Gorakhpur: As soon as the discussion about Khichdi fair of Gorakhpur starts, the name of the special sweet ‘Khaja’ available in this fair comes first on the tongue. This sweet is not only delicious in taste, but its historical and cultural significance is also very special. At the end of the long wait of a year, when the smell of Khaja spreads in the market, everyone becomes desperate to taste it.
Khaja is the most liked sweet during Khichdi fair in Gorakhpur and surrounding areas. Its texture and taste make it different from other sweets. Khaja is made from a special mixture of flour, ghee and sugar. It is rolled into layers and fried, and then prepared by dipping it in sugar syrup. This entire process gives a special crunch and sweetness to the sweets. The layers of Khaja are so thin and crisp that as soon as they are broken, they fascinate the mind with their fragrance.
Khaja is linked to traditions
The splendor of the Khichdi fair organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Gorakhnath temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Khaja stall is the most popular in this fair. This sweet has become a part of the tradition of this fair. Devotees buy it for themselves, the religious and cultural importance of Khaja makes it more special. Gorakhpur’s Khaja is not only delicious, but it is also deeply connected to the traditions and sentiments of the region. Tasting Khaja becomes a memorable experience for every person who comes to Khichdi Fair.
This is how to prepare
Traditional method is followed in making Khaja. The confectioners who make it are keeping this art alive from generation to generation. Making Khaja takes hours of hard work and experience. This is the reason, its taste is incomparable. Khaja is not just a sweet, but a part of the cultural identity of Gorakhpur. Long queues of people form to buy it in Khichdi fair. Its popularity is so much that people come from far and wide to buy it.
Tags: Gorakhpur news, Local18, Uttar Pradesh News Hindi
FIRST PUBLISHED: January 2, 2025, 15:00 IST
