Khoicha is traditionally prepared on the evening of Durga Ashtami.
According to the expert, devotees should start by taking five earthen lamps to the temple and light them.
Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated for nine days to worship Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasting, engage in music and dance, and adorn themselves with colorful outfits. The 10-day festivities mark the victory of good over evil. The eighth day of the festivities, also known as Mahashtami, is considered the most auspicious.
According to Pandit Manotpal Jha, the practice of preparing Mata’s Khoicha on Durga Ashtami has ancient origins, dating back generations. Speaking exclusively to News18, he emphasized that the ritual ensures the well-being of the children and produces several desired results. It is worth mentioning that the Khoicha is traditionally prepared on the night of Durga Ashtami. Check the following things you need to complete the ritual mentioned by Pandit Manotpal.
Pandit Manotpal explained that the tradition of offering sacrifices has ancient roots. People have long been engaged in religious practices, work and faith to seek blessings from Goddess Durga. When their wishes were fulfilled by her grace, they lovingly placed essential objects on her lap as an offering, expressing their devotion and expressing their gratitude. He said that Khoicha is always filled on the night of Ashtami.
According to him, devotees should start by taking five earthen lamps (diyas) to the temple and light them. They must also make offerings such as rice, dubri, a lump of turmeric, five betel leaves, five betel nuts, as well as sweets and batasha. Moreover, devotees can offer money, sari and cosmetic items to the goddess.
The expert also mentioned that all these ingredients were packed in a chunri, he took the offerings to the temple and asked the temple priest to offer them at the feet of Goddess Durga.
Pandit Manotpal recalled how from childhood he would watch his mother and other women grind Arwa rice to prepare pithar on Ashtami night. They stayed awake all night, sewing new clothes and participating in various rituals.
He also said that although some people choose not to fast or consume fruits, it is still possible for them to perform the Khoichha ritual. He said that devotion to Goddess Durga is the key, and even if one has eaten, they can fill the Khoicha and get their wishes fulfilled. Filling Khoicha is believed to be a powerful means of manifesting one’s wishes.
