University of Maryland students had the chance to taste India on Thursday. Malida isn’t just a customary dish—it’s filled with history dating back to the prophet ages with every bite.
Omer Talker, an Israeli fellow for Hillel National, was born and raised in Israel after his father left India at age two. Despite leaving his country, many of their traditions followed.
Talker and his family enjoy Malida, a classic sweet dish that celebrates the culmination of Jewish and Indian traditions. Malida is eaten during times of celebration.
“We had one for me when I joined the IDF,” Talker said.
Talker’s family also indulges in Malida at weddings, brit milhas, and when he moved to America. Why is Malida a celebratory food, though?
The creation of Malida has an entangled history with the Indian-Jewish diaspora. In India, there are three prominent Jewish communities: Cochin Jews, Baghdadi Jews and Bnei Yisrael Jews, the largest of them.
According to legend, Baghdadi Jews sailed through Iran to India, where they encountered Prophet Eliyahu HaNavi, and he brought 14 of them to shore. The seven rescued couples are considered the forefathers of Bnei Yisrael Jews in India.
Seeking a way to show gratitude, the Baghdadi Jews wanted to offer a sacrifice at a temple. Animals, however, were considered sacred in India, and a ritualistic sacrifice would be frowned upon. In a culmination of Jewish and Indian values, they gave a sweet plant offering and Malida was born. Pistachios, raisins and almonds would later join the dish to connect to Tu B’shvat and good fortune.
To recreate a dish that has been a quiet testament of tradition for centuries to Jews in India, University of Maryland students gathered all the customary ingredients: poha (flattened rice), water, sugar, cinnamon and cardamom. Following standard practice, they mixed and ate with their hands, filling up with sweet blessings in every bite.
“The event was really special. We learned about the Malida dish and the incredible culture of the Indian-Jewish community,” said Einav Tsach, a junior international business and journalism student.
After enjoying Malida’s unique crispy textures and sweet flavors, it is customary to say a series of blessings. The sweetness Malida brings remains especially important during times of unprecedented darkness for the Jewish community.
“With the devastating news about the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz, the dedication of the dish to the hostages was so meaningful,” Tsach said.
Malida not only bridges the gap between savory and sweet but also between Jews and Indians.
