Why do We Celebrate Navratri?
Navratri is a Hindu festival that takes place every year in the fall and covers nine nights. It is celebrated in different regions of the Indian cultural realm for diverse reasons and celebrated accordingly. Four seasonal Navratri exist theoretically. Navratri's mythology tells us about the great struggle between the mighty demon Mahishasura and the Durga Goddess.... Every year on every day of Navratri, the incarnations of "Goddess Durga" are worshipped in honour of her triumph over Mahishasura. This festival celebrates the final victory of 'Good over Evil.' Navratri, which lasts nine days, is also an important crop season cultural celebration. During Navaratri, people observe fast, and on the final day, they do puja and break their fast.
It is said that Goddess Durga fought for peace and dharma against the Buffalo demon Manisha Surya (the evil). She succeeded, and every year the success of the Durga Pooja is remembered. Navratri praises Durga and her several forms, which are the epitome of power and the ability to do anything one wishes. The Durga Goddess took on the shape of Maa Siddhidatri on the 9th day of Navratri. Siddhidatri is a combination of two words: Siddhi, which denotes supernatural power or meditation skill, and Dhatri, which means giver or awarder. Therefore, her name is the one that empowers us. Maa Siddhidatri is also called Goddess Lakshmi. She signifies wealth, happiness, and success.
This year, the Navratri is from 7th October 2020 to 15th October 2021.
Which Avatar of Goddess Durga is Celebrated on Which Day?
The name "Navratri" comes from Sanskrit, which means nine nights – Nava (nine) Ratri (night). On each day, a different avatar of Goddess Durga is celebrated:
- 1st Day: Goddess Shailputri
- 2nd Day: Goddess Brahmacharini
- 3rd Day: Goddess Chandraghanta
- 4th Day: Goddess Kushmanda
- 5th Day: Goddess Skandamata
- 6th Day: Goddess Katyayani
- 7th Day: Goddess Kaalratri
- 8th Day: Goddess Mahagauri
- 9th Day: Goddess Siddhidatri.
Now let's get back to the fun part-food!!
Therefore, celebrate your Navratri in 2021 by worshipping Goddess Devi Durga and continuing to eat your delicious Navratri special food at home for your vrat. Enjoy every day of the festival of Navratri with tasty and yummy Navratri dishes. As followers of Maa Durga observe a fast for nine days during Navratri, we offer you three unique vrat dishes which you may cook and enjoy throughout these fasting days. So we present to you unique and delicious Navratri food recipes today in this blog. All these Navratri fast recipes include the ingredients that you can have during your vrat.
Navratri Recipes
Vrat Recipe-Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 Banana (Frozen)
- 1/2 Apple (Frozen)
- 1/2 Kiwi (Frozen)
- 1/4 Cup Whole Strawberries (Frozen)
- 1/4 Cup Blueberries (Frozen)
- 1/4 Cup Diced Pineapple (Frozen)
- 15 Almonds
- 1 Cup Water
- A Few Mint Leaves
Method:
- Put all the frozen fruits in the blender along with the water and blend it nicely.
- Now add the almonds & blend again till the mixture is smooth.
- Take out this smoothie in a bowl and garnish it with some mint leaves & enjoy!!
Note: You can choose the fruits according to your liking.
Vrat Recipe-Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 1/2 Cup Buckwheat (Kuttu) Flour
- 2 Big Mashed Potatoes
- 1 Tsp Farali Salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 Big Tomatoes (Chopped Roughly)
- 1/2 Capsicum (Chopped Roughly)
- 1 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 3/4 Tsp Farali Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Roasted Coriander-Cumin Powder
- 11/2 Tsp Sugar
- 2 Tsp Chopped Mint Leaves
- 1 Tsp Basil & Oregano (Optional)
For the Toppings
- 1/2 Capsicum (Cut Lengthwise)
- 1/2 Tomato (Chopped Roughly)
- 50gms Grilled Paneer
- Mozzarella (As Required)
Method:
- Take the tomatoes and capsicum, and blanch them in a pot of 1/2 cup of water. Keep them on the heat, cover them, and cook for 5 minutes. Switch the gas off, cool it down, and blend the mixer into the purée.
- Then in a deep pan, add the ghee and the ready puree and add the salt, pepper, coriander-cumin powder and sugar to it, and simmer until it thickens.
- When the sauce has thickened, add the mint and simmer for a minute more. Keep it aside.
- Now take all the pizza base ingredients and prepare a soft, little dough with the help of water.
- Now, prepare a baking dish well with ghee/butter, place the dough in it, and flatten it with your palm to make a perfect circle.
- Take the fork and prick the base of the pizza. Grease it with ghee from above, too. Now, bake in a preheated convection oven for 10 min., at 200 degrees.
- If you don't have an oven, you can do it on the stove as well. Just cook it till it slightly darkens.
- Apply a little unsalted butter, then a healthy spoonful of sauce pizza, spread well.
- Now, place the toppings you like, grate the cheese and paneer, and then bake it in the convection mode at 200 degrees for 15 minutes. The cheese should have a golden hue on the top.
- Our Navratri pizza is ready: cut and serve.
Vrat Recipe-Sweet Potato and Peanut Poppers
Ingredients:
- 2 Medium-size Boiled Sweet Potatoes
- 1 Cup Roasted, Crushed Peanuts
- 1 Tsp Ginger-Chilli Paste
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves
- 1 Tbsp Arrowroot Flour (Paniphal)
- Oil for Frying
- Salt as Per Taste
Method:
- Take the boiled potatoes and mash them.
- Now add crushed peanuts, chilli-ginger paste, lemon juice, pepper powder, cumin powder, finely chopped coriander leaves, and salt to it.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly so that all the spices are combined.
- Now make this mixture into small balls and then fridge it.
- In a pot, heat the oil and keep it at a medium temperature.
- Fill a dish with Arrowroot powder and roll all of the balls in it.
- When the oil is heated, add the poppers to medium heat and deep fry until they are gold and crisp.
- With Farali Chutney, serve them hot.
This festive season, try out these Navratri dishes and enjoy this auspicious occasion.