Top 9 Bhog and Prasad Recipe for Navratri Festival

Navratri is more than just a festival; it’s a spiritual journey that millions of devotees undertake with devotion and enthusiasm. This nine-day celebration, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, is marked by fasting, prayers, and of course, offering Bhog and Prasad. The offerings made during Navratri are not just about culinary satisfaction but are believed to carry divine blessings, symbolizing purity and devotion.

At Recipe Rahasya, we believe in unearthing the secrets behind traditional dishes, and today, we delve into the sacred world of Bhog and Prasad—foods that connect us directly with the divine. Whether you’re fasting or simply celebrating Navratri with family and friends, these recipes are essential for honoring the goddess.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some traditional prasad recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for offering to the goddess during Navratri. Whether you are observing a fast or simply want to share these divine dishes with your family, these prasad recipes will make your celebration even more special.

Significance of Bhog and Prasad in Navratri

In Hinduism, bhog refers to the food offered to the gods and goddesses during puja. It’s believed that offering bhog invokes blessings, and the food, once blessed, becomes prasad. During Navratri, each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and the bhog offered varies according to the day. Prasad is then distributed to devotees as a token of divine grace.

The ingredients used are pure, typically sattvic (no onions, garlic, or non-vegetarian items), making them suitable for consumption during the fasts observed by devotees. Let’s explore some of the most popular and significant bhog and prasad recipes for this auspicious festival.

1. Sabudana Kheer
2. Panjiri
3. Coconut Ladoo
4. Rajgira Halwa
5. Makhana Kheer
6. Singhare Ka Halwa
7. Fruit Chaat
8. Aloo Ka Halwa
9. Pumpkin (Kaddu) Halwa

1. Sabudana Kheer

Sabudana (sago) is a staple ingredient during Navratri, and Sabudana Kheer is one of the most popular prasad recipes offered to the goddess. This creamy, sweet kheer is light on the stomach and incredibly easy to prepare.

Sabudana Kheer Ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (soaked)
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (or as per taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and raisins)

Sabudana Kheer Instructions:

1. Soak the sabudana in water for at least 2-3 hours.
2. Heat ghee in a pan, add the soaked sabudana, and sauté for a minute.
3. Pour in the milk and let it simmer on low heat. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
4. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Continue cooking until the sabudana becomes translucent and the milk thickens.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve as prasad.

2. Panjiri

Panjiri is a North Indian delicacy made with roasted whole wheat flour, ghee, and dry fruits. It is often offered as prasad during Navratri and other religious occasions because of its nutritious value and ease of preparation.

Panjiri Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or as per taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
• 1 tablespoon edible gum (gond)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)

Panjiri Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add the edible gum, and fry until puffed. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, add whole wheat flour and roast it on low flame until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
3. Add chopped dry fruits and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat, add the powdered sugar and fried edible gum, and mix well.
5. Let the mixture cool before offering it as prasad.

3. Coconut Ladoo

Coconut ladoo is an easy-to-make prasad recipe, prepared with minimal ingredients. These soft, sweet ladoos melt in the mouth and are often made as prasad during festivals like Navratri.

Coconut ladoo Ingredients:

• 2 cups freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Extra grated coconut for rolling

Coconut ladoo Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add the grated coconut, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
2. Add condensed milk, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Stir the mixture until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
3. Once the mixture cools slightly, grease your hands with ghee and shape them into small ladoos.
4. Roll the ladoos in extra grated coconut for a beautiful finish.
5. Offer these delicious coconut ladoos as prasad to the goddess.

4. Rajgira Halwa

Rajgira (amaranth) flour is another popular ingredient used during Navratri, especially for those observing fasts. Rajgira Halwa is a gluten-free prasad recipe that is rich in taste and nutrition.

Rajgira Halwa Ingredients:

• 1 cup rajgira (amaranth) flour
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup sugar (or jaggery)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A handful of chopped nuts (optional)

Rajgira Halwa Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add rajgira flour, and roast on low flame until it turns golden and releases a fragrant aroma.
2. In a separate pan, dissolve sugar in water and bring it to a boil.
3. Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the roasted rajgira flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the halwa thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Add cardamom powder and garnish with chopped nuts. Offer the halwa as prasad.

