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Coconut is a ubiquitous ingredient in the traditional cuisine of Eastern India, enriching dishes with its distinct flavour and texture. Here are some popular culinary uses of coconut in the region:

Coconut Milk and Cream: Extracted from the grated flesh of mature coconuts, coconut milk and cream are essential ingredients in many savoury and sweet dishes. They add richness and depth of flavour to curries, stews, and desserts, imparting a unique tropical aroma.
Chutneys and Sauces: Coconut chutney, made from ground coconut, green chillies, and spices, is a staple accompaniment to South Indian delicacies like dosa, idli, and vada. Similarly, coconut-based sauces are used to enhance the flavour of seafood and vegetable dishes.
Sweets and Desserts: Eastern India boasts a rich repertoire of coconut-based sweets and desserts, such as narkel nadu (coconut laddoos), patishapta (coconut-filled crepes), and narikel er roshogolla (coconut-infused rasgullas). These indulgent treats showcase the versatility of coconut in creating decadent confections.
Rice Preparations: In coastal regions, coconut rice is a popular delicacy made by cooking rice with grated coconut, spices, and aromatic herbs. This fragrant dish pairs perfectly with seafood and vegetable curries, offering a taste of coastal cuisine.

Beyond its culinary uses, coconut holds profound religious significance in Eastern India, playing a central role in various rituals and ceremonies. Here are some instances of its religious significance:
Offerings and Prasad: Coconut is often offered as prasad (a sacred offering) to deities in temples and during religious festivals. It symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and devotion, and is believed to attract divine blessings.
Pujas and Rituals: In Hindu rituals and pujas, breaking a coconut is a common practice symbolizing the breaking of the ego and the offering of oneself to the divine. The water inside the coconut is considered pure and is used in ablutions and ceremonial baths.
Wedding Ceremonies: Coconut plays a significant role in traditional wedding ceremonies in Eastern India. It is often included as part of the bride's trousseau and is exchanged between the bride and groom as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and marital bliss.