WHY WE CELEBRATE MAHA SHIVRATRI
The Maha Shivratri, or “the great night of Lord Shiva,” is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in and around the country. We Indians celebrate this holy day to eradicate negative powers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It holds substantial religious significance and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. This festival is celebrated with prayers, holy rituals, and other cultural activities to please and worship the Lord. According to Hindu tradition, this night commemorates numerous significant events in Lord Shiva’s life. They are, his marriage with goddess Parvati, drinking poison to save the entire universe, and the night where he performed the cosmic dance (Tandava Nritya).
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, the devotees observe a fast all through the day and night and indulge in many spiritual activities. According to numerous studies, it is also proven that the planetary alignment on the night of Maha Shivratri is very special, as it can benefit the spiritual and physical well-being of an individual when certain procedures are followed.
SHIVRATRI FASTING/VRAT:
As mentioned earlier, many devotees of Lord Shiva around the country observe fasts during Shivratri. It is believed that observing fast on this particular day is considered to be very auspicious and special, which brings the blessings of Lord Shiva. Many young and unmarried girls also observe the fast during Shivratri, as it is believed that this helps them get a handsome, loving, and caring husband like Lord Shiva. Fasting also helps in cleaning negative energies and purifying the mind, body, and soul. Most devotees consider this to be an act of self-discipline and unbreakable devotion.
TOP SHIVRATRI FESTIVAL RECIPES:
1.SOOJI KHEER
This traditional Indian dessert plays a major role in most of the Indian festivals. It is made during festivals and many auspicious occasions. Be it kids or adults, everyone will enjoy this Indian dessert for sure.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cashew
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 2 tablespoons desi organic ghee
- 2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon of almonds
- 1 tablespoon pistachios
- 1 dash powdered organic cardamom
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat one tablespoon of Organic Express A2 or desi cow ghee in a pan and add the roughly chopped cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins. After roasting the mix for 2–3 minutes, remove the roasted nuts and store them in a bowl.
Step 2: Add one tablespoon of ghee to the same pan and add sooji. Roast sooji on a medium flame for a few minutes, until it turns crunchy.
Step 3: Add milk and sugar to the pan and cook the mix for 5–6 minutes on medium flame.
Step 4: Add a pinch of organic cardamom powder along with the roasted nuts. Cook the mixture for an additional two minutes and switch off the flame.
Step 5: The delicious sooji kheer is now ready to be served.
2. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is one of the famous vrat recipes that can be relished with green chutney and aloo sabji. This Satvik recipe can be consumed during any fast for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sago
- 4 tablespoons of coconut
- 5 tablespoons of desi ghee
- 1 bunch curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- Sendha namak a required
- 2 medium potatoes
- 4 green chillies
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- ½ cup roasted peanuts
- 1 bunch of coriander leaves
- 2 cups of water
Preparation:
Step 1: Soak sabudana for 4–5 hours prior to preparation. Chop the green chilies and coriander leaves finely. Peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes in another bowl. Grind the peanuts and keep them aside.
Step 2: Heat the desi cow ghee in a deep-bottomed pan and add the curry leaves to it, along with cumin seeds and chopped green chillies. Saute for some time and add the potatoes.
Step 3: Once the potatoes are soft and golden, add the soaked sabudana and sago along with the grated coconut and peanuts. Mix all the ingredients and saute for minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle water in the pan to keep the mixture moist and add a pinch of rock salt or sendha namak. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice, followed by the chopped coriander leaves.
Step 5: Serve the mouth-watering sabudana khichdi hot.
3.SHIVRATRI RAITA
Shivratri raita is a popular condiment that is prepared in most of the Indian households during the poojas. It is very simple to prepare and contains all the necessary proteins, carbs and carbohydrates to keep you hydrated and full during the fast.
Ingredients:
- 300 gms yoghurt
- 1 potato
- 2 sprigs of coriander leaves
- 1 green chilli
- ½ cumin powder
- Salt as required
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts
- ½ tablespoon cumin seeds
- ¼ sugar
Preparation:
Step 1: Boil the potatoes and cut them into small pieces. Beat the curd and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Chop all the vegetables finely and add them to the curd. Add salt, red chilli powder, and cumin powder, and mix well.
Step 3: Tamper cumin and mustard seeds in oil. Garnish the raita with coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and mustard.
The above-mentioned Shivratri recipes can be easily prepared at home for your loved ones. Use the products offered by Organic Express to enhance the flavor and texture of all the dishes. They are not just mouthwatering, but also completely healthy for all age groups. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in every nook and corner of the country to honor Lord Shiva. It marks a remembrance of “overcoming the darkness” in life.
We wish you a happy and blessed Shivratri to indulge in spiritual activities and devour the delicacies. May you experience the calmness that transcends the qualities of the Aadiyogi while you hold the vigil on this auspicious night.