Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, is a time of devotion, fasting, and festivities. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga, with utmost reverence. In 2024, this nine-day festival begins on Thursday, October 3 and concludes on Saturday, October 12. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a distinct manifestation of Maa Durga, symbolising different divine qualities. One of the key rituals is offering specific Prasad (holy food) to each form of Navdurga to seek her blessings.
Every form of Maa Durga has a unique significance, and so does the Prasad offer to them. The offerings are considered auspicious and are believed to please the Goddess, invoking her benevolence and grace. Let's explore the traditional Bhog that you can offer on each day of Navratri in 2024.
Day 1: Desi Ghee for Goddess Shailputri The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains. In this form, Maa Durga embodies the powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Devotees offer Desi Ghee (clarified butter) as Bhog, which is believed to bring health and happiness to the family. This auspicious offering also signifies purity and devotion to the Goddess. (Image: Canva)
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Day 2: Sugar for Goddess Brahmacharini On the second day, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped. She represents penance and austerity. The Prasad for this day is simple Sugar, symbolising the sweetness of life and the calm perseverance of the Goddess. Offering Sugar as Bhog helps the devotees imbibe her virtues and achieve peace of mind. (Image: Canva)
Day 3: Kheer for Goddess Chandraghanta Goddess Chandraghanta, the married form of Maa Parvati, is venerated on the third day. After marrying Lord Shiva, she adorns her forehead with a half-moon, which is why she is called Chandraghanta. Devotees offer Kheer (a rice pudding) to honour the Goddess. This offering is believed to bring courage and strength to overcome obstacles. (Image: Canva)
Day 4: Malpua for Goddess Kushmanda The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, who is known for her radiant glow that dispels darkness. The offering of Malpua (sweet pancakes) is made to please her. It is believed that offering this sweet delicacy ensures prosperity and health, while also invoking the Goddess’s blessings for a bright and successful future. (Image: Canva)
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Day 5: Bananas for Goddess Skandamata Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Offering Bananas as Bhog is considered auspicious on this day. This fruit is a symbol of longevity and prosperity. It is said that offering Bananas to the Goddess helps devotees attain success and enhances their power to achieve their goals. (Image: Canva)
Day 6: Honey for Goddess Katyayani On the sixth day, Goddess Katyayani, the fierce form of Maa Durga who destroyed the demon Mahishasura, is worshipped. Honey is offered as Prasad, which represents sweetness and harmony. It is believed that this offering helps in taming aggression and brings a sense of balance, aligning with the powerful yet compassionate nature of the Goddess. (Image: Canva)
Day 7: Jaggery for Goddess Kalaratri The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, the most ferocious form of Maa Durga. When Parvati shed her golden skin to battle demons, she took on this fierce form. Offering Jaggery (Gur) as Bhog is believed to remove negative energies and grant her devotees protection and strength. (Image: Canva)
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Day 8: Coconut for Goddess Mahagauri Goddess Mahagauri, the epitome of purity and peace, is worshipped on the eighth day. Her fair complexion earned her the name Mahagauri. Offering Coconut as Prasad helps devotees seek forgiveness for past sins and receive her blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life. (Image: Canva)
Day 9: Sesame Seeds for Goddess SiddhidatriThe ninth and final day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, who is believed to have blessed even Lord Shiva with various Siddhis (spiritual powers). Sesame Seeds are offered as Bhog on this day. It is said that offering Sesame Seeds helps in achieving all sorts of Siddhis and grants spiritual enlightenment. (Image: Canva)
Navratri Prasad: A Way to Connect with the Divine
Each offering made to the Navdurga forms carries its own significance and is a way for devotees to express their love and devotion. Offering the correct Prasad on each day of Navratri helps in invoking the divine grace of Maa Durga, bringing peace, prosperity, and blessings to the family.
By following these traditional offerings, devotees can celebrate Navratri 2024 with devotion, ensuring that they honour every form of the Goddess in the most auspicious manner.
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