Search
Login
Foodies Only in your inbox
By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to ourPrivacy Policy and to receive marketing emails from Foodies Only
ITC Portal
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
09/09/2025
Navratri is equally about food as it is about devotion, and snacks form an essential part of the food during the festivities! While traditional vrat dishes are essential during Navratri, party-style snacks bring an extra touch of flavour and festivity. From crunchy makhana chaat and vrat-friendly pakoras to creative twists like paneer skewers and sweet potato tikkis, Navratri parties strike a balance between tradition and modern taste. This article looks at such snack options that are perfect for sharing and keep the festive spirit alive!
Navratri, one of India’s most celebrated festivals, brings nine days of devotion, colour, music, and, of course, food. While many people observe fasting, festive gatherings and community events are also an essential part of the season. Hosting a Navratri party often means creating dishes that respect the spirit of the vrat while still being delicious enough to please everyone.
Snacks are the stars of such parties. They are easy to serve and set the tone for an evening of celebration.
Over time, Navratri snacks have evolved from simple fasting staples to more elaborate, party-ready dishes that adhere to fasting rules while incorporating added creativity and flavour. Ingredients like makhana, buckwheat flour, amaranth, sweet potato, and paneer take centre stage, transformed into flavour-packed bites. From traditional savoury chaats to inventive finger foods, Navratri snacks today are about more than just filling stomachs; they carry the festival’s spirit within and keep the devotion and celebration alive! Here’s a look at such snacks, which you would want to include in your Navratri party!
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a Navratri essential and make the perfect base for a crunchy, colourful chaat. Roasted makhanas come together with boiled potatoes, cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and a dash of rock salt and lemon. The result is a light yet flavourful snack that is vrat-friendly and party-ready. Served in small bowls or cups, makhana chaat is easy to eat while mingling, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Sweet potato, known as shakarkandi, replaces the usual potato in these festive tikkis. Mashed with spices like cumin and green chilli, the mixture is shaped into patties and shallow-fried until crisp. These tikkis are hearty, mildly sweet, and full of energy, ideal for guests who are fasting. They pair beautifully with green chutney made without onion or garlic, adding a zesty kick to the platter.
Buckwheat flour, or kuttu ka atta, is a staple of Navratri fasting. When used as a batter for vegetables like spinach or potato slices, it creates crisp, golden pakoras that taste just as indulgent as their everyday versions. Served hot with vrat-friendly dips, these pakoras are a hit at parties where guests are looking for something familiar yet festive.
Paneer is one of the most versatile vrat ingredients and works brilliantly for party snacks. Cubes of paneer marinated in yoghurt and spices are grilled on skewers with pieces of capsicum or tomato. These skewers are colourful, flavourful, and easy to handle, making them perfect finger food for Navratri gatherings. Their smoky taste and juicy texture make them a modern favourite
Rajgira (amaranth) flour and boiled potatoes combine to form delicious cutlets that are crispy on the outside and soft within. Shaped into bite-sized discs, they are easy to serve and eat at a party. Rajgira adds a nutty flavour and a dose of protein, making the cutlets both tasty and nourishing. Paired with vrat-friendly sauces, these cutlets are a wholesome addition to the snack spread.
No Navratri party is complete without something sweet. Fruit and nut laddoos made from dates, figs, almonds, and cashews are naturally sweetened and energy-rich. Rolled into bite-sized balls, they double as a dessert and a healthy snack. Their colourful appearance also ties in with the festive vibe, making them a delightful way to round off a platter.
A festive twist on the classic dahi vada, this version uses singhare (water chestnut) flour. The vadas are light, fluffy, and soaked in yoghurt that is seasoned with rock salt and cumin. Garnished with pomegranate seeds and mint, they look as inviting as they taste. This snack is both cooling and refreshing, balancing out the heavier fried options on the menu.
Navratri parties are not just about music and dance; they are also about sharing food that brings people together. Super snacks like makhana chaat, kuttu pakoras, paneer skewers, and fruit laddoos keep the festive mood alive while staying true to the spirit of the vrat. By mixing traditional ingredients with modern presentation, these snacks cater to everyone, those fasting and those simply joining in the celebration. With vibrant colours, creative flavours, and a focus on togetherness, Navratri snacks truly reflect the joy of the festival.
