Chaitra Navratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, which typically falls in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar. This festival marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in many parts of India. During this nine-day festival, devotees' worship various forms of the goddess Durga and observe fasts as a form of penance and devotion.
Food plays an important role in the Chaitra Navratri festival, and there are several customs and traditions associated with it. Many people observe fasts during this time, which means abstaining from certain foods such as meat, grains, and alcohol. Instead, they consume simple vegetarian meals that are made using ingredients such as sabudana (tapioca pearls), singhara (water chestnut flour), and kuttu (buckwheat flour). These ingredients are considered to be pure and are believed to have spiritual significance. In addition to fasting, many people also prepare special dishes and sweets to offer to the goddess during the festival, making Chaitra Navratri a time of both devotion and culinary creativity.
Ashtami, or the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, is an important day for Hindus, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in many parts of India. One of the key features of Ashtami is the preparation of special foods, including poori, halwa, and kala chana. These dishes are believed to have great significance and are an integral part of the Ashtami celebrations. Poori is a deep-fried puffy bread that is a popular Indian dish, especially during festive occasions. On Ashtami, poori is often prepared as an offering to the goddess Durga, and it is then distributed among the devotees as prasad. The significance of poori lies in its circular shape, which represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The golden colour of the poori symbolises the sun, which is associated with the life-giving energy of the universe. In addition, poori is made using wheat flour, which is considered to be a pure and sacred grain, and it is fried in ghee, which is believed to have purifying properties. Thus, the preparation and consumption of poori on Ashtami are seen as a way of invoking the blessings of the goddess Durga and seeking her protection and guidance.
Halwa is a sweet pudding that is made using semolina, sugar, ghee, and milk. It is a popular dessert in many parts of India, and it is often served during festive occasions. On Ashtami, halwa is prepared as an offering to the goddess Durga, and it is then distributed among the devotees as prasad. The significance of halwa lies in its rich and sweet flavour, which represents the abundance and sweetness of life. It is believed that offering halwa to the goddess Durga is a way of seeking her blessings for a prosperous and happy life. In addition, the preparation of halwa involves stirring the mixture continuously until it thickens, which requires patience and dedication. This is seen as a way of demonstrating devotion and commitment to the goddess.
Kala chana, or black chickpeas, are a popular legume in Indian cuisine that are often used in curries, salads, and snacks. On Ashtami, kala chana is prepared as an offering to the goddess Durga, and then distributed among the devotees as prasad. The significance of kala chana lies in its dark colour, which represents the negative energies that exist in the universe. It is believed that offering kala chana to the goddess Durga is a way of purifying these energies and seeking her protection and blessings. In addition, kala chana is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, and it is believed to provide strength and energy to the devotees who consume it.
In conclusion, poori, halwa, and kala chana are three dishes that are prepared on Ashtami during Navratri, and are believed to have spiritual and symbolic significance in Hindu mythology and culture. These dishes are seen as offerings to the goddess Durga, and the preparation and consumption of these dishes on Ashtami is a way of demonstrating devotion and seeking the blessings of the goddess for a prosperous and happy life. Whether you are a devotee of the goddess Durga or simply a lover of Indian cuisine, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and fill your heart with joy and gratitude.