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Navratri, one of the most renowned Hindu festivals, is celebrated with devotion, fasting, and worshipping Maa Durga in her nine divine forms. As the festival comes to an end, Ashtami and Navami carry special significance with the ritual of Kanya Pujan. This year, Ashtami will be celebrated on September 30, 2025, whereas Navami will be observed on October 1, 2025.
One of the important parts of Kanya Pujan is preparing a traditional meal that consists of kala chana, poori and halwa.
This bhog is not only a festive fare, but it holds symbolic, spiritual, and cultural significance. Understanding why Halwa, poori and Kala chana are prepared and offered on this day reveals the deeper meaning of Kanya Pujan and its role in seeking the blessing of the Goddess.
Why Chana, Poori, And Halwa Are Offered On Kanya Pujan?
The festival of Navratri comes to an end with people celebrating Ashtami or Navami. On this day, devotees perform Kanya Pujan or Kanjak Pooja to honour Maa Durga. In this ritual, young girls are worshipped, as they are believed to be the nine forms of the Goddess. Their feet are washed, a tilak is applied, and they are offered traditional food and gifts. Among all the offerings, kala chana, poori, and halwa hold a special place. These dishes are not only about festivities, but also deeply connected with culture and spiritual beliefs. The choice of these dishes also represents simplicity, devotion instead of just being a culinary indulgence.
Also, the Poori-Halwa-Kala Chana bhog can be easily prepared in large quantities, which makes it a suitable option for community worship and large gatherings. This bhog is often prepared fresh in the morning and served with all the honour to the kanyas, representing the Goddess’s blessings and abundance.
Why Is Chana Offered?
Black chickpeas or kale chane symbolise strength, nutrition, and prosperity. As per the scriptures, they are related to Shakti, the divine feminine power. Offering kale chana to young girls symbolises invoking the blessings of the Goddess in abundance in life. Moreover, chana is considered a sattvic food, which makes it pure and appropriate to offer during rituals. It is believed that serving kale chane on this day brings harmony, peace, and growth.
The Significance Of Poori
Poori, prepared from wheat flour and deep-fried in ghee or oil till it turns golden and fluffy, represents fulfilment and satisfaction. The round shape of the puri signifies fullness and eternity, aligning with the belief that the blessings of Maa Durga are never-ending. Poori balances the meal by delivering energy and is regarded as auspicious because wheat is a staple in every household that supports life. Preparing pooris fresh also represents the devotion and effort put into the tradition, highlighting the importance of offering the best thing to the Goddess.
The Sweetness Of Halwa
Halwa, usually prepared from semolina (sooji or rava), ghee, sugar, and cardamom, adds a touch of sweetness to the bhog. In Hindu traditions, sweets are counted as a way of celebrating happiness, prosperity, and holy grace. Halwa, being rich and enjoyable, indicates the sweetness and joy devotees desire to invite into their homes. It is a must-have in the thali offered to the Kanjaks and in bhog.
The Bhog Thali
Together, chana, poori, and halwa make a complete, balanced meal representing nourishment of body, mind, and soul. Offering this to the Goddess represents gratitude, devotion, and the desire to share abundance. Beyond just being food, the ritual highlights respect for the feminine energy and the belief that worshipping Kanjaks provides protection, prosperity, and blessings for the entire family.
