Nav Durga Utsav, also known as Durga Puja, is a very important festival in Hinduism. This festival is especially celebrated for the worship and adoration of Maa Durga, who destroys negativity and evil. On this occasion, devotees fast for 9 days and show their devotion towards the mother.
Importance of Nav Durga Utsav
1. Religious significance
Nav Durga Utsav is organized every year during Sharadiya Navratri. This festival not only increases religious sentiments but also symbolizes unity and brotherhood in the society. During this, various forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped, such as:
- Shailaputri: Worship on the first day, which symbolizes power and creation.
- Brahmacharini: On the second day, who represents wisdom and asceticism.
- Chandraghanta: Goddess of the third day, who is the aggressive form of Durga.
- Kushmanda: On the fourth day, who is the source of prosperity and happiness.
- Skanda Mata: On the fifth day, who symbolizes love and protection.
- Katyayani: On the sixth day, who symbolizes power.
- Kaalratri: On the seventh day, who destroys and protects.
- Mahagauri: On the eighth day, who symbolizes peace and harmony.
- Siddidatri: On the ninth day, who fulfills all desires.
2. Social significance
On this occasion, an atmosphere of harmony and unity is created in the society. People visit each other’s house and participate in puja and celebrate collectively.
Vrat Food: What can be eaten?
During Nav Durga festival, many people observe fast, in which they eat special types of food. Some of the main foods that can be consumed during the fast are as follows:
1. Fruits
- Fresh Fruits: It is most common to eat fresh fruits on Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami days. You can consume fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, guava, papaya, and grapes.
2. Sabudana
- Sabudana: Dishes like Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Vada, or Sabudana Chutney can be made. Sabudana is mostly preferred during fasting.
3. Buckwheat Flour
- Buckwheat Flour: Buckwheat Roti, Buckwheat Paratha, or Buckwheat Halwa can be made from this flour.
4. Potato
- Aloo: Potato Chaat, Potato Tikki, or Roasted Potato can be consumed during fasting.
5. Milk and dairy products
- Milk, Curd, and Cottage cheese: Sugar or honey can be used while consuming them.
What not to eat during the fast?
Some foods should be avoided during Nav Durga festival:
- Cereals: Cereals like rice, wheat, barley, etc. are not consumed.
- Spicy and fried foods: Fried and heavily spiced food is also avoided during this period.
- Alcohol: Consumption of intoxicants is prohibited on this occasion.
Special dishes
Some special dishes are also made during Nav Durga festival, such as:
- Kuttu ki Puri: Puri made from buckwheat flour is a popular dish.
- Sabudana Khichdi: A mixture of sago, peanuts and potatoes, which is often made during the fast.
- Aloo Chaat: Making potato chaat is also common during Vrati.
Conclusion
During Nav Durga festival, devotees change their diet to receive blessings of Maa Durga through Vrati. This tradition of fasting and special food is a symbol of devotion and is celebrated with great pomp. It is important for the Vrati to take care of health on this occasion, so eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
Share your fasting experiences and favourite dishes with us! Hope you enjoy this Nav Durga festival and receive blessings of Maa Durga.