Festivals

Chaitra Navratri 2022: Easy and nutritious Vrat-friendly recipes

Chaitra Navratri 2022 will start tomorrow, April 2, 2022, the devotees are gearing up to celebrate this pious festival at home.

Published

5 years ago

April 2, 2022

Chaitra Navratri 2022: Easy and nutritious Vrat-friendly recipes

The religious festival of Chaitra Navratri 2022 has started from today and devotees are gearing up to celebrate this auspicious ocassion. During Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day holiday, devotees pay homage to Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. One of the best ways to honour any festival is through food, and Navratri is known for its wonderful vrat-friendly delicacies.

The observance of vrat (or fast) during the nine-day period is one of the most important rituals of Navratri. Many Hindus avoid eating non-vegetarian foods and consuming alcohol in favor of light, sattvic foods that help cleanse our digestive systems.

According to numerous health experts, the Navratri season is an ideal time to cleanse our bodies of heavy foods. Some nutrition specialist believes that this is the ideal time to give our bodies a rest from the heavy foods we eat on a regular basis and switch to a Sattvic diet for days.

This promotes our bodies in rejuvenating and preparing for the following intense season. Also, the components used to create Navratri cuisine are extremely healthy including specific vegetables, almonds, milk and milk derivatives, and so forth.

If you’re observing the Navratri fasts, we’ve put together a delicious meal plan for you, packed with vrat-friendly meals.

Here’s a nutritious Navratri plan with tasty Vrat-friendly recipes:

For Breakfast

Kuttu Ka Cheela:-

1. Using kuttu ka atta, sendha namak, cumin seeds, and green chilly, make a pourable batter.

2. Grease the hotplate using desi ghee (we can also use a non-stick pan).

3. Make a round pancake with the back of a spoon and fry until it leaves the side.

4. Add grated paneer and shredded ginger to finish.

5. Serve immediately with tamarind or coconut chutney.

For Lunch

Sabudana Khichdi:-

1.Saboodana should be washed till the water is clear. Soak for about an hour in water above the surface.

2. Drain in a colander, then spread out for 1 hour on a thick towel. It’s critical that the water drains completely, or the sabudana would cling together in lumps when cooked.

3. Combine the sabudana, peanuts, salt, and chilli powder in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.

4. Heat the ghee and add the kadhi patta, zeera, and lal mirch. When the mirch has darkened a little, add the saboodana mixture and simmer over low heat until the saboodana is cooked thoroughly. It only takes a few minutes.

5. Remove from the fire and stir in the lemon juice.

6. Garnish with hara dhania and green chilies before serving.

For Evening Snacks

Roasted Makhana:-

During the fasting season, foxnuts, or makhana, are one of the most popular foods, especially because they can be used to construct a variety of dishes. But, aside from that, did you know that plain, roasted makhanas with a dash of rock salt taste divine?

For Dinner

Singhare Atte ka Halwa:-

Heat the ghee, add the atta, and stir-fry over medium heat, being careful not to burn the atta.
In a separate pan, combine the water and sugar and dissolve the sugar over medium heat.
Continue to cook on low heat until ready to use.
Add the sugar solution and cardamom powder after the atta mixture has been sufficiently fried. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and continue to cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
At this point, you can stir once in a while.
When it’s done, a thin line of melted ghee will develop around the edges.
Allow 5-7 minutes for this process.
Garnish with almonds and serve immediately.

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Chhath Puja 2026: Check 4-day schedule from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya

Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on November 13 with Nahay Khay and conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya. Check the complete four-day schedule and key timings.

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Chhath Puja, the four-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, will be observed from November 13 to November 16, 2026. The festival begins with Nahay Khay and concludes with Usha Arghya on the final day.

The main Chhath Puja and Sandhya Arghya will be observed on November 15, while devotees will offer Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on November 16.

Chhath Puja 2026 full schedule

November 13 — Nahay Khay

The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay. Devotees clean their homes, take a ritual bath and begin preparations for the festival. A traditional sattvic meal is prepared as part of the day’s observance. Chana dal, rice and pumpkin curry are among the foods traditionally associated with Nahay Khay.

November 14 — Kharna

The second day is observed as Kharna, also known as Lohanda and Kharna. Devotees observe a fast during the day and perform the evening ritual before consuming the Kharna prasad. Traditional preparations include jaggery-based kheer and roti. After Kharna, the prolonged waterless fast continues until the final morning ritual.

