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Navratri is a prominent festival celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm in every part of the country and Chhattisgarh is no exception. People residing in Chhattisgarh, light “Akhand Jyoti” and worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga during the nine days. There is a special tradition in Chhattisgarh that the people here break their fast after “Kanya Pujan” but after all nine days are completed. Those who fast abstain from eating salt and ‘anaaj’ and many of those who don’t fast, follow a sattvik diet.
Also Read: Why Do People Avoid White Salt In Navratri?
While talking to Slurrp, Home Chef Sneh Dewangan said that Navratri special thali in Chhattisgarh just like in any other part of India, is designed to adhere to the dietary restrictions and spiritual significance associated with the Navratri festival. During Navratri, many people in Chhattisgarh exclude ingredients like onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian items from their diet and consume ingredients like tikhur, singhara or water chestnut, sabudana, and more. Here are some common components of a Navratri special thali in Chhattisgarh.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana is the most popular ingredient during Navratri fasts. In Chhattisgarh, sabudana khichdi is widely consumed especially by those observing fasts. Made with sabudana, peanuts, potatoes, rock salt or sendha namak, spices, and coriander leaves.
Katra
Singhara Barfi also known as katra is a special delicacy prepared in Chhattisgarh. Water chestnut or singhara is known for its high nutritional value and it is considered ideal for fasting days. Made with singhara flour and aromatic and flavourful spices like cardamom powder, this barfi may not be that easy to make but it is super tasty and healthy.
Aloo Ki Sabji
Aloo ki Sabji made with sendha namak and without onion or garlic, is a common delicacy prepared in Chhattisgarh during Navratri. This dish is simple and considered an essential addition to the Navratri Thali. Those fasting can have aloo ki Sabji with sabudana khichdi and sama rice.
Tikhur
Another popular delicacy prepared in Chhattisgarh is tikhur ki barfi. Tikhur is a starchy ingredient known for its cooling properties. This barfi has tikhur, aromatic spices like cardamom powder, and nuts. This barfi is light on the stomach, thus considered ideal for Navratri fasts.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits like apples, pomegranates, and pineapples can provide the right amount of nutrition to those fasting. Consumption of fruits can provide energy and freshness. A Chhattisgarh thali for Navratri also includes some fresh fruits to provide back the lost energy and refreshment.
Sabudana Ki Kheer
Since we all know sabudana is one of the most popular ingredients used during Navratri fasts, it is transformed into so many dishes. Sabudana kheer is one of them. Made with sabudana, milk, sugar, and flavourful spices like Kesar, cardamom powder, and nuts, this kheer is wholesome and filling. Have you ever tried Sabudana Kheer? Do let us know.
