5 must-try Bengali vegetarian dishes for festive feast

Shukto: A bittersweet medley of vegetables like bitter gourd, raw banana, and potato, cooked in a light mustard and milk-based gravy.

Begun Bhaja: Crispy fried eggplant slices marinated with turmeric and salt, perfect as a side dish or snack.

Cholar Dal: A rich Bengal gram (chana dal) lentil dish, flavored with coconut, ginger, and whole spices like cinnamon and bay leaves.

Aloo Posto: Potatoes cooked with poppy seed paste, offering a nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Labra: A mixed vegetable curry, combining pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and brinjal, seasoned with panch phoron (five spice mix) for a comforting, balanced taste.