Navaratri, a nine-day festival known for its spirit of joy and celebration, encapsulates various themes but primarily symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. In the year 2025, this significant festival commences on September 22nd and concludes on October 1st.

The number of steps required for setting up a Kolu display is determined by the availability of dolls and the amount of space that can be utilized. Traditionally, the maximum number of steps is nine, symbolizing the nine days of Navaratri. Typically, the steps are arranged in odd numbers such as 3, 5, 7, or 9.In recent times, Kolu displays have become more of a creative expression rather than just a religious practice. People now organize “Theme Kolu” or “Modern Kolu” where they incorporate electronic items and other modern elements. Regardless of the style, celebrating Kolu is a time for enjoyment and coming together with loved ones.
Navaratri celebrations wouldn’t be the same without a delightful assortment of sundal dishes served every evening. Explore a variety of Sundal Recipes to elevate your festive experience.
Payatham Paruppu Sundal
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyDelicious and nutritious, Payatham Paruppu Sundal is a South Indian lentil dish seasoned with fragrant spices. Perfect for festivals and gatherings!
Mixed Grain Sundal
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyRecipe for Mixed Grain Sundal with Whole Gram (Kondai Kadalai), White Dry Peas (Pattani), and Mochai Kottai
Rajma Sundal
Difficulty: EasyThis sundal is made with Rajma, tomato, onion and other Indian spices. The rajma is soaked for 10 to 12 hours before cooked.
Kadalai Paruppu (Bengal Gram) Sundal
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyExperience the traditional South Indian flavors with Kadalai Paruppu Sundal, a healthy and flavorful snack made with Bengal gram. Perfect for festivals or anytime enjoyment.
Sprouted Moong Sundal
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyAn easy and healthy snack made with sprouted moong dal
Karamani (Cowgram) sweet sundal
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasySavor the taste of South India with this exquisite karamani sweet sundal recipe, ideal for festive occasions or simply as a delightful sweet indulgence!
Thenga Manga Pattani Sundal
Difficulty: EasyThenga Manga Pattani Sundal is the specialty of Marina Beach, Chennai. It’s primary ingredient is dried white peas (pattani) and is mixed with a variety of condiments.
Kondai kadalai Sundal
Difficulty: EasyLearn how to make a delicious and flavorful Kondai kadalai Sundal with this easy recipe. Perfect for a snack or side dish. Try it now! #recipe
In addition to Sundal, Sweet Puttu is also a popular dish prepared on Navarathri Friday. This delicious treat is made by steaming fresh rice flour and mixing it with a rich jaggery syrup, a touch of ghee, grated coconut, and cardamom powder. While the traditional method of making Puttu from scratch can be time-consuming, I have provided some simple recipes below that use ready-made flours or Poha (flattened rice) for convenience.
Ragi Sweet Puttu
Difficulty: EasyThis sweet puttu is made with Ragi Flour, sugar and coconut gratings. We can substitute sugar with jaggery powder also.
Nice line up of sundal…..
Hi Kamala,
Love your posts: I used to read through your blog with nostalgia when I was in the US but now that I am back in India, appreciate them even more. The 'Kadai' veggies sounded so mouth-watering!
I think a typo gremlin somehow got into your recent post: the numbers 3, 5, 7, 9 etc., are odd, not even of course. You might want to fix this.
Once again love your posts. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you Gayathri and Murali Ramanathan for visiting my blog.
Thank you Murali for pointing out the error. I have fixed it. Thank you once again for your kind info.
If I were staying near your place, I would drop in each day of navarathri to have my share of those yummy sundals 🙂
Happy navarathri to you.
Thank you Shobana. Wishing you the same. Enjoy this festival.
Thank you Kamala Love your post. Thank you so much for sharing, Meena
nice sundals..after reading this post, I really want to do golu and sundals in my home.
Thanks for sharing this…
Thank you for visiting. Celebrate and Enjoy this festive season.
Great post!! Have linked to it on my blog and added you to my blogroll.
Hi Apu,
So kind of you. Thank you for visiting and linking to your blogroll.
hi
Nice post going to try puttu for the first time this navarathri using ur recipes!
Thank you for writing Subharekha. After trying Puttu, please send your feedback.
Excellent and Yummy recipes.Thank You very much Kamala.After seeing the Golu n reading the chundal recipes we friends went back to our schooldays.Once again thanks a lot.Wish I was staying near your place.I am in MUMBAI.
HAPPY NAVRATRI.
Thank you Aruna for your kind comments. Wishing you also a Happy Navaratri.
Luv ur Recipes…I tried @ home& got appraisal from my dad…thankyou!
are there any special kollams on all 9 days. please enlighten and inform some special kollams on navaratri.
thanks
geetha
Dear Mam,
are there any special kollams on navaratri 9 days. if so, please enlighten me and send few special kollams on navaratri.
thanks for your cooperation
sorry if i am disturbing u.
regards
geetha
Hi Geetha Ramakrishnan
You are always welcome with queries and suggestions. Depending upon the space available for kolam, you can draw any kolam. Please visit my Kolam site and check for puja kolangal and choose.
Love this post 🙂
Do you have any farahali (fasting) recipes too, we fast during Navratris in Punjab and only eat fruits & nuts including Rajgiro flour, Kuttu Flour, Singhada flour, potatoes etc..
Will be interesting to know what I can prepare South Indian style..
Thank you for visiting our site. In South India, there is no fasting during Navaratri. However on any festival days, people avoid some ingredients like onion, garlic and some masala powders. Rice also avoided at dinner. Upma (wtihout onion), Puttu with rice flour/poha/ragi, fruits and payasam (kheer) are some common fasting dishes.
Gd mrng Kamlaji
Tu 4 d recipes of Kumannaya (jaggery n green dal sweet) and green Moong Curd Bondas. Tried both and they were liked by all in the family.
One request Janmasthami is also round the corner : recipes for Muruku, Theingol, n Seedai will be a welcome. Thank you.
Regards Vasanthi
Hi Vasanthi,
Thank you for trying my recipes and for your kind feed back. I have already posted Murukku recipes. Please check under “Snacks” category.
Hi Kamala, I learnt about this Corner from Rohit. Enjoying it. Bhanu is surely going to try some of the Sundal recipes. Kc
Sir,
Happy to see your comment. Thank you.
Have you started Recipes for Instant Pot Cooking?