Navratri 2023: The Ashtami puja started today, marking the end of the Navratri celebrations. Numerous followers of the Hindu religion fast during the nine-day celebrations in honor of the nine divine beings and to cleanse their bodies. The culmination of the fasts occurs on the eighth day, known to some as Ashtami, and the ninth day, known to others as Navami. A special pooja is held on the final day, during which young girls are fed and worshiped. Since women and girls are revered in Hinduism as devis or goddesses, this is not surprising.

My pals used to ask me over for something called Kanjak when I was younger. It alludes to Kanya pooja. (worship of the females). When I initially went for Kanjak, the father of one of my friends cleaned the feet of all the girls in attendance before letting us inside the house. Then he placed a tilak on our foreheads and fastened a red thread, known as a kalava, to each of our wrists. The best part, eating, is now here. Nearly all Hindu households do this practice at the conclusion of Navratri. The traditional Kanjak thali is served after forcing the girls to sit down.

 

What is within, I hear you ask? Well, the typical lunch consists of a bowl of sooji halwa, some crispy pooris, and kala chana (black chickpeas). The Kanjak day is inextricably linked to these three elements. Nine girls are gathered for Kanjak, and a boy is also fed with them, due to the nine-day fast. It is lucky to serve these females since they are thought to be manifestations of the goddess Durga.

 

You can learn about the importance of Kanjak pooja and the solemnity of this ritual from religious writings. The meal also has a number of health advantages. The lucky Kanjak ki thali, which includes chana, poori, and halwa, appears to provide a plenty of nourishment.

 

 

Why Is The Kanjak Thali Good For You?

 

People who keep fasts during Navratri are required to forgo a number of foods. Avoiding foods like wheat, alcohol, garlic, onions, and non-vegetarian meals is advised. For eight or nine days, you must take rock salt, even in the case of salt. It is crucial to gradually return your body to normal now that it has adapted to this Sattvic diet throughout this time.

The Kanjak ki thali takes a very scientific approach to eating, with each item on the plate serving to facilitate the digestive system’s efficient operation. Everything is prepared in pure desi ghee, which raises the food’s nutritional value. Kala chana is a good example. Before being prepared the following morning, the black chickpeas with masala are soaked the night before. This dish’s fiber composition helps the digestive system gradually reset itself. Along with controlling cholesterol, they also assist in preventing the spread of cancer cells within the body. The sooji used to make the halwa is a fantastic source of dietary fiber and aids with blood sugar regulation.

 

Now that you are aware of the advantages of chana, poori, and halwa, you can cook the following recipes for Kanjak.

 

Kala Chana Recipe

 

puri

 

 

 

halwa

 

 

Kanjak Thali is a traditional Indian meal that is served during the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is celebrated over nine days in honor of the goddess Durga. It is typically offered to young girls who are seen as manifestations of the goddess.

The Kanjak Thali usually consists of puri (deep-fried bread), chana (spicy chickpeas), and halwa (sweet pudding made with semolina and sugar). Some families may also include other dishes such as potato curry, kheer (rice pudding), and coconut barfi (sweet made with coconut and sugar).

The Kanjak Thali is served on a plate or a banana leaf, and is accompanied by a small gift or token of appreciation, such as a piece of fruit or some money. The meal is typically prepared with great care and devotion, and is served to the girls with a prayer for their well-being and prosperity.

Overall, the Kanjak Thali is a beautiful expression of Indian culture and tradition, and is an important part of the Navratri festivities.

Here’s a simple recipe for Kanjak Thali:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup of semolina (suji)
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of chickpeas
  • 2-3 medium-sized potatoes
  • 1/2 cup of ghee or clarified butter
  • 1/2 cup of raisins
  • 1/2 cup of chopped cashews
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 tsp of cardamom powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, semolina, and salt. Add enough water to knead a stiff dough.
  2. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into circles. Fry the puris in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown. Keep them aside.
  3. Rinse the chickpeas and soak them in water overnight. Pressure cook them with salt and enough water for 4-5 whistles. Drain the excess water and keep them aside.
  4. Boil the potatoes and chop them into small pieces.
  5. In a pan, heat ghee and fry the cashews and raisins until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and keep them aside.
  6. Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and fry them for a minute or two. Add the chopped potatoes and cardamom powder and fry for another minute.
  7. Add the milk and sugar to the pan and let it cook for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Add the fried cashews and raisins and mix well.
  8. Serve the Kanjak Thali hot with puri, chana, and halwa on a plate or banana leaf.

Note: You can also add other dishes like kheer or coconut barfi to the thali as per your preference.