Bihar, one of India’s most culturally rich states, is a treasure trove of traditional cuisine. While its savory dishes like litti-chokha are widely known, the state’s ancient sweet-making traditions remain an underrated gem. This article highlights the top 5 old Bihar sweets that have stood the test of time, reflecting centuries of culinary artistry and cultural legacy.
1. Thekua – The Festive Bihari Sweet with Religious Significance
Thekua is a time-honored sweet that holds deep spiritual and cultural importance, especially during Chhath Puja, Bihar’s biggest festival.
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Preparation: Made using whole wheat flour, jaggery (or sugar), coconut, and ghee, the dough is shaped and deep-fried to a golden brown.
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Symbolism: Thekua is not just a sweet; it is a sacred offering made by devotees to the Sun God.
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Shelf life: Its long shelf life made it popular as a travel snack during ancient times.
2. Balushahi – Bihar’s Royal Sweet with Mughal-Era Origins
Though often associated with North India in general, Balushahi has deep roots in Bihar, especially in areas like Patna and Gaya.
- Historical background: Said to have evolved during the Mughal period, Balushahi is Bihar’s answer to glazed doughnuts, made from flour, deep-fried in ghee, and soaked in sugar syrup.
- Texture and flavor: Crumbly, rich, and mildly sweet with a slightly tangy bite from curd used in the dough.
- Regional variations: In Bihar, the Balushahi is often made slightly harder and less sweet than its northern counterparts.
3. Parwal Ki Mithai – A Unique Bihari Sweet Using Vegetable
Among the most unusual yet beloved traditional sweets is the Parwal ki Mithai, a sweet made using pointed gourd (parwal), stuffed with khoya and dry fruits.
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Innovation from tradition: This dish represents the ingenuity of Bihari cooks who transformed a humble vegetable into a rich dessert.
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Occasions: Often served during weddings and large family celebrations.
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Flavor profile: The soft vegetable shell contrasts with the rich, milky khoya filling, often flavored with cardamom.
4. Khurma (Shakkarpara) – A Sweet Legacy from Bihari Households
Khurma, also known as shakkarpara, is a crispy, bite-sized sweet made from flour and coated in crystallized sugar.
- Home-made origins: Traditionally made in bulk at home for storage and gifting, especially during marriages and festivals.
- Rural importance: In Bihari villages, Khurma is a staple sweet, made using family recipes passed down generations.
- Variations: Some households flavor it with fennel or cardamom for an aromatic touch.
5. Khaja – The Ancient Sweet from Silao That Inspired Global Variants
Khaja is perhaps Bihar’s most iconic sweet, with roots that trace back over 2000 years. Especially famous in Silao near Nalanda, Khaja is a layered, crispy pastry made of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar syrup.
Historical roots: Some food historians believe Khaja may have inspired the Middle Eastern baklava, introduced during ancient trade exchanges.
Cultural significance: Traditionally offered in religious ceremonies and weddings, Khaja from Silao has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, underlining its historical and regional authenticity.
Taste profile: Crunchy on the outside, mildly sweet, and flaky—Khaja is a celebration of texture.
The top 5 old Bihar sweets aren’t just culinary delights; they are edible chronicles of a region rich in history, religion, and cultural ingenuity. As modern influences shape India’s foodscape, it is crucial to preserve and celebrate these traditional Bihari sweets that tell the story of the state’s past with every bite.