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Indians celebrate a festival called Navratri, which is a much-liked festival that symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This nine-night celebration honouring Goddess Durga includes dancing, fasting, prayer, and devotion. This festival is a time for overindulgence in sweets reminiscent of the nine forms of the goddess, although regular devotees avoid certain foods. The variety of sweets made to honour each of the nine days is one of the highlights. Every sweet treat, from fragrant halwas to classic laddoos, has a distinct flavour and meaning. Come along as we discover nine must-try desserts, one for each day of the festival, to add even more flair to your Navratri celebrations.
Ghee Laddoo
Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, is best honoured with ghee laddoos that are golden balls of pure delight. Sweetened with sugar or jaggery, these melt-in-your-mouth delights are made with roasted semolina or wheat flour and ample amounts of ghee. Ghee laddoos, flavoured with cardamom and topped with nuts, are not only tasty but also a great source of energy for the next few hours of fasting.
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Singhare Ke Laddoo
Water chestnut flour is used to make Singhare ke laddoo, which honours Brahmacharini, the goddess of patience and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. These pleasant laddoos, which combine the nutty taste of roasted water chestnut flour with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of ghee, are suitable for fasting. They are light but filling. Chopped nuts and cardamom are frequently added to them, giving them a distinct flavour that is ideal for the second day of Navratri.
Makhana Kheer
Chandraghanta, the goddess of peace and prosperity, is honoured by the creamy and comforting dish known as makhana kheer. Makhana, or puffed lotus seeds, are cooked in milk until tender, at which point they are sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cardamom to make this kheer. It is a nutritious treat on fasting days since nuts like pistachios and almonds offer texture and nutrients.
Malpua
A pancake-like dessert called malpua is dedicated to the universe's founder, Kushmanda. Fennel and cardamom-infused batter consisting of wheat flour, semolina, and milk are used to make these golden, crispy-edged treats. Malpuas are deep-fried till golden and then soaked in sugar syrup. For extra richness, rabri or condensed milk is frequently added as a garnish.
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Banana Halwa
Skandamata, the mother of the war god Kartikeya, is served a delectable and aromatic delicacy called banana halwa. Ripe bananas are transformed into a silky, caramelised treat with this halwa. Banana halwa, when cooked with ghee, sugar, and cardamom and topped with almonds, is not only tasty but also gives you quick energy when you're fasting.
Rajgira Laddoos
Rajgira laddoos, a celebration of the warrior goddess Katyayani, are produced from amaranth seeds. Enjoy them on the sixth day of Navratri. These laddoos are made from amaranth flour and are rich in protein and fibre; hence, they can be prepared during fasts. Rajgira Laddoos, which are sweetened with jaggery and enhanced with nuts and seeds, offer a steady supply of energy and nourishment. The divine taste of their prasadam distributed to the public, which inspires courage and perseverance, is patronised by Maa Katyayani, who symbolises strength and protection. Besides being such a yummy dessert, these laddoos convey the powers or significance of the goddess.
Ghee-Roasted Dry Fruits
The goddess Kalratri, in her most deadly form, is honoured with this easy yet elegant combination of roasted dried fruits with ghee. Ghee-roasted almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios in copious amounts are delicately flavoured with cardamom. As well as filling your appetites, this crispy mixture is full of nutritional goodness. The protection and empowerment that Kalratri bestows are symbolised by the richness of dry fruits, which makes this snack ideal for a day honouring her fiery side. Enjoy this gentle mixture within festivities and prayers.
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Coconut Burfi
As Navratri comes to an end, honour Goddess Mahagauri on the eighth day with coconut burfi, a delightful treat. This dessert is a classic example of a fudge that is made by combining grated coconut with sugar and cardamom. The exterior white colour of the burfi symbolises purity and the cut resembles Mahagauri’s beauty.
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Badam Halwa
On the ninth day of Navratri, which is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, round off your celebrations with the opulent badam halwa. Saffron strands and almond pieces adorn this velvety halwa, which is made from finely ground almonds, clarified butter, milk, and sugar. It is also sweet that it symbolises success and the attainment of dreams; thus, a reflection of Maa Siddhidatri, indeed. This halwa also represents the joyfulness of the last day of Navratri and it has a rich taste and a nice soft texture after melting in the mouth.
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Devotees pray for a bright year ahead of blessings from Goddess Durga by presenting these sweets to her nine avatars. Savour this delicious journey of flavours and traditions!
