Durga Ashtami Prasad Sweets: Sacred and Sweet Treats for Festive Offerings

Durga Ashtami, one of the most auspicious days in Hinduism, is on the 8th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) of every month. But Chaitra and Sharadiya Durga Ashtami is more special during Navratri. In April 2025, Durga Ashtami is on Saturday, April 5. This day is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her powerful form, the embodiment of strength, protection and divine energy. Devotees across India keep fast, perform special pujas and offer prasad to seek Goddess’s blessings.

The day starts with Kanya Pujan where young girls are worshipped as Goddess Durga. Homes and temples are filled with the aroma of sacred offerings like halwa, puri and chana which are offered and distributed as prasad. Apart from these traditional sweets, regional sweets like Kesari, Kheer and Peda also make their way into the prasad, a sign of devotion and gratitude.

Durga Ashtami is not just about the rituals; it’s a celebration of the divine feminine energy that protects and nurtures. Whether you keep fast or have prasad, it’s a day to remember faith, strength and victory of good over evil.

10 Traditional Prasads To Make For Durga Ashtami

Suji Halwa – The Classic Prasad Sweet

A staple in Kanya Pujan, suji halwa is prepared with roasted semolina, ghee, sugar, and cardamom, giving it a rich and warm flavor. It is often served with puri and black chana, completing the sacred prasad thali. The golden hue of halwa symbolizes auspiciousness, making it an essential part of Durga Ashtami offerings.

Kesari – A Royal Offering

Kesari, a saffron-infused semolina sweet, holds a special place in South Indian Ashtami celebrations. Made with ghee, sugar, and a generous amount of dry fruits, this dish is vibrant in color and rich in taste. The use of saffron and cardamom adds a divine aroma, perfect for prasad.

Gur Sandesh – The Bengali Devotional Sweet

Durga Ashtami is widely celebrated in Bengal, and no festival there is complete without Sandesh. This melt-in-the-mouth sweet is made with chhena (paneer), jaggery, and a hint of cardamom. The use of gur (jaggery) instead of sugar enhances its significance, symbolizing purity and devotion.

Kheer – The Divine Offering

Kheer, a sacred dish in many Hindu traditions, is prepared using rice, milk, sugar, and nuts. It signifies prosperity and abundance, making it a perfect offering to Goddess Durga. Slowly simmering the milk brings out its natural sweetness, and a touch of saffron and cardamom elevates its festive charm.

Peda – A Sacred Sweet for the Goddess

Peda, a simple yet sacred offering, is made using mawa (khoya), sugar, and cardamom. This soft and mildly sweet delicacy is often offered in temples, symbolizing purity and devotion. You can shape them into small rounds, garnish with sliced pistachios, and serve as a heartfelt prasad.

Chenna Murki – The Sweet Simplicity of Devotion

Chenna Murki is a lesser-known yet cherished sweet from Bengal and Odisha. Small chhena cubes are cooked in sugar syrup until they get a glossy coating. This prasad is quick to make and represents simplicity, making it a wonderful addition to your Ashtami offerings.

Besan Ladoo – A Festive Must-Have

These golden chickpea flour ladoos are packed with ghee, sugar, and cardamom, making them a flavorful offering. Besan ladoos symbolize energy and nourishment, much like the blessings of Goddess Durga. Rolling them into perfect rounds is part of the joy of making prasad.

Rasgulla – The Nectar of Devotion

Another Bengali favorite, soft and spongy rasgullas are prepared using chhena and sugar syrup. These delicate sweets represent purity and divine blessings. The process of boiling them in syrup ensures they absorb all the sweetness, making them perfect for Ashtami celebrations.

Coconut Barfi – A Sacred Offering

Coconut holds immense significance in Hindu rituals, making coconut barfi a natural choice for prasad. Made with grated coconut, condensed milk, and cardamom, this sweet has a subtle yet rich taste. Offering coconut-based sweets symbolizes prosperity and fulfillment of wishes.

Malpua – A Festive Indulgence

Malpua, a deep-fried flour and milk pancake soaked in sugar syrup, is a traditional bhog in many temples. The crispy edges and soft center make it an indulgent yet sacred offering. The addition of fennel seeds and cardamom enhances its fragrance, making it a treat worthy of the Goddess.