We are kick-starting the months full of festivities with Sharad Navratri. The nine-night festival observed for Goddess Durga, also known as Maa (mother) Durga is celebrated with great fervour in India.  This Hindu festival commemorates the nine forms of Maa Shakti, each of the nine nights by performing holy rituals, aarti, lamp(lit day and night for all nine days) and a Kalash. The nine incarnations of Maa Durga are, Goddess Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmandal, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhatri. For people wondering when Sharad Navratri is celebrated and the dates of the festival commencing, you might want to check out Sharad Navratri 2019 date and other information. As per the Hindu calendar, the nine-night festival is observed on the Pratipada tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha.

It is usually celebrated in September and October, as per the Gregorian calendar. 2019 will see Sharad Navratri celebrated from September 29 to October 7. Devotees also observe nine-day fast to please Goddess Durga and celebrate the significance of the festival, which is the victory of the good over evil. There are many ways that the devotees choose to fast during Navaratri. Some fast without water (nirjala), some just eat satvik food once a day after sunset and some only sustain eating fruits and water (Phalahar) throughout the nine days. If you are someone who is planning on to fast by only eating Satvik foods, you must know of sabudana, also known as Tapioca Sago. This ingredient is considered, healthy, filling and fast-friendly. Here are some easy and delicious sabudana recipes that you might want to try this Sharad Navratri:

Sabudana Khichdi

This easy recipe includes healthy ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, coriander leaves, boiled potatoes and sabudana of course. This tasty treat is perfect to keep you full all-day and provide you with the energy you need.

Sabudana Khichdi [Watch Video]:

Sabudana Vada

What about some crispy vadas while you are fasting for Sharad Navratri? Easy to make and yummy to taste, this recipe needs simple ingredients such as potatoes, green chillies and spices. This recipe requires very less amount of oil.

Sabudana Vada [Watch Video]:

Sabudana Kheer

For people with a sweet tooth, sabudana kheer is a perfect food to savour during Navaratri. This recipe requires milk, sugar and other nuts along with tapioca sago.

Sabudana Kheer [Watch Video]:

Sabudana Thalipeeth

Another recipe using fresh spices and condiments along with potatoes, sabudana Thalipeeth is super-easy to make.

Sabudana Thalipeeth [Watch Video]:

This post-monsoon autumn festival, Sharada Navratri is also celebrated as Durga Puja in West Bengal and other areas in Eastern India. Different people observe the festival and fast for different reasons, however, if you are planning to fast for Navratri you must keep a few things in mind. If you are diabetic or pregnant you might want ditch the idea of fasting. For other people who are fasting, keep yourself hydrated at all times and don't be too harsh on yourself.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2019 01:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).