Navratri is more than just a festival—it’s a rhythm of devotion that fills homes with chants, lights, and aromas of sacred foods. Across the United States, Indian communities mark these nine nights with fasting, prayers, and dance, all dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day carries its own color, meaning, and ritual, reminding devotees of the goddess’s many qualities.
This year, Sharad Navratri begins on Monday, September 22, 2025, and continues until Tuesday, September 30, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) celebrated on October 2. While the festival is deeply spiritual, food plays a central role in worship. Known as bhog, these vegetarian offerings are prepared with reverence and symbolize a bridge between the devotee and the divine. Every day brings a unique dish aligned with the goddess’s form and the symbolic color of the day.
Here’s a look at the day-wise bhog offerings for Navratri 2025.
Day 1 – Shailaputri (White)
Navratri begins with dishes that are light, simple, and filling. Sabudana Khichdi, made with tapioca pearls and peanuts, is a common choice as it keeps you energized while fasting. Makhana Kheer, cooked slowly with milk and flavored with cardamom, brings in a touch of sweetness without being heavy. To round it out, Coconut Laddoos prepared with jaggery and fresh coconut add a chewy texture and natural taste.
Day 2 – Brahmacharini (Red)
Day two brings in deeper, vibrant flavors that feel both comforting and filling. A bowl of Tomato Soup, mildly spiced and tangy, works well for those observing fasts while still wanting something warm. Beetroot Parathas, with their earthy flavor, give the meal a wholesome edge. Many also turn to Pomegranate Salad, where each seed adds crunch and juice to the plate.
Day 3 – Chandraghanta (Blue)
Blue foods are less traditional in Indian kitchens, but devotees often make creative use of ingredients. A Blueberry Yogurt Parfait, layered with fruit, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey, offers a refreshing start. Blue Rice, colored naturally with butterfly pea flowers, adds something striking and unusual to the thali.
Day 4 – Kushmanda (Yellow)
The fourth day often sees bright, hearty dishes that feel warm and homely. Pumpkin Curry, cooked with gentle spices, is filling without being too heavy, making it a reliable fasting meal. A Mango Smoothie, thick and naturally sweet, works as a cooling addition alongside the curry. Corn Fritters, fried crisp and golden are also great.
Day 5 – Skandamata (Green)
Green foods dominate the fifth day, and they usually lean toward fresh, earthy flavors. Spinach and Potato Curry, mild but filling, is a classic combination that sits comfortably with fasting rules. A Green Apple Salad, with its tart crunch and hint of mint, helps cut through heavier foods and adds freshness to the plate. To balance the meal, you can make Cucumber Raita with yogurt and grated cucumber.
Day 6 – Katyayani (Grey)
Day six keeps things plain but hearty with dishes that highlight simple ingredients. Grey Lentil Soup, warm and protein-rich, makes for a filling base during fasting. Buckwheat Pancakes, slightly nutty in flavor, are light enough to enjoy with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of yogurt. For dessert, Coconut Milk Pudding, set with jaggery, brings smooth texture and mild sweetness.
Day 7 – Kalaratri (Orange)
On the seventh day, foods in shades of orange add brightness and variety. Carrot Halwa, slow-cooked until soft and sweet, is often the highlight of the bhog, giving a festive feel to the meal. Sweet Potato Chaat, tossed with spices, lemon juice, and sometimes a hint of green chili, adds zest and tang. Add papaya salad for a sweet end.
Day 8 – Mahagauri (Peacock Green)
The eighth day focuses on greens that are light but flavorful. Green Bean Curry, cooked simply with spices, serves as the main dish, wholesome without being oily or heavy. A bowl of Mint Rice, aromatic and refreshing, works as a side that adds depth to the plate. Finishing the meal, a Herb Salad made with mint, basil, and cilantro adds freshness and crunch.
Day 9 – Siddhidatri (Pink)
The ninth day ends Navratri with foods that are colorful and sweet. A chilled Strawberry Smoothie, creamy and naturally pink, adds a festive feel. Rose Petal Jam, rich in fragrance, gives a traditional touch and is usually enjoyed in small amounts. To bring contrast, Guava Chutney adds tanginess and spice.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general awareness and cultural reference. Traditions, rituals, and food practices during Navratri may vary by region and family. Readers are encouraged to follow their own customs and consult personal or religious guidance when needed.
