Shardiya Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India, spans nine nights and ten days, paying homage to Goddess Durga in her various forms. It commences with Ghatasthapana, involving the symbolic installation of a water-filled pot, followed by elaborate pujas, fasting, prayer, and vibrant folk dances like Garba and Dandiya. Devotees prepare special bhog offerings for the goddess, and the festival culminates on Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Beyond its religious significance, Navratri is a cultural extravaganza that unites communities in music, dance, and celebration, offering a time for spiritual reflection and renewal while celebrating India’s rich traditions and heritage.
Here are easy recipes that you can make:
1. Banana Coconut Barfi:
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas – 3
- Grated coconut – 1 cup
- Sugar – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
- Ghee (clarified butter) – 2-3 tablespoons
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds) – 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Mash the ripe bananas into a smooth paste.
- In a pan, heat ghee and add the grated coconut. Sauté for a few minutes until it releases its aroma.
- Add the banana paste and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add sugar and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
- Sprinkle cardamom powder and add chopped nuts. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased plate and flatten it into a barfi shape.
- Allow it to cool and set, then cut it into squares or diamond shapes.
- Offer this delectable banana coconut barfi as bhog to Maa Durga.
2. Banana Lassi:
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas – 2
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Milk – 1/2 cup
- Sugar – 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the ripe bananas.
- In a blender, combine the sliced bananas, yogurt, milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- If you prefer a chilled lassi, you can add a few ice cubes.
- Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy lassi.
- Pour the banana lassi into a serving glass.
- Offer this delightful and cooling banana lassi as bhog to Maa Durga.
3. Banana Halwa:
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas – 4
- Ghee (clarified butter) – 2-3 tablespoons
- Sugar – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews) – 2 tablespoons
- Saffron strands (optional) – a pinch
Instructions:
- Mash the ripe bananas into a smooth paste.
- Heat ghee in a pan and add the mashed bananas. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Add sugar and continue to cook until the sugar is completely dissolved and the halwa attains a halwa-like consistency.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well. You can also add saffron strands for extra flavor and color.
- In a separate pan, lightly roast the chopped nuts in a little ghee until they turn golden.
- Garnish the banana halwa with the roasted nuts.
- Offer this delicious banana halwa as bhog to Maa Durga.
4. Banana Puri:
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas – 2
- Wheat flour – 1 cup
- Sugar – 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Ghee (clarified butter) – 1-2 tablespoons
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Water – as needed
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- Mash the ripe bananas into a smooth paste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, wheat flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder.
- Mix well and knead the ingredients into a dough, adding water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into small puris.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the banana puris until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the puris from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Offer these delicious and sweet banana puris as bhog
These banana bhog recipes are not only tasty but also a meaningful way to participate in the spiritual celebrations of Shardiya Navratri. Remember to prepare them with love and devotion when offering them to Maa Durga.
