or pink, and covered in grated coconut or malai. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and quite filling.
8. Labanga Latika – A Traditional Treat with a Twist
- This is one of those old-school sweets that your grandmother probably made every Puja.
- It’s a folded pastry full of khoya, nuts, and sugar, sealed with a clove (labanga), then deep-fried and soaked in syrup.
- One bite, and it’ll transport you to childhood afternoons on the verandah.
Why More Families Are Making Sweets at Home
Yes, sweet shops are busy. But many families are now going back to homemade sweets. Why?
- You know exactly what’s going in
- It brings back old family recipes
- It’s a great bonding activity
Making Mishti Doi or Payesh together brings a special kind of joy. And nothing beats that first spoon of something you made yourself.
Where to Buy the Best Sweets in Kolkata During Puja
If you’re in the city, don’t miss these places:
- Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick – for fusion Sandesh and Mishti Doi
- K.C. Das – the original rasgulla legends
- Nalin Chandra Das – traditional sweets, old flavors
- Mithai (Bhawanipur) – modern takes with respect for roots
These shops get crowded during Puja, but trust us—it’s worth the wait.
Not Just Bengal—These Sweets Travel Far
Bengali sweets have found their way to cities like:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- London
- New Jersey
- Dubai
Many Bengali associations abroad set up sweet counters or bring them from Kolkata. You’ll even find frozen versions in Indian stores outside India.
Enjoy Sweets, But Don’t Overdo It
But it’s okay to enjoy and still be mindful.
A Few Tips:
- Share sweets with friends or family.
- Drink warm water after heavy meals.
- Try jaggery-based sweets—they’re a bit healthier.
- Don’t rush—savor each bite.
You deserve the sweetness.
Ultimately, It's Not Just a Sweet
These goodies are extra than sugar and milk. They’re reminiscences, traditions, and love surpassed down from generation to generation. Every one of them has a story to tell, whether it's Mishti Doi in a clay pot or a little homemade Sandesh.
So this Durga Puja, take a chew, close your eyes, and allow the flavors to take you domestic. Because in Bengal, Puja without goodies isn’t Puja at all.