This year, Sharad Navratri begins on Monday, September 22, 2025, and continues until Tuesday, September 30, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) celebrated on October 2. While the festival is deeply spiritual, food plays a central role in worship. Known as bhog, these vegetarian offerings are prepared with reverence and symbolize a bridge between the devotee and the divine. Every day brings a unique dish aligned with the goddess’s form and the symbolic color of the day.
Here’s a look at the day-wise bhog offerings for Navratri 2025.
Day 1 – Shailaputri (White)
Navratri begins with dishes that are light, simple, and filling. Sabudana Khichdi, made with tapioca pearls and peanuts, is a common choice as it keeps you energized while fasting. Makhana Kheer, cooked slowly with milk and flavored with cardamom, brings in a touch of sweetness without being heavy. To round it out, Coconut Laddoos prepared with jaggery and fresh coconut add a chewy texture and natural taste.
Day 2 – Brahmacharini (Red)
Day two brings in deeper, vibrant flavors that feel both comforting and filling. A bowl of Tomato Soup, mildly spiced and tangy, works well for those observing fasts while still wanting something warm. Beetroot Parathas, with their earthy flavor, give the meal a wholesome edge. Many also turn to Pomegranate Salad, where each seed adds crunch and juice to the plate.
Day 3 – Chandraghanta (Blue)
Blue foods are less traditional in Indian kitchens, but devotees often make creative use of ingredients. A Blueberry Yogurt Parfait, layered with fruit, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey, offers a refreshing start. Blue Rice, colored naturally with butterfly pea flowers, adds something striking and unusual to the thali.
Day 4 – Kushmanda (Yellow)
The fourth day often sees bright, hearty dishes that feel warm and homely. Pumpkin Curry, cooked with gentle spices, is filling without being too heavy, making it a reliable fasting meal. A Mango Smoothie, thick and naturally sweet, works as a cooling addition alongside the curry. Corn Fritters, fried crisp and golden are also great.
Day 5 – Skandamata (Green)
Green foods dominate the fifth day, and they usually lean toward fresh, earthy flavors. Spinach and Potato Curry, mild but filling, is a classic combination that sits comfortably with fasting rules. A Green Apple Salad, with its tart crunch and hint of mint, helps cut through heavier foods and adds freshness to the plate. To balance the meal, you can make Cucumber Raita with yogurt and grated cucumber.
Day 6 – Katyayani (Grey)
Day six keeps things plain but hearty with dishes that highlight simple ingredients. Grey Lentil Soup, warm and protein-rich, makes for a filling base during fasting. Buckwheat Pancakes, slightly nutty in flavor, are light enough to enjoy with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of yogurt. For dessert, Coconut Milk Pudding, set with jaggery, brings smooth texture and mild sweetness.
Day 7 – Kalaratri (Orange)
On the seventh day, foods in shades of orange add brightness and variety. Carrot Halwa, slow-cooked until soft and sweet, is often the highlight of the bhog, giving a festive feel to the meal. Sweet Potato Chaat, tossed with spices, lemon juice, and sometimes a hint of green chili, adds zest and tang. Add papaya salad for a sweet end.
Day 8 – Mahagauri (Peacock Green)
The eighth day focuses on greens that are light but flavorful. Green Bean Curry, cooked simply with spices, serves as the main dish, wholesome without being oily or heavy. A bowl of Mint Rice, aromatic and refreshing, works as a side that adds depth to the plate. Finishing the meal, a Herb Salad made with mint, basil, and cilantro adds freshness and crunch.
Day 9 – Siddhidatri (Pink)
The ninth day ends Navratri with foods that are colorful and sweet. A chilled Strawberry Smoothie, creamy and naturally pink, adds a festive feel. Rose Petal Jam, rich in fragrance, gives a traditional touch and is usually enjoyed in small amounts. To bring contrast, Guava Chutney adds tanginess and spice.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general awareness and cultural reference. Traditions, rituals, and food practices during Navratri may vary by region and family. Readers are encouraged to follow their own customs and consult personal or religious guidance when needed.
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