Navratri is a prominent festival celebrated all over India and by Indians residing abroad. Each day is dedicated to nine incarnations of Goddess Durga and holds great significance in Hindu culture. During the nine days of Navratri, devotees observe fast and break it on the eighth and ninth day. On eight day, in some homes, devotees organize “Kanya Puja” and feed little girls who are considered a form of Goddess Durga. In many households in North India, devotees make a prashad of “halwa, chana, and poori.”
This traditional meal consists of black chickpeas or kala chana cooked with minimal spices, sooji ka halwa, and poori. You know what? It is not just the common people who offer this meal as a Prashad to the Goddess but there are many Bollywood celebrities too who do the same. Recently, newly married couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani took to Instagram and shared a glimpse of their Ashtami prashad consisting of “halwa, chana and poori”. Here is what they shared.
Have you ever wondered why “Halwa, chana, poori” is an integral part of Ashtami celebrations? As per Devi Bhagwat Puran, it is believed that the little girls worshipped are considered the forms of Durga. For the same reason, nine girls along with 1 boy called Langur are worshipped and provided with good food for Kanjak Puja or Kanya Pujan. If nutritionists are to be believed, the combination of poori, halwa, and chana is rich in all essential nutrients to the human body. Besides, it helps the digestive system to balance the mechanism of the devotees who follow a sattvic diet for 7 to 8 days.
It is also believed that sooji and chana are rich in dietary fiber and can manage blood sugar levels. They can keep a check on cholesterol levels and can even support cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that chana has also energy-boosting properties and can contribute to better health. You didn’t know this, did you?