Chaitra Navratri 2025: If You Are Fasting, Try These 5 Sabudana Recipes

As Chaitra Navratri approaches, many people prepare to observe fasts for all nine days while worshipping Goddess Durga in her nine forms. During special vrat meals, ingredients like onion and garlic are typically avoided. One of the most popular foods consumed during this fasting period is sabudana (sago or tapioca pearls), known for its numerous health benefits. Rich in carbohydrates, calcium, fiber, protein, iron, and Vitamin K, sabudana is a highly nutritious choice for Chaitra Navratri, especially after long hours of fasting. Instead of eating the same sabudana dish every day, you can experiment with different preparations to keep your meals exciting and flavourful.

Here's a list of five sabudana recipes that you can make on Chaitra Navratri 2025:

1) Sabudana Kheer

On fasting days, it is probably the most common sweet dish that's made in many households. This pudding, made with sago, milk and sugar, doesn't require a lot of effort. Top it with dry fruits and cardamom powder.
Also Read: 6 Easy Navratri Recipes For First-Time Fasting

Photo Credit: iStock

2) Kesari Sabudana Khichdi

Nothing can beat the taste of sabudana khichdi during Chaitra Navratri. Soak the sabudana overnight and then cook it with spices and vegetables. This could be the perfect lunch for Chaitra Navratri.

3) Sabudana Tikki

These pan-fried and crispy patties are made with sabudana and mashed potatoes. Add some cashews for crunch and green chillies for that extra bit of spice. It's a delicious snack option, and, we are sure, the tikkis will disappear in no time.

Photo Credit: iStock

4) Sabudana Kebab

Sabudana kebabs aren't just tasty but also filling and nutritional. Cooked with mashed potatoes, flour, curd and spices, this is a lip-smacking way to include sabudana in your Chaitra Navratri diet.

5) Sabudana Vada

Sabudana, roasted peanuts, boiled potatoes, and a few spices and herbs are all that's needed to make this popular deep-fried snack. It's also gluten-free and vegan. If you have soaked sabudana ready, you can make these vadas in no time.

Photo Credit: iStock

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Lauren Sanchez's Rs 4.9 Lakh Balenciaga Coffee Cup Clutch Sparks Debate Online

Spanish luxury fashion house Balenciaga is known for its unconventional, food-themed accessories. Last year, actor Michael Shannon carried the brand's potato chips clutch, which looked like a real bag of chips but came with a hefty price tag of Rs 1.5 lakh. Now, Balenciaga has introduced another everyday-inspired piece-a clutch designed to resemble a disposable coffee cup.

Named the '9 AM Clutch', the accessory is available in black and white. It is crafted from calfskin and brass and is part of Balenciaga's Fall 2024 collection, according to the brand's website. Priced at USD 5,750 (Rs 4.9 lakh), the clutch recently gained attention after being spotted with former journalist and author Lauren Sanchez, who is set to marry Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos in Venice. Sanchez was seen carrying the coffee cup clutch while attending a meeting in Los Angeles, reported The Guardian.

^{9 Am Clutch in White.Photo: balenciaga.com}

The quirky accessory has received mixed reactions on social media, particularly on Reddit:

"I love a statement, fun bag. But this is just silly. I want to know who is buying this."

"This brand just keeps digging itself deeper and deeper into ridicule."

"Who is buying this? Not me. And I am a coffee addict."

"I think it is sort of fun, as a joke really. But would I buy it? Absolutely not. Must be for people who have far too much money."

Also Read: Moschino Introduces Food-Inspired Celery Clutch At A Whopping Price Of Rs 3.75 Lakh

What do you think of Balenciaga's coffee cup clutch? Let us know in the comments.

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Watch: Daughter Tries To Help Mother In The Kitchen, Her Reaction Is Too Good To Miss

What happens when you try to help your mother in the kitchen? More often than not, she ends up cooking the meal herself anyway. Recently, a content creator shared a sketch of a similar situation on Instagram, and it has taken the social media by storm. The video begins with a woman working in the kitchen. A few seconds later, her daughter notices that she might be sick. She takes her mother out of the kitchen and requests her to rest while she takes over cooking. Further in the video, the vlogger asks her mother numerous questions about kitchen utensils and ingredients, disturbing her sleep. Finally, fed up with answering so many questions, the mother lays her daughter in bed and goes in the kitchen to just do the work herself. The side note read, "Hum toh bus mummy ka dhyan rakh rahe the (We were just taking care of mom)."

