Navratri 2021: Why Poori, Halwa, and Kale Chane are prepared on Ashtami/Navami

On the eighth day of Navratri, the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga called Mahaguri is worshipped. This day is also known as Durga Ashtami and the ninth day is called Ram Navami or Maha Navami, and both the tithis are celebrated across the country by offering prayer and treats to little girls or kanyas. On this day, people who keep Navratri fast, break the fast by feeding young girls with the traditional bhog of Poori, Sooji Halwa, and Sookhe Kale Chane. Here’s everything you need to know about the tradition of eating Poori, Sooji Halwa, and Sookhe Kale Chane on Ashtami. (Image: istock)

According to Devi Bhagwat Puran, it is believed that the young girls worshipped on this day are the forms of Goddess Durga. It is for the same reason that 9 girls along with 1 boy (called Langur) are worshipped and treated with good food, which is also known as Kanjak Puja or Kanya Pujan. (Image: istock)

As per nutritionists, the combination of poori, halwa, and chana provides all essential nutrients to the human body that helps the digestive system to balance the mechanism after following sattvic diet for 7-8 days.(Image: istock)

Also Read: Fasting food rules to follow during 9-day festival

Made in desi ghee, chane, poori and halwa all three dishes are healthy. As per experts, chana and sooji are rich in dietary fibre and therefore contribute to better blood sugar levels. They also help maintain and balance cholesterol levels and thereby promote cardiovascular health. It has been found that black chana contains saponins, which prevent the cancer cell from multiplying and spreading in the body. It also contains selenium, important in detoxifying cancer causing compounds.(Image: istock)

As per mythology experts, Kanjak Puja begins with washing the feet of young girls (aged between 2-10 years). Next, tilak is applied on their forehead and a kalava is tied in their hands. After that, they are first given the prasad of tender coconut and are further offered Poorik Halwa, and Sookhe Kale Chane. In some parts of Northern India, many people also prepare Sattvik Aloo Gobhi or Aloo Tamatar along with Chane. At the end of puja, they are also given gifts in the form of money, jewellery, clothes, toys, etc. At last, the devotee touches their feet asking for their blessings and after their departure, the devotee breaks the fast with leftover bhog. (Image: istock)

The Ashtami tithi will begin at 09.47 pm on October 12, 2021, and end at 08.07 pm on October 13, 2021. The Navami tithi will begin at 08:07 pm on October 13, 2021 and end at 06:52 pm on October 14, 2021. (Image: istock)

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