Navratri is one of the most significant and cherished Hindu festivals. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the divine feminine, who is worshiped in her various 9 forms during this period, each day dedicated to one form.
As part of Navratri rituals, devotees offer special foods and sweets to the goddess as ‘bhog’ or ‘prasad’. These offerings are an essential aspect of the prayers offered to Maa Durga. Navratri is not just a festival of fasting and prayer; it's also a time to indulge in the divine flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. The Navratri prasad offerings for each of the nine days are not only delicious but also hold deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the various aspects of life and spirituality. Preparing and sharing these special dishes with loved ones during Navratri is a beautiful way to celebrate the goddess and the rich tapestry of Indian culture. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the devotion and flavors of Navratri 2023.
If you are also doing the pooja at home, here is what you can prepare for the bhog and offer to the Goddess on each day.
Day 1 - Pratipada - Ghee, Puri, Chane
Navratri begins with the worship of Goddess Shailaputri, an incarnation of Parvati. For the first day, the bhog includes pure cow's ghee, puris (deep-fried bread), and black chickpeas cooked with jaggery, known as "chana jaggery." The offering is simple yet flavorful, symbolizing the start of the auspicious festival. It is important to note that if you are observing a fast, you may not be able to consume this prasad. In such a case, you can feed this prasad to the kids or other people in the family who are not fasting. As for your prasad, you can offer whatever fasting food you are planning to eat. The idea is to feel grateful for the food we get from Goddess Annapurna and to dedicate the first bite to her and get the honor of eating her blessed ‘bhog’ as your meal.
Day 2 - Dwitiya - Singhare ke Laddoo, Kuttu ka Halwa
The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The bhog consists of sugar-free sweets like "singhara" (water chestnut) laddoos or "kuttu" (buckwheat) halwa. These offerings signify austerity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Day 3 - Tritiya – Makhane ki Kheer
On this day, devotees venerate Goddess Chandraghanta. The prasad comprises a dessert known as "makhana kheer" made with fox nuts, milk, and sugar. The white color of the kheer represents purity and serenity.
Day 4 - Chaturthi – Malpua, Imli wale Chawal
Goddess Kushmanda is revered on the fourth day. The bhog for this day includes "malpua" (sweet pancakes) and "tamarind rice." Malpua, being a sweet dish, signifies happiness and celebration, while the tangy tamarind rice represents various flavors of life.
Day 5 - Panchami - Sabudana Khichdi
Goddess Skandamata is the deity of the fifth day. Devotees prepare "sabudana khichdi" (sago khichdi) and offer it as prasad. This fasting-friendly dish is light on the stomach, symbolizing purity and simplicity.
Day 6 - Shashthi - Arbi ki Sabzi, Sabudana Vada
The sixth day is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. The prasad includes "arbi" (taro root) curry and "sabudana" (sago) vada. These offerings represent humility and the significance of roots in our lives.
Day 7 - Saptami – Puri, Chole, Suji ka Halwa
Goddess Kalaratri is worshiped on the seventh day. The bhog consists of a hearty meal, including "poori," "chole," and "suji halwa." This lavish offering symbolizes abundance and indulgence, celebrating the power of the divine.
Day 8 - Ashtami – Kalaadi, Puri
The eighth day is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. Devotees prepare "kalaadi" (fried cheese cubes) and "puri" for prasad. The white color of kalaadi signifies purity and cleansing, reflecting the goddess's divine aura.
Day 9 - Navami - Paneer, Kheer
The final day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. Devotees offer "paneer" (cottage cheese) and "kheer" as bhog. The richness of paneer represents success and prosperity, while the sweet kheer symbolizes happiness and fulfillment.
Important Tips for Preparing Navratri Prasad
Fasting Ingredients: Navratri prasad is typically prepared using fasting ingredients like buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, sago, and certain types of lentils. Ensure you have these items in your kitchen during the festival.Frying: Many Navratri recipes involve deep frying. Be cautious while frying, and use the right oil to make the prasad as healthy as possible.Hygiene: Maintain utmost cleanliness while preparing prasad. Wash all the ingredients thoroughly, and use clean utensils and containers for cooking and serving.Offering to the Goddess: Before consuming the prasad, it is essential to offer it to the deity with devotion and gratitude. This act of offering, or "bhog," is a sacred practice in Hindu traditions.Fasting Guidelines: Follow fasting guidelines, which may include abstaining from onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian foods, depending on your family or regional customs.
