Nine Days of Divine Blessings: The Importance of Offering Prasad to Goddess Durga

The Sacred Rituals of Kalash Sthapana and Sowing Barley During Navratri: How to Bid Farewell to Goddess Durga on Dussehra

This year's Sharadiya Navratri has begun, and the special news is that Goddess Durga is arriving on a palanquin. This is considered a very auspicious sign in Hindu tradition, bringing positive energy and blessings. For the next nine days, devotees will worship the different forms of Goddess Durga with devotion and love. But it’s not just about prayers – the food we offer to the goddess each day also plays an important role in pleasing her and receiving her blessings.

What to Offer to Goddess Durga for Nine Days
Astrologer Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal explains that during Navratri, each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and offering her special prasad (food) is a way to make her happy. It’s believed that by offering her favorite foods, devotees can receive her grace and fulfill their desires. One important offering that should be made every day is "batasha" (sugar candy), as it is said to be her favorite.

Why Kalash Sthapana and Sowing Barley Are Important
On the first day of Navratri, there is a ritual of setting up a Kalash (a sacred pot). This isn’t just a religious formality – it holds deep meaning. The Kalash is believed to symbolize the presence of all gods and goddesses, and by setting it up, we invite divine blessings into our homes. Along with this, sowing barley is also an ancient tradition that symbolizes growth, prosperity, and new beginnings.

How to Say Goodbye to Goddess Durga on Dussehra
After nine days of worship, the festival ends with Dussehra, when we bid farewell to Goddess Durga. On this day, devotees offer her special dishes as a way of saying goodbye and thanking her for the blessings she has given. Feeding the goddess with love ensures that she leaves behind peace, happiness, and success.

By following these simple rituals and offering the right prasad, you can make Navratri more meaningful and bring positive energy into your life.