7 Authentic Bengali Sweets to Celebrate Tagore Jayanti

Tagore Jayanti is more than a tribute to the Nobel Laureate’s literary genius. The birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore is a cultural celebration, marked by music, dance, poetry readings and generous, loving offerings of traditional Bengali sweets. It’s a day for people to come together, bond over their shared love for Tagore and recognise his rich legacy. His poems are recited, and their many layers are peeled back to come at the profound truths he wrote about. People sing and dance in his memory, remembering the groundbreaking achievement of this revered poet. And of course, there’s an endless supply of food. People eat and connect with each other over delicious dishes that take one back to Tagore’s own house, which was known for its welcoming and delicious food. And since Bengal is the land of chhena, and of delicate sweets, no Tagore celebration is complete without a variety of desserts. So here are seven traditional Bengali sweets that capture the spirit of the day that you can serve to enhance the celebration.

Roshogolla

These soft, spongy chhena balls, soaked in a light sugar syrup, are integral to Bengali culture and should absolutely figure in your food offering. Traditionally made with chhena which is kneaded to a soft texture and then carefully boiled in sugar syrup, this sweet is best enjoyed cold, after it has soaked overnight. Pair it with a recitation of one of his poems and a cup of tea under the mango tree in your backyard.

Mishti Doi

Smooth, sweet, and just a little tangy, mishti doi is a fermented dessert. It is made with caramelized sugar and thickened milk, which is then left to set into a creamy dessert. It’s said that mishti doi was often served at Brahmo Samaj gatherings in Tagore’s home. It's understated, elegant, and comforting, and a must-have at any Bengali celebration. Garnish with a few slivers of pistachio or a touch of saffron to make it look more festive.

Sandesh

Sandesh is a delicate, minimal, and deeply delicious dessert. This classic sweet is made from chhena and sugar, sometimes flavored with cardamom or rosewater, and often shaped into beautiful designs. During Tagore Jayanti, some even shape sandesh into musical symbols, books, or little sculptures of Tagore’s face. The dessert is a very active part of the celebration and must be recognised as such. Top with a single mint leaf, or press an almond into each piece. Sprinkle some sugar on top for a crunch or add almond slivers for a fancier decoration.

Kheer Kadam

Named after the kadam flower, this is a dessert with a surprise. A soft roshogolla at the center is encased in a layer of kheer or khoya and then rolled in powdered sugar or coconut. The layers unravel in the mouth the way Tagore’s poetry lays itself out in the mind. Serve it on Tagore Jayanti as a symbol of the layered genius you are celebrating.

Chhanar Payesh

While payesh (kheer) is traditionally made with rice, chhanar payesh swaps out rice for delicate chhena balls, soaked in a thickened milk base. This delectable, indulgent variation is reserved for celebrations, and Tagore Jayanti certainly qualifies. It’s best served chilled and is a nod to the opulence of the Tagore household and the richness of their cultural contributions.

Pantua

This one looks a lot like gulab jamun. It is chhena that has been deep-fried before being soaked in syrup. It’s intense, indulgent, and reflective of Tagore’s own bouts of poetic intensity. It has a crunchy outer layer and a soft, syrupy interior. Its deep brown color and delectable taste make it a stunning addition to a Tagore Jayanti thali. For extra flair, add a touch of cardamom to the syrup and serve it warm.

Nolen Gur Sandesh

Although Tagore Jayanti comes in peak summer, nolen gur aka the date palm jaggery harvested in Bengal’s winter months, is used in this dessert. When combined with chhena, it creates a brilliant and layered dessert. The warm flavor tones of the jaggery and the coolness of the chhena make it a favorite among people, since the contrasts really well in mouth. There’s something nostalgic about this sweet, with its earthy flavor from the jaggery which evokes memories of childhood and simplicity.