From Bengal's sweets to Gujrat's Khakhras, India is so diverse when it comes to delicious recipes. Passed on from generation to generation, its lip-smacking delicacies are a perfect blend of spices and flavour. India is a country where each state is different from one another, yet so alike! So alike in the grandeur, rich architecture, and magnificent structures. Tourism in India promotes National Integration and supports cultural pursuits and local handicrafts. It also develops an international understanding of our values, culture, and heritage.
Local Food of Bihar
Bihar cuisine is not restricted only to this state. The lip-smacking taste and the blend of flavours have attracted the neighbouring states as well. Bihari cuisine includes Bhojpuri cuisine, Maithil cuisine, and Magahi cuisine. Bihari meat dishes are plenty, with chicken and mutton being the most common. Mithila region is widely known for the variety of fish dishes due to the number of rivers present here. Dairy products, such as dahi (yogurt), ghee, spiced buttermilk (commonly called mattha), lassi, and butter are consumed frequently throughout the year.
Popular Bihari dishes include Bihari kebabs, Bihari boti, litti chokha, sattu paratha, Bihari chicken masala, chokha (eggplant and potatoes mashed with spices), fish curry and posta-dana ka halwa.
Tourism in Bihar
Being one of the most sacred places for all religions, tourists from all over the world come to Bihar to visit their pilgrimage. The history of the rich cultural heritage of Bihar traces back to 3000 years.
Bihar is dotted with numerous ancient monuments, museums, and forts which proves the state is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world.
Vishnupada temple, Jal Mandir, Maner Sharif, and Deo Sun Temple are a few of the ancient temples of Bihar. Among the forts, Shergarh Fort, Someshwar Fort, Jalagarh Fort, and Raj Mahal are crowded with tourists throughout the year.
Among them, Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, a Buddhist shrine has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gaya, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, and Mithila region are some of the Hindu pilgrimages, whereas Gaya, Aurangabad, Bihar Sharif, Phulwari Sharif, and Sasaram are few of the Islamic pilgrimages.
Bihar abounds in Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist pilgrimages, making the state one of the most diverse in terms of religious beliefs.
Local Food of West Bengal
Bengal offers a diverse range of authentic dishes. Here, the cuisine is remarkable for a variety of flavours and a blend of spices. The state is already renowned for its spread of fish items, ranging from Daab Chingri (Tiger prawn), Bhetki paturi, to Shorshe Ilish (Hilsha fish). However, the delicacies transcend beyond it.
Dishes such as luchi (puri), alurdom, shukto, chholar daal, and kosha mangsho; and savouries such as nimki, jhal muri, and phuchka, the mouth-watering aura of which can readily make one drool. Rice and pulses form the staple food. Desserts and confectionary items, especially roshogolla and shondesh always take away the spotlight.
Tourism in West Bengal
Being the cultural capital of India, West Bengal is crowded with tourists from all corners of the world. Magnificent architecture can been seen in places such as Hazarduari Palace (known for the second largest chandelier in the world), Dakshineshwar Temple, Cooch Behar Palace, Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and so on.
National parks and bird sanctuaries, such as Jaldapara National Park, Sundarban National Park, and Goumara National Park lend a touch of the rich wildlife of the state.
The hill stations of Bengal offer a summer gateway. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Kurseong, Siliguri, and Dooars among many other places, are flocked with locals and tourists throughout the year. Known for its artistic heritage, Shantiniketan, the land of Rabindranath Tagore, serves as an excellent literary and cultural hub of the state.
Local Food of Gujarat
Some of the local dishes of Gujarat include Khandvi, Kadhi, Dhokla, Khakra, Thepla, Fafra, and Handvo. Roti, daal or kadhi, rice, and shaak are mostly seen in a typical Gujarati thali. The flavours are exquisitely blended with the dominance of a sweet note.
Tourism in Gujarat
The rich art, architecture, and culture of Gujarat attract several tourists all year round. Starting from refreshing beaches and great temples like Mandvi, Dwarka, and Dumas; several architectural magnificence like Jama Masjid, Sun Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, Jhulta Minara, and so on; to various museums honouring Gandhiji, Gujarat stands as one of the best destinations in India.
A major part of Gujarat’s culture and heritage also includes music and dance. Dandiya Raas, Garba, Garbi, and Padhar form the major dance forms of the state while Sugam Sangeet forms the folk music of Gujarat.
Picture Source: india.com
