Thekua is more than just a sweet snack — it’s an emotion for every Bihari household, especially during Chhath Puja.
Made with simple ingredients like wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, Thekua holds a divine place in Bihar’s culture. It’s offered as prasad (holy offering) to Lord Surya (Sun God) during Chhath Puja, one of the most sacred festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern UP.
Crispy, golden, and beautifully fragrant — Thekua represents purity, devotion, and the essence of homemade love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Wheat flour (atta) – 2 cups
-
Jaggery (gud) – 1 cup (adjust to sweetness)
-
Ghee – 2–3 tablespoons (for kneading)
-
Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons
-
Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
-
Fennel seeds (saunf) – 1 teaspoon
-
Water or milk – as needed for dough
-
Oil or ghee – for deep frying
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Melt the Jaggery
In a small pan, add jaggery and a little water.
Heat it gently until the jaggery melts completely. Strain to remove impurities and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add wheat flour, grated coconut, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and ghee.
Mix well. Slowly add the jaggery syrup to make a firm but smooth dough (not sticky).
Step 3: Shape the Thekua
Take small portions of the dough and flatten them with your hands or use a thekua mould (wooden design press) to give beautiful patterns.
Step 4: Deep Fry
Heat ghee or oil in a kadhai (deep pan).
Fry the thekuas on low to medium flame until they turn golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Cool & Store
Once fried, let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container — they stay fresh for 10–12 days without refrigeration!
The Significance During Chhath Puja
During Chhath Puja, devotees prepare Thekua as prasad (holy offering) to the Sun God. It symbolizes simplicity, purity, and devotion — made without onions, garlic, or any artificial ingredients.
Families often make large batches together, turning it into a joyful ritual filled with laughter, songs, and tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
100% traditional and pure
-
No preservative, no refined sugar
-
Perfect tea-time snack or festive sweet
-
Crunchy outside, soft inside — melts in your mouth
-
Stays fresh for days — ideal for gifting or travel
Pro Tips
-
Always fry on low flame for perfect color and crispness.
-
You can replace jaggery with sugar, but jaggery gives that authentic earthy taste.
-
Add a few raisins or chopped dry fruits if you like a rich texture.
✨ Final Thoughts
Thekua is not just a sweet — it’s a memory of festivals, a taste of home, and a symbol of devotion.
So this Chhath Puja, let your kitchen fill with the aroma of jaggery and ghee, and relive the timeless flavors of Bihar’s traditional Thekua.