Chaitra Navratri, the auspicious ten-day festival, is celebrated every year to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga—Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. This year, Chaitra Navratri began on April 9, 2024, and will conclude on April 17.
On Day 2, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, who is depicted holding rosary beads with rudraksha in one hand and a kamandalu in the other. She is believed to have a preference for jaggery (gur), making it a significant ingredient for the bhog offered to her. One such traditional bhog offered to Maa Brahmacharini is Nolen Gur Payesh—a delightful rice pudding flavored with jaggery.
Nolen Gur Payesh Recipe for Maa Brahmacharini Bhog
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup rice (preferably Gobindo Bhog or Basmati)
- 1-liter full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup Nolen Gur (Date Palm Jaggery)
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 10-12 cashew nuts
- 10-12 raisins
Instructions:
- Wash and Soak Rice: Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, and soak it for about 15-20 minutes. Drain the excess water before using.
- Boil Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the full-fat milk and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the milk simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Add Rice: Add the drained rice to the simmering milk, and stir well to avoid any lumps. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally until the rice becomes soft and fully cooked.
- Add Cardamom: Crush the cardamom pods and add them to the mixture for a fragrant aroma.
- Mix in Jaggery: Once the rice is well-cooked, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down slightly. Once lukewarm, add the Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery) and mix well until it dissolves completely. Note that the milk should be cool enough to avoid curdling when jaggery is added.
- Garnish: Add the cashew nuts and raisins to the payesh. You can lightly toast them in ghee before adding for a richer flavor.
- Serve: Offer the Nolen Gur Payesh as bhog to Maa Brahmacharini during Chaitra Navratri on Day 2.
Significance: Maa Brahmacharini is believed to grant virtues like discipline, penance, and a deep sense of devotion. Offering this special bhog with jaggery, which she is known to favor, is a beautiful way to honor her and seek her blessings.
Celebrate Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 2 by preparing this delicious Nolen Gur Payesh and offering it to Maa Brahmacharini, seeking her divine grace for a prosperous and blessed life.