Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
Navratri is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture. It is not only nine days of devotion but also a time to practice restraint, prudence, and social responsibility. Devotees worship Goddess Durga, prepare traditional foods, and observe rituals that strengthen family and community bonds. Halwa, puri, chana dal, and fruits hold special meaning as offerings and are enjoyed as prasad.
Yet, a critical question arises. Should these sacred offerings, made of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, also be given to cows, which are revered as mothers in Indian tradition?
The answer lies in science as much as in faith. Human digestive systems can handle sweets and fried foods in moderation, though excess consumption leads to health risks such as indigestion and weight gain. Cows, however, are grazers. Their system is designed for green grass, straw, grains, and fodder. Heavy, oily, and sugary foods harm them, causing indigestion, diarrhea, and long-term health problems.
Here lies the balance. Devotion must walk hand in hand with protection. Feeding cows natural fodder, fruits, and green leaves during Navratri is the true expression of reverence. Offering halwa-puri to them, though well-intentioned, ignores their health needs.
Temples and households that restrict halwa-puri prasad to human consumption while giving cows natural food embody this balance between tradition and compassion. This practice aligns with both religious values and animal welfare.
Education plays a key role. Families, schools, and religious institutions must spread awareness that prasad like halwa-puri is for humans only. Children should be taught that faith involves responsibility, and festivals like Navratri carry messages of wisdom and coexistence, not just ritual.
The festival’s spirit is best honored when we practice moderation in our own consumption and ensure the well-being of animals around us. True devotion is not blind tradition but thoughtful action.
Navratri teaches that faith, restraint, and prudence belong together. By enjoying prasad with moderation, feeding cows only what is safe for them, and nurturing awareness in the next generation, we celebrate the festival in its fullest sense. This way, Navratri becomes not just a ritual of devotion but a lesson in harmony, responsibility, and compassion.
About the Author
Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
Research Scholar in Political Science
Poet, Independent Journalist and Columnist
Arya Nagar, Hisar (Haryana)
