Celebrate the 9 Nights of Navratri with Special Dishes for Navratri

Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant and celebrated festivals, observed with great fervor and devotion by Hindus across the country. Derived from the Sanskrit words “nava” (meaning nine) and “ratri” (meaning nights), Navratri marks the victory of good over evil and the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival spans nine nights and ten days, during which devotees honor the divine feminine power through prayers, music, dance, and fasting.

Fasting during Navratri has deep spiritual and cultural significance. It is believed that abstaining from certain foods purifies the body and mind, making one more receptive to spiritual energies. While many devotees choose to fast in various forms—some opting for a complete fast, others limiting themselves to fruits and dairy—there are also special “vrat” or fasting dishes that can be enjoyed without breaking the rules of the fast. These dishes are not only delicious but also light and nutritious, ensuring that the energy levels remain high throughout the day. Navratri special dish is filling yet easy on the stomach, providing just the right amount of energy during fasting. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular and mouthwatering Navratri dishes you can savor while maintaining your devotion and tradition.

Navratri Food Special – Enjoy These Delicious Dishes With Flavor And Tradition

1. Sama Ke Pulao

Sama Ke Pulao, also known as Samvat rice pulao, is a delightful and light dish perfect for fasting. Sama rice, a grain allowed during Navratri, is cooked with a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green peas, and lightly spiced with cumin seeds and green chilies. This dish has a texture similar to regular pulao but is much lighter, making it an ideal meal to sustain you through the day. 

2. Sabudana Khichdi

A favorite among those observing fasts, Sabudana Khichdi is a delicious dish made from sago or tapioca pearls. Sabudana is soaked overnight and then cooked with roasted peanuts, boiled potatoes, and a hint of spices like cumin and green chilies. The addition of lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves gives the khichdi a refreshing flavor. 

3. Rajgira Paratha

Rajgira Paratha is a nutritious flatbread made from amaranth flour, which is allowed during Navratri. This gluten-free paratha is soft and slightly nutty in flavor and pairs perfectly with a variety of fasting-friendly side dishes like yogurt or boiled potatoes. To prepare, the flour is kneaded with boiled potatoes, rock salt, and a few spices like black pepper and green chilies.

4. Kutti Ki Puri with Aloo Curry

Kutti Ki Puri is a deep-fried bread made from kuttu or buckwheat flour, a staple during Navratri fasting. It is usually paired with a delicious aloo (potato) curry cooked in mild spices like cumin and rock salt. This combination is flavorful, filling, and comforting, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option during the fast. 

5. Puran Poli

A Navratri special dish enjoyed during festivals, Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread made from chana dal (split Bengal gram) and jaggery. While it is more commonly associated with Maharashtra, this dish is also enjoyed during Navratri fasting. The filling is prepared by cooking chana dal and jaggery together until it forms a smooth paste, which is then stuffed into a dough made from fasting-friendly flours. 

6. Babru

Babru is a traditional Himachali dish that can be enjoyed during Navratri. It is a fried bread similar to kachori, but made with a filling of soaked and ground black gram (urad dal) mixed with fasting spices. The bread is crispy outside with a soft and flavorful filling inside. Babru pairs well with a side of aloo ki sabzi or a simple chutney, making it a delightful snack or meal option.

7. Sweet Potato Chaat

If you’re looking for a light yet tasty snack during Navratri, try the Sweet Potato Chaat. Boiled and cubed sweet potatoes are tossed with rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and fresh lemon juice. Garnished with chopped coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds, this chaat is visually appealing and bursts with flavors—sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy. 

8. Makhane ki Kheer

Makhane ki Kheer is a delicious dessert with fox nuts (makhana), milk, and dry fruits. Makhana is a popular ingredient during fasting due to its light and crunchy texture. The kheer is prepared by simmering fox nuts in milk until soft and then sweetening it with jaggery or sugar. 

9. Sabudana Thalipeeth

Sabudana Thalipeeth is a savory pancake with soaked sago pearls, mashed potatoes, and roasted peanuts. The ingredients are mixed to form a dough, then flattened and cooked on a hot pan with a little ghee. This dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a wonderful crunch from the peanuts. It’s a great option for breakfast or as a snack during Navratri.

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Conclusion

Navratri is a time of devotion, celebration, and coming together with family and friends. While fasting may seem challenging, it can be made enjoyable with the right variety of nutritious and delicious dishes. From light pulaos to sweet desserts, the options for Navratri fasting foods are diverse and flavorful. This Navratri, indulge in these special dishes and make your fasting experience delightful.

FAQ

1. Can I add grains in dishes for Navratri?

During Navratri, regular grains like wheat and rice are avoided. Instead, you can consume alternatives like sama rice, rajgira, and buckwheat.

2. What is the best dessert in Navratri food special?

Makhane ki Kheer and Puran Poli are popular dessert options that are delicious and permissible during Navratri fasting.

3. What vegetables are allowed in Navratri food special?

Common vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and bottle gourd are allowed during Navratri fasting. Avoid using garlic, onions, and regular salt.