New Delhi: 

The nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri is currently being celebrated across India by millions of devotees. During this sacred period, followers worship Maa Durga and her nine incarnations, collectively known as the Navadurgas. Among these days, the eighth and ninth—Ashtami and Navami—hold particular significance.

To mark Ashtami and Navami, devotees perform the sacred ritual of Kanya Pujan, wherein young girls are revered as embodiments of the Goddess Durga.

In Kanya Pujan, nine young girls are honoured and worshipped. As part of this auspicious ritual, devotees wash the girls’ feet and perform symbolic ceremonies. The girls are then served a traditional meal comprising poori, kale chane, and suji halwa.

If you’re observing Chaitra Navratri this year, here’s how you can prepare authentic, delicious kale chane and suji halwa at home.

Suji Halwa Recipe

Suji halwa is traditionally prepared as prasad for Ashtami and Navami. It forms part of the special meal served to the young girls during Kanya Pujan

Ingredients:

½ cup suji (semolina)

½ cup sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee

½ cup milk

1 cup water

¼ teaspoon cardamom powder

1 tablespoon almonds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the milk-sugar mixture

Combine sugar, milk, and water in a pan.

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.

Set aside.

2. Roast the suji

In a heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast the suji over a low flame for a few minutes.

Add the ghee and continue to cook on a medium-low flame.

Stir constantly until the suji turns golden brown—do not leave it unattended.

3. Make the halwa

Add cardamom powder to the roasted suji.

Reduce the flame to its lowest setting.

Slowly and carefully pour the hot milk-sugar mixture into the pan. The mixture will bubble, so proceed cautiously.

Slightly increase the flame and stir continuously to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the halwa

Continue to cook over a medium-low flame. The halwa will begin to thicken and may splash, so use a long-handled spoon for safety.

Stir constantly.

5. Final steps

Once the halwa reaches a soft dropping consistency, remove it from the heat.

Allow it to cool slightly, during which it will develop a lovely, grainy texture.

6. Garnish and serve

Garnish with almonds, cashews, or raisins as desired.

Serve warm and enjoy your homemade suji halwa.

Kale Chane Recipe

Kale chane are also prepared as prasad for Ashtami and Navami, typically served with poori to the young girls—known as kanjaks—during Kanya Pujan.

Ingredients:

1 cup kala chana (brown chickpeas), soaked overnight

Salt, to taste

1 tablespoon ghee

½ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)

½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

1 green chilli, finely chopped

1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)

1 teaspoon red chilli powder

1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Instructions:

1. Soak the kale chane

Soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 6–8 hours.

2. Cook the chane

Transfer the soaked chickpeas to a pressure cooker.

Add 1 cup of water and salt to taste.

Pressure cook for 5–6 whistles. Then, lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Allow the pressure to release naturally.

Drain any excess water from the cooked chickpeas.

3. Prepare the tempering

In a pan, heat ghee over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds and ajwain, letting them crackle.

Reduce the flame and add chopped ginger, green chilli, and the dry spices: amchur, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chilli powder.

4. Combine and finish

Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and mix well.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes, ensuring the masala coats the chana evenly.

Stir in kasuri methi, and adjust salt if needed.

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy hot.

Celebrate Chaitra Navratri 2025

Celebrate Chaitra Navratri by performing Kanya Pujan on Ashtami and Navami. Prepare traditional offerings of suji halwa and kale chane, and serve them with love to the kanjaks as part of this beautiful and heartfelt ritual.

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