Navaratri is a Hindu festival symbolizing victory of positivity over negativity, Navratri literally means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit; Nav – means Nine and Ratri – means night. During these nine nights and ten days, Hindu deity Durga is worshipped in different forms. Navartri is celebrated in different ways according to their region all over India.

As a Tamilian, I am here to share the how it’s celebrated all over Tamil Nadu. In Tamilnadu, people set up steps and place idols on them. This is known as golu. In the evening women invite each other to visit their homes to view kolu and exchange sweets and gifts. Devotional shlokas are chanted and after performing puja, the food items offered to Goddess are served to guests.

Navratri recipes in youtube –

On the 9^th day Saraswati Puja, the puja are performed to the Goddess Saraswati, the diving source of wisdom and enlightment. Books and musical instruments are placed in the puja and worshipped as a source of knowledge.

The 10^th day is the most auspicious day of all – Vijayadasami. It was the day in which evil is destroyed by Goddess. It marks new and prosperous beginning. New ventures started on this day are believed to flourish and bring prosperity. Kids often start tutoring on this day to have a head start in their education.

Check out this link for Sarswati Pooja and Ayudha Pooja celebrations at our home – CLICK HERE.

Navratri / Navarathri Recipes

As a food blogger, let me share the recipe of some of the food prepared as offering for god and later served for guests after the Pooja.

Saraswati puja and Ayudha puja

Do check on the below lists for recipes, usually sundals (Dals, Beans are boiled and fried with spices).

• Black Chickpeas  / Kondakadalai Sundal
• White Chickpeas / Kondakadalai Sundal
• Sweet corn / Cholam Sundal
• Moong Bean / Paasipayaru Sundal
• Black Lentil / Ulundupayaru Sundal
• Kesari
• Milk Kesari
• Vermicelli kesari
• Karkandu / Rock candy Pongal
• Sakkarai Pongal
• Coconut Rice
• Lemon Rice
• Tamarind Rice
• Yogurt/Curd Rice
• Sesame /Til / Ellu Rice
• Payasam/Kheer Collections
• Akkaravadisal
• Aval/Poha/Beaten Rice Kesari
• Nilakadalai Sundal / Peanut Sundal
• Mysore Rasam
• Sprouts Sundal
• Susiyam / Suyam
• Potato Fritters / Urulaikilangu Vadai
• Sweet corn Fritters / Sweet Vadai 
• Kosambari / Cucumber Kosambari / Carrot Kosambari

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