Nahay Khay 2025 Recipe: How To Make Traditional Kaddu Bhaat Recipe For First Day Of This Chhath Puja

Nahay Khay Recipe: Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and significant Hindu festivals of India, which starts after the sixth day of Diwali and the festivity continues for four days. Chatth Puja 2025 starts on October 25 and will conclude on October 28. The festival is dedicated to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God, Surya Devta. It is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, as well as in parts of Madhya Pradesh and a few regions of Nepal. On the first day of Chhath Puja, Nahay Khay is observed, which marks cleansing and purification of body and spirit by taking a sacred bath in rivers or ponds and women observe fast after having one meal to signify the purification process. Kaddu Bhaat is the Nahay Khay recipe that symbolises purity and simplicity.

Kaddu Bhaat is a traditional meal that is eaten on Day 1 of the festivities. Also known as pumpkin rice, it is a nourishing dish with spiritual significance. Sometimes pumpkin is substituted with gourd and cooked with mild spices along with gram dal and served with rice, typically Arwa, which is a short-grain rice variety common in Bihar known for its unique aroma and texture. Kaddu Bhaat is sattvik and does not contain onion or garlic as it is offered as prasad. Here’s the recipe of traditional Kaddu Bhaat you can easily make on Nahay Khay 2025 of Chhath Puja.

Kaddu Bhaat Ingredients List

For Rice Preparation

1 cup arwa rice, washed and soaked for 10 minutes

2 cups water

½ teaspoon rock salt

1 teaspoon ghee

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For Pumpkin Preparation

¼ cup gram lentils, rinsed

350 grams pumpkin, cubed

1 cup water

½ teaspoon rock salt

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

For Tempering

1 teaspoon ghee

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

1-2 bay leaves

¼ teaspoon asafoetida

2 green chillies, chopped

2 dried red chillies

1 teaspoon grated ginger

½ teaspoon cumin powder

¼ cup water

Fresh coriander, for garnish

Kaddu Bhaat For Nahay Khay Chhath Puja 2025 (Image Credits: Instagram)

Easy Nahay Khay Recipe: How To Make Kaddu Bhaat For Chhath Puja 2025

Step 1: In a deep pot, boil 2 cups of water. Add the soaked arwa rice, rock salt and a teaspoon of ghee for a fragrant and buttery aroma.

Step 2: Stir the rice on high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the rice cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Set aside.

Step 3: In a pressure cooker, combine cubed pumpkin, gram lentils, water, rock salt and turmeric powder.

Step 4: Cover and cook on medium flame for 3 whistles. After the pressure releases, check the doneness of the lentils; if slightly raw, cook for one additional whistle.

Step 5: In a pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, asafoetida, green chillies and dried red chillies. Saute for 2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 6: Add grated ginger and cook for another minute, then add the boiled pumpkin and lentils. Lightly mash the pumpkin for a creamy texture.

Step 7: Sprinkle cumin powder, adjust salt to taste, and pour in ¼ cup water. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the pumpkin is well-coated with spices.

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Step 8: Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve this delicious Kaddu Bhaat warm.

Step 9: Preparing and consuming Kaddu Bhaat during Nahay Khay is not just a feast but a religious ritual that begins the auspicious Chhath Puja journey. The food focuses on purity, devotion and rebirth.