GUWAHATI: As the Navratri starts, there is sense of celebration and jollification in the air. It is going to be that time of the year again when idols of goddess Durga are decorated with kumkum, bangles, flowers, and jeweled attires. Morning prayers are offered accompanied by synchronised bells.The aroma of pure butter or desi ghee delicacies fill up the space. Navratri, one of the biggest Hindu festivals is celebrated twice a year with great fervour across the country.
The 9 day long festival is celebrated by worshiping avatars of Goddess Durga symbolizing the strength of a woman. The word 'Navratri' refers to the nine auspicious nights during which Goddess Durga is worshiped and most people observe fasts. It is celebrated twice a year, at the beginning of spring and during the onset of autumn
Devotees keep fast to pay gratitude to the Goddess and is observed as per the beliefs of Hinduism. During Navratris most people give up non-vegetarian food while many others also eliminate onion and garlic from their meals. Delicacies such as Sabudana khichdi, fruit chaat, kheer and kuttu ki poori are some of the most popular dishes cooked during the Navratri season. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these foods attract and absorb negative energies and should be avoided during a seasonal change as our bodies tend to have low immunity around that time.
Fasting delicacies like kuttu atta, singhara atta, fresh vegetables, milk, yogurt and makhanas are preferred as they are light on the stomach and can be digested easily. Instead of regular salt, rock salt or sendha namak is used as it is pure and unprocessed. Those who do not wish to fast may follow a vegetarian satvik diet where ingredients like garlic and onions that produce heat in the body are avoided to allow your body to detox.
Here are some of the healthy mouth-watering vrat delicacies to try this Navratri:
1. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana is full of starch or carbohydrates which gives you the much needed energy boost while fasting. A light dish made with sabudana, peanuts and mild spices. You could also opt for sabudana kheer or sabudana vada, which also make great Navratri snacks.
2. Kuttu Ka Dosa
If you are a dosa fan, this Navratri, move over the usual kuttu puris and rustle up something different. A crisp dosa recipe made of kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) with a potato filling. Don't forget to serve it with mint and coconut chutney.
4. Aloo ki Kadhi
Tuck into the soothing flavors of this light and lovely curry made with the ever-so-versatile potatoes. Move over the boring aloo ka falahar and instead choose to eat some healthy aloo kadhi and make your Navratri even more special.
8. Vratwale Chawal Ka Dhokla
A fresh recipe that gives you a break from the usual fried pakoras and puris. Steamed dhoklas made with samwat ke chawal. A healthy way to fast, this dhokla recipe is tempered with whole red chillies, cumin, ghee and curry leaves. Enjoy this Navratri fasting special dish at home and you would not be able to resist making it on another occasion!
9. Kebab-e-Kela
Fasting need not be boring anymore! Spiced banana kebabs that perfectly melt in your mouth and please your soul. Flavoured with chillies and coriander this is a great festival snack.
12.Vratwale Aloo Rasedaar
Aloo rasedaar is an Indian gravy sabzi whoch is specifically made with rock salt or sendha namak to match with the customs of the fasting season of Navratri, where normal salt is avoided. It is a delicious aloo recipe that you can pair with Kuttu ki puri or chapatis.
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