Mohan Bhoga Jenamani

Mohan Bhoga, also known as Sooji Halwa, is a delectable sweet dish made from semolina. It holds a significant place in various culinary traditions and is enjoyed in different shapes and sizes. This rich and sugary delicacy is cherished for its delightful taste and is often considered a special treat for various festive occasions.

During the Ratha Yatra period, the sevayats, or temple servants, play a crucial role in the rituals and offerings. As part of the Ratha Yatra festival, which is primarily celebrated in Odisha, India, devotees witness the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on intricately decorated chariots called “Rathas.”

One of the auspicious events during the Ratha Yatra is the Sunabesha ritual, also known as the golden attire ritual. During this ceremony, the deities are adorned with resplendent golden attire and adorned with various jewels. As part of this divine celebration, special delicacies like Mohan Bhog are offered to the deities as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.

The sevayats prepare Mohan Bhog with utmost care and offer it as Mahaprasad to all the devotees. Mahaprasad signifies the blessed food that is first offered to the deities and then distributed to the devotees. It is believed to carry the divine blessings of the gods and is considered a sacred offering.

In the Raghab Das Mutt, Mohan Bhog holds a special place among the dry food delicacies like puri and sola during the Ratha Yatra festival. The devotees eagerly partake in this sweet delight as a way to connect with the divine and experience the spiritual essence of the festival.

In conclusion, Mohan Bhog or Sooji Halwa is a cherished sweet dish that forms an integral part of the Ratha Yatra festival’s culinary traditions. It symbolizes devotion and is offered to the deities during the auspicious Sunabesha ritual. The joyous distribution of Mohan Bhog as Mahaprasad adds a touch of sweetness to the celebrations, creating a memorable experience for all the devotees.

Mohan Bhoga Jenamani

Once upon a time, during the Ratha Yatra festival in Odisha, India, Mohan Bhog, also known as Sooji Halwa, was a sweet dish made from semolina. Sevayats would offer this delectable treat to devotees as Mahaprasad. The festival involved the grand procession of deities on chariots. Mohan Bhog held significance alongside other offerings like puri and sola. Its rich and sugary taste added sweetness to the festive celebrations, allowing devotees to connect with the divine. This sacred offering symbolized devotion and was eagerly enjoyed by all, making it a delightful and cherished part of the once-upon-a-time Ratha Yatra rituals.

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Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• 1 Cuo Semolina 1 cup
• 1 Cup Ghee
• 1/2 cup  powdered Khand/ Sugar
• 1^1/3 Cup Milk
• 1 tablespoon Cardamom Powder
• 2 pieces Bay Leaves
• 2 Clove
• Pinch Edible camphor.

Instructions

 

• Keep the milk to boil.
• In a pan add ghee.
• Fry raisins and pistachios, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks.
• Add rava and fry
• Fry on a low flame till you get a nice aroma of rava.
• Once rava is completely fried, add khand powder/ sugar , and pinch of edible camphor.
• Mix everything well
• Add boiled milk, mix well
• Close the lid. Let it cook on a very low flame.
• Let cut the cooked rava / suji in adesired format
• It is cooked now and Mohan Bhog is ready.

Notes

• For variation in south they add banana to it.
• You can adjust the amount of ghee and sugar as per your preference.

Jai Jagannath🙏