5. Makhana Kheer

Makhana (fox nuts) is a highly nutritious ingredient and commonly used during fasts. Makhana Kheer is a delicious dessert made with milk, makhana, and a hint of cardamom.

Makhana Kheer Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (or as per taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped almonds and cashews for garnish

Makhana Kheer Instructions:

1. Dry roast the makhana in a pan until they turn crisp. Crush them coarsely.
2. Heat milk in a pot, add the crushed makhana, and cook on a low flame until the milk thickens.
3. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve as prasad.

6. Singhare Ka Halwa

Singhare (water chestnut) flour is another popular ingredient used during Navratri fasting. Singhare Ka Halwa is a delicious, gluten-free dessert that is often prepared as prasad to offer to the deity.

Singhare Ka Halwa Ingredients:

• 1 cup singhare (water chestnut) flour
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup sugar (or jaggery)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped dry fruits for garnish

Singhare Ka Halwa Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add singhare flour, and roast it on low flame until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma.
2. In another pan, dissolve sugar in water and bring it to a boil.
3. Gradually add the sugar syrup to the roasted flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the halwa thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Sprinkle cardamom powder and garnish with chopped dry fruits before offering as prasad.

7. Fruit Chaat

Fruit Chaat is a healthy and refreshing prasad option that can be prepared during Navratri. It is light, nutritious, and packed with the goodness of seasonal fruits, making it an ideal offering for fasting days.

Fruit Chaat Ingredients:

• 1 apple (chopped)
• 1 banana (sliced)
• 1 pear (chopped)
• 1 pomegranate (seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon rock salt (sendha namak)
• 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• A few mint leaves for garnish
• A dash of lemon juice

Fruit Chaat Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the chopped fruits.
2. Sprinkle rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently.
3. Garnish with mint leaves and offer as prasad during Navratri.

8. Aloo Ka Halwa

Aloo Ka Halwa is a unique yet delicious prasad recipe made with potatoes. It’s a great option for those observing a fast during Navratri, as it uses simple ingredients but packs a lot of flavor.

Aloo Ka Halwa Ingredients:

• 2 boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/4 cup sugar (or as per taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Aloo Ka Halwa Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add the mashed potatoes, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add sugar and cardamom powder, and cook until the sugar melts and blends well with the potatoes.
3. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm as prasad.

9. Pumpkin (Kaddu) Halwa

Pumpkin, or kaddu, is typically used in savory dishes, but when transformed into a halwa, it becomes a delightful sweet treat. This pumpkin halwa is unique, nutrient-rich, and perfect for offering as prasad during Navratri. Its vibrant color and comforting sweetness make it a standout dish among traditional prasad recipes.

Pumpkin (Kaddu) Halwa Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated pumpkin (kaddu)
• 1 cup full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (or as per taste)
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios) for garnish

Pumpkin (Kaddu) Halwa Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add the grated pumpkin, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the pumpkin softens.
2. Pour in the milk and simmer on low heat until the pumpkin absorbs the milk and the mixture thickens.
3. Add sugar and cardamom powder, stirring well to combine. Cook until the halwa turns glossy and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
4. Garnish with saffron strands and chopped nuts before offering it as prasad.

You can also try Rasgulla Recipe for sweets in Navratri festival

The joy of celebrating Navratri lies in the devotion and care that goes into preparing bhog and prasad for the divine. These traditional recipes are not only delicious but also filled with the spiritual essence of the festival. Offering prasad during Navratri is a way to express your love and gratitude to the goddess, and these simple yet flavorful dishes make for a perfect offering.

As you prepare these bhog and prasad recipes for your Navratri celebrations, remember to do so with a heart full of devotion, and may the blessings of Goddess Durga bring happiness, health, and prosperity to your home.

By following these authentic Navratri bhog recipes, you’re not only nourishing your body but also embracing the spiritual essence of the festival. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below.

Wishing you a blessed and joyous Navratri from Recipe Rahasya! Jai Mata Di!

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