On the sixth day of Navaratri (Shashti Tithi), the goddess is worshipped as Katyayani, a warrior goddess and a powerful incarnation of Durga. Chanting her mantras creates an aura of positivity and safeguards the household from all obstacles. Invoking her blessings, the neivedhyam for the day is Chakkarai Pongal and Kadalai Parruppu Sundal.
CHAKKARAI PONGAL/SWEET PONGAL RECIPE:
Ingredients:
- Raw Rice 1 C
- Green Gram Dal/Payatham Parrupu ¼ C
- Jaggery powdered 1.5 C compacted
- Ghee ½ C
- Jadikkai powder(Nutmeg) a pinch
- Jadipathri (Mace)small strand crushed
- Cardamom powder 1 tsp
- Saffron few strands
- Cashew 3 tbsp
- Raisins 3 tbsp
- Almonds slivered 3 tbsp
Preparation Method:
- Wash and pressure cook rice and dal along with 6 cups of water for 4 whistles. Mash into a soft mass.
- While the rice and dal are cooking get the Jaggery syrup ready.
- Heat jaggery along with 3 tbsps of water.
- When it dissolves strain and pour back into the pan.
- Simmer the syrup on low flame till thick.
- Check the syrup stage between your wet thumb and forefinger for 1 string consistency. (Watch Apple jelebi video for the know how of sugar syrup stage))
- Now pour the syrup into the hot rice mixture and stir on low flame till it comes to a slow boil. Add the saffron strands dissolved in little milk. The Pongal should be thick and soft in consistency.’
- Switch off the flame.
- Heat ghee, and Add cashews and almonds. When they are light brown add the raisins. The raisins will pop up in size. Switch off the flame .
- Add the spice powders and pour the ghee onto the Pongal. Mix well.
Kadalai Paruppu Sundal
