Navratri 2025: Why is Kala Chana prasad offered to the Goddess as Navmi Prasad

The 9-day festivity of Maa Durga is coming to end. On the eighth day of Navratri, the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga called Mahaguri is worshipped and the ninth day, Siddhidatri avatar of Maa is worshipped. This day is also known as 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.

According to Drik Panchang, this year, Durga Ashtami will be marked on September 30, 2025, falling on a Tuesday; the Ashtami Tithi will start from September 29, 2025, at 04:31 PM and culminate on September 30, 2025, at 06:06 PM. And Navami Tithi will begin at 6:06 PM on September 30 and end at 7:01 PM on October 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ingredients: 1 cup semolina, 1 cup ghee, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, and 2 tbsp roasted nuts
Method: Roast the semolina in a kadhai. Once the colour changes to golden, add ghee, and mix well. In the meantime, make a sugar syrup using water and sugar. Add it to the roasted semolina. Mix and cook until the desired consistency is achieved. Add nuts and mix well.

Ingredients: 1 cup wheat flour, 1 cup water, and 1 cup ghee
Method: Sieve flour in a mixing bowl. Use enough water to knead a soft dough. Roll out pooris and deep fry them in ghee.

Ingredients: 1 cup soaked kale chane, 2 tomatoes, 2 green chilli, 4 tbsp ghee, 2 tsp cumin seeds, salt to taste, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp coriander leaves
Method: Pressure cook the soaked chane with water and some salt for 3-4 whistles. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and green chillies. Sauté and then add chopped tomatoes. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the spices and salt. Mix well and then add boiled chane. Sauté and mix well. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve Poori, Halwa, and Chane to the Goddess.

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