On Mahanavami, the ninth day of Navratri, the Siddhidatri form of Goddess Durga is worshipped. This day marks the culmination of the Navratri festivities, and it is believed that worshipping the Goddess on this day bestows upon devotees the eight Siddhis (siddhis). According to legend, Maa Siddhidatri is very fond of coconut offerings (Maa Siddhidatri Bhog).

Therefore, by making coconut pudding and offering it to the Goddess on Mahanavami, she is quickly pleased and fulfills all the wishes of her devotees. On this auspicious occasion, celebrated on October 1st, let's learn the easiest method for making delicious coconut pudding so that you can offer this special offering to the Goddess without any hassle.

Ingredients for Coconut Halwa
Coconut: 1 medium-sized (grated)
Milk: 1.5 cups
Sugar: 1 cup (or to taste)
Ghee: 2 tablespoons
Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Cashews and almonds: finely chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Coconut Halwa
First, take a heavy-bottomed pan or a non-stick pan. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in it.
When the ghee melts, add the grated coconut and fry it over low heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
Make sure the coconut doesn't change color at all; it just starts to emit a mild, sweet aroma.
This process removes the coconut's moisture and enhances the halwa's flavor.
Then, add 1.5 cups of milk to the roasted coconut and mix well.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook the mixture until all the milk is completely absorbed.
Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

When the milk has completely evaporated, add 1 cup of sugar and cardamom powder.
The mixture will become slightly moist again once the sugar is added. Continue stirring and cook until the halwa begins to leave the sides of the pan.

You can also add the saffron solution at this point. Then cook the halwa until it thickens completely and acquires a shiny texture.

When it's ready, turn off the heat. Transfer the halwa to a beautiful plate and garnish it with finely chopped cashews, almonds, and pistachios.
Your delicious and pure coconut halwa is ready to be offered to Goddess Siddhidatri. After that, consume it as prasad.

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