Navaratri is one of my favorite festivals—vibrant, spiritual, and full of culinary joy. I look forward to it every year, especially for the variety of recipes and prasadams I prepare to offer Devi. There’s a palpable energy during this time—the Divine Feminine or Shakti, in all her forms, is invoked both within and around us. You can truly feel her presence.
A Unique Navaratri Experience
Navaratri 2020 brought a shift in how many of us celebrated. With fewer social gatherings, golu hopping, and community feasts, the focus turned inward. I missed the joyful chaos—the gifts, laughter, garba nights, and festive energy—but it was also refreshing to return to a more personal, introspective celebration.
This year, I embraced a simpler version of Navaratri: a mini golu, quiet pujas, and my favorite part—preparing daily neivedhyam or #DeviPrasadam. Without the pressure of entertaining or social obligations, the celebration felt more aligned with what the festival truly represents—a time to honor the Devi within us.
It also offered a much-needed pause. The festive season can easily spiral into frenzy if we’re not mindful—and I’ve certainly experienced that in past years. So this time, I chose stillness, intention, and simplicity.
The Navaratri Planner: A Tradition Honored
Over the years, I’ve shared various recipes and Navaratri plans, and this post brings them all together in one place. The inspiration for this planner came from my beloved mother-in-law, who taught me the importance of preparing ahead. Her wisdom—“Navaratri can overwhelm you unless planned”—has stayed with me. Each year, I’ve added layers of research and creativity to the planner, often in collaboration with my dear friend Niv (@madetolovemagic), who contributed beautifully to the Devi invocations.
An essential feature of our Navaratri celebration is the “Annapurni Bowl,” a tradition from my mother-in-law. Each day, we place a silver or metal bowl filled with a different grain or seed, accompanied by an image of Goddess Annapurni—the nourisher and bestower of food. The bowl is changed daily, along with the offerings and prayers.
Explore the full recipe collection below:
9 Days, 9 Recipes
Here’s the day-wise Navaratri recipe planner. Each day offers a special prasadam, linking tradition, devotion, and flavor. You can click each link to explore the detailed recipes and make them part of your celebration:
Day 1 – Daily Menu and Navaratri Recipes
Day 2 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 3 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 4 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 5 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 6 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 7 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 8 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 9 – Navaratri Recipes
Day 10 – Vijayadasami
For a bonus recipe and a twist on tradition, you can also explore the OPOS Sakkarai Pongal here:
Final Thoughts
This Navaratri, whether you’re celebrating in grandeur or in stillness, may the Devi’s energy fill your home and heart with abundance, peace, and nourishment. These nine days are a sacred time to connect with tradition, with food as an offering of love and devotion.
Ready to start your own Navaratri food journey? Pick your favorite recipe and begin today. Let this planner be your guide to a flavorful and soulful celebration.
If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Feel free to share your photos, stories, or thoughts with me—because food, like devotion, is best when shared.
