Traditional Himachali Wedding Menu: Dham, Dishes & Food Culture

What is Dham?

Dham is the traditional Himachali festive meal served at weddings and celebrations. Prepared by hereditary chefs called 'botis', it's served on leaf plates (pattal) and eaten sitting cross-legged in rows.

The Traditional Dham Menu

Starters

• Khatta: Tangy chickpea curry with dry pomegranate seeds
• Sepu Vadi: Spinach and lentil dumplings in curry

Main Course

• Madra: The star dish — chickpeas or kidney beans in a rich yogurt-based gravy with dry fruits
• Dal Mahani: Black urad dal slow-cooked overnight
• Chha Maas: Buttermilk curry with fennel

Rice & Bread

• Meali Bhat: Sweetened rice with dry fruits and saffron
• Pathrode: Colocasia leaf rolls
• Babru: Himachali version of kachori

Sweet

• Meetha Bhat: Sweet rice with jaggery and nuts
• Siddu: Steamed bread stuffed with walnut/poppy seed paste, served with ghee

Regional Variations

• Kangra Dham: Known for its rich madra and mahani dal
• Mandi Dham: Includes a special preparation of chha gosht
• Shimla Dham: Simpler with emphasis on local vegetables
• Kullu Dham: Features river fish preparations

How Much Does Dham Cost?

A traditional dham for 200 guests costs approximately ₹40,000-₹60,000 (₹200-300 per plate), significantly less than catering from outside.

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