Change is the only constant - Navaratri - 9 Days of Celebrating Change

And here we are—back in the States. A full circle? Perhaps. It really depends on where that circle began. When we moved to Singapore three years ago, it felt like a return to our roots, a homecoming of sorts. Our lives began in India, and there we were, back in Asia. Yet the U.S. has also been home. After several moves, we’ve come to understand something profound: home is where the heart is.

So when it was time to move back to the U.S., we were filled with mixed emotions. But isn’t that always the case with change? Just as you begin to settle into a rhythm, feeling comfortable and familiar, life nudges you forward into something new. Change truly is the only constant. That’s a lesson our family has learned time and again.

The last few months have been anything but predictable. They’ve been chaotic, turbulent, and at times overwhelming—but also rich with lessons in patience, resilience, and acceptance. As a wise teacher once told me: “You say you want to go with the flow, but you cling tightly to the rock in the river. To truly experience life, you must let go of the rock.”

It’s been three months since we returned, and I’m still amazed at the unfolding of life. I used to think that when you come back after being away, people move on without you. But what I’ve found is the opposite. Our friends and family are still the same warm, loving people. It’s me who has changed. My perspectives have shifted. The routines that once brought comfort now feel mundane.

To some, moving every 2–3 years may seem impulsive or unsettling. But to us, this nomadic lifestyle is an adventure—one that opens our minds and hearts in ways we never expected. Where others see instability, we see growth. For us, stability is a state of mind. Everyone defines home and comfort differently, and as long as we understand each other’s perspectives, we can always reconnect and complete the circle.

Our first few weeks back in the U.S. felt like a beautiful full-circle moment. We stayed with the Patels—dear friends and the very first contributors to this blog with a recipe many of you loved. The second weekend was spent with Radhika and Uma, friends from our early days in Dallas a decade ago. These moments aren’t coincidences—they’re synchronicities. These friendships, still warm and welcoming, have embraced us once again, reminding us of how deeply rooted we still are.

I’ve collected a few treasured recipes from these homes, which I’ve yet to write about—thanks to the whirlwind of our move. I promise to share them in the coming weeks.

Now, three months in, it feels right to mark this transition with a celebration of change: Navaratri—nine sacred nights devoted to feminine energy, transformation, and the rhythm of the seasons. During this festival, we pay homage to Durga (strength), Lakshmi (abundance), and Saraswati (wisdom). I’ll be sharing our daily neivedyam (offering) on the blog’s Facebook page as part of our celebration.

I’m also trying a new cooking technique this year, introduced to me by my friend Uma: OPOS (One Pot, One Shot) cooking, a method pioneered by Ramakrishnan (Ramki). This pressure cooker technique is designed to simplify even the most elaborate dishes and has quickly become my go-to for busy days. I decided to try this for the daily Navaratri offerings.

Day 1 of Navaratri: OPOS Chakkarai Pongal

This method drastically reduces cooking time compared to the traditional approach. Try it and see for yourself! I’m also including our Navaratri daily menu planner, which helps me stay organized with prasadams (offerings) and our satvik meals (simple, wholesome food).

OPOS Recipe: Sakkarai Pongal

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw rice, soaked for 1 hour and drained
• 1 cup grated jaggery
• ¼ cup ghee
• ¼ cup cashews and raisins
• 3 green cardamoms
• 1.5 cups water

Method:

1. Add all ingredients directly into a 2–3L pressure cooker.

2. Pressure cook on low to medium heat for exactly 15 minutes.

3. Pressure cook on low to medium heat for exactly 15 minutes.