When it comes to Indian sweets, Bihar’s offerings are a class apart rustic, soulful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Each delicacy tells a story of devotion, culture, and the timeless bond between festivals and food. From the crunchy khaja of Silao to the syrupy laung-latika, these sweets are not just treats for the palate but echoes of Bihar’s rich culinary heritage.
Khaja: The crispy heritage from Silao
No trip to Bihar is complete without savouring khaja, the flaky, layered sweet that melts in your mouth. Originating from Silao near Nalanda, khaja is a centuries-old delicacy that’s also a staple during Chhath Puja. Traditionally gifted from the bride’s side during weddings in the Magadh region, its crisp layers and golden hue make it a festive favourite. It’s believed that the art of making khaja dates back to ancient times, with recipes passed down through generations, proof that good taste never goes out of style.
Parwal ki mithai: The sweet surprise
Bihar’s creativity in the kitchen truly shines through in parwal ki mithai, a dish that turns a humble vegetable into a royal dessert. The pointed gourd is peeled, deseeded, and stuffed with khoya and dry fruits, then soaked in a sugar syrup that gives it a glossy finish. The result? A dessert that’s both sweet and surprising, an ingenious blend of health and indulgence.
Thekua: The soul of Chhath puja
Golden-brown, aromatic, and divinely rich, thekua is more than a sweet; it’s an emotion for Bihar. Prepared during Chhath Puja, this jaggery-sweetened delicacy made from wheat flour and ghee symbolises devotion, unity, and gratitude. Every household in Bihar has its own version, yet the love it’s made with remains constant. Crispy on the outside and soft within, thekua is both a festive offering and a symbol of togetherness.
Tilkut: Gaya’s winter gem
As winter sets in, Bihar’s streets come alive with stacks of tilkut. Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, this crunchy delight from Gaya traces its origins to ancient Magadha. Apart from being a winter comfort food, it’s also a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. The sound of tilkut being pounded in traditional musars (mortars) is a familiar rhythm in Bihari homes every season.
Laung-Latika & Anarsa: The festive finale
Ending Bihar’s sweet saga are laung-latika and anarsa ,two festive favourites. Laung-latika hides a rich khoya filling inside crisp pastry, sealed with a clove (laung) and drenched in sugar syrup, offering a perfect mix of spice and sweetness. Meanwhile, anarsa, made with rice flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds, is a Diwali staple. Its crunchy exterior and chewy centre make it an irresistible treat that embodies the balance of texture and flavour Bihar is known for.
From weddings to worship, Bihar’s sweets are more than confections, they’re heritage served on a plate. Whether it’s the nostalgia of thekua, the innovation of parwal mithai, or the simplicity of khaja, each bite carries the warmth of home and the legacy of a land where every festival tastes a little sweeter.