November 15 — Sandhya Arghya

The third day is dedicated to offering Arghya to the setting Sun. Devotees gather at Chhath ghats and offer water and other traditional offerings while praying to the Sun God.

According to the New Delhi timing cited in the calendar, Sandhya Arghya will be offered at around 5:28 pm on November 15. Timings can vary according to location.

November 16 — Usha Arghya

The fourth and final day is marked by Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun. This ritual brings the four-day Chhath observance to an end.

For New Delhi, sunrise on November 16 is listed at approximately 6:44 am, with Usha Arghya performed around the morning sunrise. Devotees complete the ritual and then perform Parana, ending the fast.

Chhath Puja 2026 at a glance

November 13, Friday: Nahay Khay
November 14, Saturday: Kharna
November 15, Sunday: Sandhya Arghya
November 16, Monday: Usha Arghya and Parana

The exact Arghya timings should be checked according to the local Panchang because sunrise and sunset timings vary by city.

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Good Friday 2026: History, significance and why it is observed by Christians

Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with prayer, fasting, and reflection by Christians worldwide.

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Good Friday, one of the most solemn days in Christianity, will be observed on April 3, 2026. The day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by reflection, prayer, and remembrance of his sacrifice for humanity.

Also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, or Black Friday, the occasion holds deep spiritual importance for Christians around the world.

History of Good Friday

According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was arrested and brought before the Roman authorities after being accused of blasphemy by religious leaders. He was later sentenced to death by crucifixion under the orders of Pontius Pilate.

Following the trial, he was made to carry a wooden cross to the site of execution, where he was nailed to it and died. Crucifixion at the time was considered one of the harshest punishments, typically reserved for serious crimes.

For Christians, this event represents the ultimate act of sacrifice, believed to have been undertaken for the redemption of humanity’s sins.

Significance of the day

Good Friday is observed as a day of mourning, prayer, and repentance. Churches hold special services that include scripture readings, hymns, and reflections on the final hours of Christ’s life.

Many traditions associated with the day emphasize solemnity—church bells remain silent, lights are dimmed, and statues may be covered. Devotees often fast, participate in processions, and engage in charitable acts as a form of spiritual observance.

While the day reflects sorrow and sacrifice, it also carries a message of hope. It precedes Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes renewal and the promise of new life.

Festivals

Eid Mubarak 2026 wishes and greetings highlight joy and togetherness

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is marked by prayers, celebrations and the exchange of heartfelt wishes that reflect joy, gratitude and togetherness.

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As Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated across the world in 2026, people are sharing warm wishes and messages with family and friends, reflecting the spirit of unity and gratitude. The festival marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims globally.

The occasion is traditionally associated with prayers, acts of charity, and festive meals, while modern celebrations increasingly include exchanging greetings through digital platforms. Messages shared via social media and messaging apps have become an important way to stay connected with loved ones, especially those living far away.

Sharing joy through meaningful messages

People are expressing their emotions through simple yet heartfelt wishes that capture the essence of the festival. Here are 20 messages widely shared during the celebrations:

Eid Mubarak! May your home be filled with happiness and peace.
Wishing you and your family a joyful and blessed Eid.
May this Eid bring success, health, and prosperity to you.
Eid Mubarak! Stay happy and keep smiling always.
May Allah bless you with endless joy this Eid.
Sending warm wishes and love on this special day.
Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.
May your prayers be accepted and your heart be content.
Wishing you peace, happiness, and good health this Eid.
May this festival bring new hope and opportunities.
Eid Mubarak! Enjoy every moment with your family.
May your life be filled with light and positivity.
Wishing you a day full of laughter and celebration.
Eid Mubarak! May all your dreams come true.
May this Eid strengthen our bond and bring us closer.
Sending you blessings and warm hugs this Eid.
May your days be bright and your heart be light.
Eid Mubarak! Celebrate with love and gratitude.
May happiness surround you today and always.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Eid with your loved ones.

While traditional customs remain central to the festival, the growing role of digital communication highlights how celebrations are evolving with time. The exchange of messages has become a key way to spread positivity and maintain connections.

Eid ul-Fitr continues to serve as a reminder of compassion, generosity, and togetherness, bringing people closer as they celebrate the end of a spiritually significant month.