Farewell feast of Radha and Krishna at Radhashyam mutt in Puri. Picture by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: A number of Puri mutts, which had installed idols of Radha and Krishna on lavishly decorated swings, bid adieu to the divine duo yesterday.

Among all the monasteries, Radhashyam mutt is known for an elaborate farewell platter comprising sweetmeats, country cakes and other tasty dishes for Radha and Krishna.

The mutt is known to cook more than a hundred items on the concluding day of Jhulan yatra every year.

This year, 107 items were on the menu.

“We prepare a variety of sweets made of ghee on this occasion. At least 30 varieties of sweets dipped in sugar syrup such as rasgolla, gulab jamun, jalebi and many more form a major part of the platter,” said mutt chief Subal Maharaj.

Dry sweets such as barfi, sandesh and peda are also prepared for Radha and Krishna.

That apart, country cakes or pithas — with fillings of grated coconut fried in molten jaggery — were a major attraction.

“The pithas were made of batters such as rice, wheat, flour and a variety of pulses. Some were fried, while the others were steamed,” he said.

The delicious dishes prepared in authentic traditional style attracted a large number of devotees who wished to partake the “prashad” after it was offered to the deities.

“Jhulan is a beautiful festival when the wonderful bond of love between Radha and Krishna and the times they spent in the gardens of the Brindaban are remembered by decorating huge swings with flowers, garlands, toys and miniatures of mythological characters. But that apart, the delectable dishes prepared at the Radhashyam mutt is the highlight of the festival every year,” said Keshari Samal, a local devotee.

The Radheshyam mutt has a flair for delicious dishes.

The mutt prepares more than 300 dishes during the religious festival of Byanjan Dwadashi, which is hugely popular with the devotees.

“This is a small token of love for our Lord. We present Him with the things we are the best at preparing. Since the arrangements and the cooking keep us busy, it makes it easier for us to get over the sorrow of the deities’ departure, who stay with us at the mutt for a week,” Maharaj said.