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We have all heard that one should first ‘eat with their eyes.’ Food satiates all our senses, one of which is our visual sense. If it didn’t, do you think that a sinful chocolate cake video will make you drool? Yes, that’s the power of visual appearance! Having said that, on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, let’s play on with the 9 beautiful colours of the festival. Till now, you might have dressed up in all these colours but now it’s time to eat these. We all know that the colours of Navratri represent the 9 avatars or incarnations of Goddess Durga. While, you are all adorned in these vibrant colours, make sure to eat them as well to celebrate the festival in all its glory!

1. Gorgeous grey: The first day of Navratri is dedicated to the commencement of the festival by kalash sthapna and we worship Shailputri, the first avatar of Goddess Durga.  Wearing grey signifies stability, calmness and the vinaash (destruction) of evil over good. Let your food plate do the talking. Use kuttu, bajra or singhada flour for a fabulous grey effect. Make a vrat-approved Dry Fruit Laddoo or this Stuffed Bajra Roti and enjoy the grey day.  

2. Oh! orange: The 2^nd day (dwitiya) is to worship Brahmacharini, the unmarried form of Durga Maa. Let this bright colour do the talking with some delights like Orange Rasmalai, Tomato Rasam, Santra Barfi, Bhajnee Chakli or simply make a unique and comforting orange coloured masoor dal. Simple Rajasthani Pulao with Chana Dal will set an orange theme on your food plate too. And of course, you just can’t shun away from the epic Motichoor Laddoo.

3. White is wow: Adored by many, thinking of white food options isn’t really a difficult job. Dishes with sago dominate during the 9 days of Navratri. One can also try sweets with sitaphal, makhana, banana and coconut. Make a decadent Sitaphal Basundi, Makhana Kheer or the classic Kaju Katli. You can also make healthy milkshakes using cashewnuts and almonds. Make some white prasad like fresh Coconut Barfi. Keep calm and cook up white!

4. Paint it red: There is no dearth of red in a woman’s wardrobe, whether it is beautiful bandhni dupatta or a vibrant red saree. Similarly, red food options are also many. Go red on the 4^th day with fruits like pomegranate, apple, fresh dates and berries like cherries, cranberries or raspberries. You can also make a kheer, pudding or just a simple milk shake which has a hint of red. If you can’t resist temptation for desserts during Navratri, you must try the droolworthy Cherry Halwa. Watermelon Punch makes for a refreshing drink post all the garba.

5. No more feeling blue: Cooking blue can be a little difficult than other colours because blue food is not something very regular. But, on the 5^th day or panchami, we need to do a little more mehnat. Let’s cook up Blueberry Phirni, halwa or kheer with ghee, milk and a generous amount of blueberry puree. Mango and Blueberry Yogurt – a delicious dish of hung yogurt mixed with blueberry jam is also a great option.

6. Yayy! for yellow: The 6^th day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. If you’re wearing this happy colour, don’t forget to match it up with something on your plate. Make peach or Pineapple Halwa or Kesari Shrikhand for prasad. Or cook up something with boiled corn kernels and yellow bell peppers. Remember, yellow is the theme! Even a simple Vrat wali Peanut Curry is perfect to keep up with the yellow tone.

7. Go green: Let your dress match your food and if you are inviting people home for celebrations or aarti, decorate your home green and let them feel the power of this refreshing colour. Serve accompaniments like dhaniya, pudina or Kadipatta Chutney for the green effect. Cook up Beans Foogath – a South Indian delight, Kothimbir Wadi or kiwi pudding as a sweet dish. There are no limits when it comes to green delicacies.

8. Mor green: On the 8^th day or ashtami, Mahagauri is worshipped and this day signifies that all your desires will be fulfilled. Hara Bhara Kebab can be a good starter to serve to your guests if they are not fasting. Use ingredients like green peas, spring onions and spinach to make some peacock-green delights. You can make Palak Paneer, Palak Puri or paranthas to make a fun-filled green day.

9. Adieu with purple: On the 9^th day of Navratri, create yummy dishes with brinjal, purple cabbage, fresh figs, jamun or purple yam. Do not forget to make the authentic Baingan Bharta or Bharwan Baingan to add some extra purple to the day. As you bid adieu to the Mother Goddess, make sure your plate has that royal, purplicious look!