Navratri translates to Nine Nights in Hindi and is a very special occasion for Hindus across the Jammu division, especially up in the North India. Navratri celebrations are spread across a period of nine days, which are dedicated to the Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.
Observing the ritualistic Navratri fasts is also a form of showing devotion towards the deity. During the fasts, one is expected to eat pure vegetarian food. However, there are a set of restrictions in the vegetarian food that must be adhered too. For instance, one cannot consume any grain or legumes. The preparation of all the vrat meals should not have onions and garlic. Moreover, the use of regular (added) salt is also not allowed, only the rock salt (sendha) is used.
And when the discourse is about Dogra households, undoubtedly they make scrumptious food during this celebration which they savour with their friends and family. Here are 9 special dishes made by Dogras you can have for this Navratri vrat.
- Sabudana khichdi: An appetizing delicious dish of tapioca pearls prepared with potatoes and peanuts. Vegetarians swear by this gluten free recipe.
- Sabudana kheer: The sabudana kheer is creamy in texture and once it is served to you, it will be difficult for you to resist biting into these pearls. In case some people enjoy it in a different consistency, they can allow the kheer to cool down first for few minutes and then they can relish it.
- Kuttu ki khichdi: This recipe is comparatively easy to prepare. All you need is buckwheat groats (sabut kuttu), potatoes and peanuts. Kuttu ki khichdi is a nutritious food.
Read also: Why Kanjak pooja on the ninth day only in Navratras?
- Kuttu ka paratha: Those who relish parathas can make parathas with buckwheat flour and enjoy them with mashed potatoes.
- Singhade ki poor: The pooris made from water chestnut flour are light and easy to digest so health freaks can savour them without thinking twice.
- Dahi aloo: This dish adds a little twist to the regular aloo sabzi as this curry is made with potatoes and yogurt.
- Jeera aloo: If you are starving and do not have much time on your hands, you can go for this quickly prepared dish.
- Dahi arbi: Healthy and tasty dish, Colocasia-taro roots in thin yogurt gravy can work as a great tummy filling recipe.
- Vrat wale aloo: Mostly prepared dish during fasting period is crumbled potato recipe without using onion and garlic.
Here’s wishing you all a Happy Navratri !