If Your March Began With Puran Poli, These 10 Festival Dishes Will Feel Familiar

Mar 10, 2026, 11:00 AM
Photo Credit : Tempting Treat

Spring in India is more than blooming fields and bright colours — it’s a season served on a plate. From sweet Puran Poli to tangy Kanji Vada, here’s how different states welcome renewal through food.

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1. Puran Poli (Maharashtra & South India)

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with jaggery & chana dal.

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Traditionally made during spring festivals like Holi, Gudhi Padwa and Ugadi.

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2. Shrikhand (Gujarat & Maharashtra)

Creamy chilled yoghurt sweetened with sugar, saffron & cardamom — Shrikhand is a spring favourite during Gudhi Padwa & Holi.

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Perfect for warm days and festive feasts.

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3. Kanji Vada (Rajasthan)

Tangy fermented mustard water brimming with probiotic goodness, served with urad dal vadas — Kanji Vada is a classic Rajasthani spring drink that’s playful, healthy & zingy!

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4. Til Pitha (Assam)

During Bohag Bihu, Assam welcomes spring with Til Pitha — rice flour rolls filled with jaggery & sesame, celebrating harvest and togetherness in every bite.

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5. Zarda rice (Punjab)

Fragrant sweet rice studded with nuts and saffron — Zarda rice (meethe chawal) graces Punjabi spring feasts like Baisakhi & Basant.

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Symbolising prosperity and the golden fields of the season.

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6. Gujiya (North India)

No spring story is complete without Gujiya — sweet dumplings filled with khoya and dry fruits, deep-fried to golden perfection for Holi feasts across North India.

Photo Credit : Swasthi's Recipes

7. Ugadi Pachadi (Andhra & Telangana)

A mosaic of six tastes — sweet, sour, bitter, salty, tangy & spicy — Ugadi Pachadi mirrors life itself.

Photo Credit : Swasthi's Recipes

Made with neem, mango, jaggery & more during the Telugu & Kannada New Year.

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8. Obbattu (Holige) (Karnataka)

In Karnataka, spring arrives with Obbattu, a delicate flatbread stuffed with jaggery and lentils, prepared for Ugadi.

Photo Credit : Chitras Food Book

Rolled thin, roasted in ghee, and served warm, it tastes like celebration itself.

Photo Credit : Chitra's Food Book

9. Payasam (South India)

Silky rice or vermicelli pudding simmered in milk and jaggery, Payasam is offered in prayers and shared in South India during Vishu & spring harvest celebrations.

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10. Thandai (North India)

A cool, fragrant mix of milk, nuts, saffron & spices — Thandai is quintessential for Holi and Indian springs.

Photo Credit : Cook with Manali

Refreshing hearts and cooling bodies after colour-filled festivities.

Photo Credit : Piping Pot Curry