The auspicious Hindu festival of Sharadiya Navratri commences on the 3rd of October. Celebrated over nine days, this festival involves the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga. During this time, devotees adorn the shrine of Mata Rani and partake in fasting rituals. Each day of Navratri, devotees offer their favourite bhog (food offerings) to each of the nine different forms of Mata Rani. It is believed that by making these offerings, Mata Rani becomes pleased and grants the wishes of her devotees. Let's delve into the details of the various bhogs that are traditionally offered to Mata Rani during the nine days of Navratri.

On the first day, offer halwa, rabri, and mawa laddoos

On the first day of Navratri, which is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, Ghatasthapana is performed, marking the beginning of the 9-day festival. It is customary to offer bhog made of cow ghee to Mata Rani on this day. As part of the bhog, you can prepare halwa, rabri, and mawa laddus using cow's desi ghee.

Offer sugar and panchamrit on the second day

On the second day of Sharadiya Navratri, Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped. It is customary to offer sugar (mishri) and panchamrit as bhog to Mata Rani on this day. If you are observing a fast for the 9 days of Navratri, you can also partake of sugar and panchamrit as prasad.

Offer sweets made of milk on the third day

The third day of Sharadiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, known for her fondness for milk. It is customary to prepare and offer delectable dishes made of milk as bhog to honor her. This can include a variety of sweets made of milk and a creamy rice pudding known as kheer.

Offer Malpua on the fourth day

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, and the fourth day of Navratri holds special significance. It is believed that Maa Kushmanda has a special liking for a traditional Indian sweet dish called Malpua. Offering Malpua to Mata Rani on this day is considered highly auspicious. 

Offer this prasad to Maa Skandamata

On the fifth day of Navratri, the divine form of Mata Rani worshipped is Skandamata. To honor her, it is customary to offer a delightful array of fruits as bhog. You can present a variety of seasonal fruits such as succulent apples, ripe bananas, and other fresh fruits to honor Maa Skandamata.

On the sixth day, definitely offer sweet paan

On the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri, which is dedicated to Rishi Putri Maa Katyayani, it is customary to include gourd, honey, and sweet paan in the bhog (offering). Sweet paan is a delightful addition to the bhog on this auspicious day.

On the seventh day, offer prasad made of jaggery

Moving on to the seventh day, which is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kaalratri, the destroyer of evil, it is a tradition to offer prasad made of jaggery. This sweet prasad symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Offer this prasad on the eighth day

The eighth day of Sharadiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, worshippers traditionally offer coconut prasad. This can include offering a green coconut shell and coconut laddus as prasad, symbolizing purity and blessings from the goddess.

On the ninth day, offer special halwa puri bhog

On the ninth day of Navratri, special halwa and puri should be offered as bhog to honor Maa Siddhidatri. This day marks the end of the Navratri festival, and after the Ghat establishment on the first day, Mata Rani is bid farewell on the ninth day. Therefore, it is customary to offer gram, halwa, puri, and kheer as prasad on this day.