White Picket Fence

Navratri is always such a beautiful blur of devotion, dance, and detox! The nine days go by in a whirlwind of fasting, prayers, and resisting all kinds of cravings (like when you suddenly develop a burning desire for things you haven’t thought about in months—looking at you, gulab jamun!). But the culmination, Navami, is where all the magic really happens. That’s the day you get to break your fast, and oh, what a feast it is! Day before yesterday was Navami, and after nine days of clean eating and mindful fasting, I was ready for the grand finale: Kanya Pujan and the much-awaited Navratri Bhog. Now, Kanya Pujan is as adorable as it gets—inviting little girls (kanyas) to your home, treating them like goddesses, and feeding them with all the love and devotion you’ve stored up during the fast. And let me tell you, the menu for this ritual is no small affair—poori, chana, and halwa. Yes, it’s simple, but also the ultimate comfort food that your soul (and your very patient tummy) craves. ...

Ah, Navratri—the time of year when our homes are filled with the warmth of devotion, the sound of dhol , and the fragrance of fasting-friendly meals. These nine days of reverence are dedicated to celebrating the divine feminine, as we honor Goddess Durga in her nine forms. In Hinduism, fasting or vrat is seen as a way to purify both body and mind, helping devotees transcend the material world and focus on the divine. It’s not just about abstaining from food but about embracing discipline, self-control, and spiritual growth. But let’s be honest—fasting for nine whole days can sometimes feel like an endurance test, especially if you're subsisting on just curd, milk, and fruit.  But here’s the secret—fasting doesn’t have to mean surviving on bland food. With a little bit of kitchen creativity, you can whip up nutritious, filling meals that won’t leave you feeling like you’re running on low blood sugar. Take this Sabudana Khichdi for example—a dish that feels like a hug from your chil...