Durga Ashtami 2023: Date, timing, traditions and bhog recipes
Durga Ashtami 2023: India is currently immersed in the festivities of Sharad Navratri, a significant celebration that ushers in the festive season. This nine-day festival holds immense importance for Hindus worldwide, as it involves the worship of nine different forms of Goddess Durga known as Navdurga. During these nine special days, devotees rise early, perform ritual baths, and offer various offerings such as milk, sugar, and fruits to the Goddess.
As the Navratri festival approaches its conclusion, one of its highlights is the celebration of Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day. Also referred to as Mahashtami, Durga Ashtami is a part of the nine days of Sharad Navratri festivities. This day is particularly renowned for its delectable Ashtami bhog recipes. In Bengal, Ashtami is considered the most crucial day of the Durga Puja festival and is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm.
Durga Ashtami 2023: Date And Timings
Sharad Navratri 2023 commenced on October 15, 2023, and Durga Ashtami falls on the eighth day, which is October 22, 2023.
Durga Ashtami 2023: Significance and Traditions:
In various parts of the country, households participate in 'Kanjak' or Kanya Puja. This ritual involves inviting young girls into homes and serving them ritualistic Ashtami bhog recipes, including dishes such as halwa, poori, and chole. Some people perform the Kanjak ritual on Navami, the ninth day of Navratri.
For Bengalis, Ashtami holds great significance within the Durga Puja festival. People dress in new attire and visit the pandals early in the morning for the pushpanjali, where they offer flowers to the goddess and relish traditional delicacies.
Durga Ashtami 2023: Special Ashtami Bhog Recipes
Ashtami is not only about rituals; it's also a time to relish delectable food with loved ones. Here are some mouthwatering recipes that make Ashtami even more special:
Poori: These deep-fried bread pooris made from atta or maida are a highlight of Ashtami prasad.
Sookhe Kale Chane: Dry black chane, cooked without onion, tomatoes, or garlic, is a vital part of Ashtami bhog. This simple dish, with minimal spices, pairs wonderfully with pooris.
Halwa: Halwa made from sooji (semolina) flour is a sweet treat for Ashtami. It's prepared by roasting sooji in ghee and combining it with sugar syrup, sometimes with milk, and garnished with dry fruits like pistachios and cashew nuts.
Khichuri: For Bengalis, khichuri is a must-have meal for the Durga Puja feast. Khichuri is a comforting dish made with gobindo bhog rice, roasted moong dal, vegetables, and ghee. It's light, aromatic, and leaves a comforting feeling.
Aloo Bhaja: Aloo Bhaja is another Durga Puja-special dish where potatoes are sliced into circles and fried until they turn golden brown. You can also julienne the potatoes and deep-fry them for a crispy and crunchy texture.
Rosogolla: Durga Puja festivities are incomplete without a sweet dose of rosogolla. The juicy treat is light, spongy, and melts in your mouth. The good news is that you can easily make it in your kitchen.
- PTC NEWS