Also Read: Which State Has The Best Dosa? Viral Debate On X Gets Foodies Talking

Take a look: 

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Many users found the video quite relatable and funny. Some of them also commented how it's the "universal" reaction of moms. 

One user said, "You guys are so funny." 

Another added, "You are of no use." 

"Your mother's acting was super," read a comment. 

Several others dropped laughing emojis in the comment section. 

Last year, a similar video of a mother-son duo went viral on the internet. The video featured the vlogger coming home clutching a takeaway bag of fast food and a drink in a disposable glass. On hearing his arrival, when his mother told him that she'd made food for him, he declined and pointed to the items in his hand. The mother's expression changed as she touched her chest dramatically. She went on to express her dismay and disappointment at her son's 'rejection' of her food and pretended to use many tissue papers to wipe away her tears.

Watch the full video below:

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Also Read: Viral Video Shows Vlogger "Untoasting" Toasted Bread, Internet Reacts

What did you think of these viral videos? Let us know in the comments below.

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9 Hidden Signs You Have High Stress Level - And How To Reduce It Naturally

Stress is an unavoidable aspect of modern life, and while short-term stress is not really worrisome, chronic stress poses significant health risks. Sometimes, we don't even know we are suffering from excessive stress until it's too late. But how do we know that our stress is impacting our health and life? Integrative Health Coach Urvashi Agarwal highlights several indicators that may suggest elevated stress levels. Watch out for these signs!

Also Read: 10 Foods That Lower Cortisol Levels Naturally And Fight Stress For You

Here Are 9 Signs Of High Stress Levels:

1. Persistent Abdominal Weight Gain

Difficulty in losing belly fat despite regular exercise and a balanced diet may be linked to high cortisol levels, a hormone released during stress. Elevated cortisol can lead to fat accumulation in the abdominal area.

2. Chronic Fatigue

Experiencing constant exhaustion, even after adequate rest, can be a sign of prolonged stress. Stress disrupts sleep patterns and depletes energy reserves, leading to persistent tiredness.

3. Hair Thinning

Stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, resulting in increased hair shedding and noticeable thinning over time.

4. Intense Cravings for Sugary and Fatty Foods

High stress levels can trigger cravings for comfort foods rich in sugar and fat. This response is the body's attempt to seek quick energy sources and pleasurable sensations to counteract stress.

5. Facial Puffiness

Stress-induced hormonal changes can cause the body to retain water, leading to a swollen or puffy appearance, particularly in the face.

6. Unexplained Irritability

Feeling unusually irritable or experiencing mood swings without a clear reason may indicate that stress is affecting emotional regulation.

7. Tension in Neck Muscles

Chronic stress often manifests physically as muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and stiffness.

8. Frequent Awakening During Early Morning Hours

Regularly waking up at 2-3 AM can be associated with elevated stress levels, as stress can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

9. Decreased Libido

A noticeable reduction in sexual desire may result from chronic stress, which can suppress reproductive hormones and diminish interest in sexual activity.

Also Read: How Stress Is Ruining Your Gut Health, And What You Can Do About It

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How To Manage Stress? Diet Tips That Can Help:

Adopting specific dietary habits can play a crucial role in mitigating stress The Nutrition Source suggests the following tips:

• Balanced Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables supports overall health and can help regulate cortisol levels.
• Mindful Eating: Practicing mindful eating by focusing on the sensory experience of meals without distractions can enhance digestion and promote a more relaxed state.
• The Nutrition Source
• Regular Meal Times: Establishing consistent meal patterns helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and energy crashes associated with stress.
• Hydration: Adequate water intake is essential, as dehydration can exacerbate stress symptoms. Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption is also beneficial.
• Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce stress.
• Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars: Reducing the intake of processed foods and sugary snacks can prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Implementing these dietary strategies, along with regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices, can effectively manage stress levels and enhance overall well-being.

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Watch: Largest Cake Picnic In San Francisco Saw A Buffet Of 1,387 Different Cakes

San Francisco saw the largest cake potluck ever on March 29 with the Cake Picnic, organised on the lawn of the Legion of Honor art museum. Elisa Sunga started the 'Cake Picnic' concept last year, and it quickly gained popularity. This year, the event was attended by more than 1,000 people and featured a dreamy buffet of about 1,387 cakes, according to the New York Times. To attend this picnic, you had to buy a USD 15 ticket and bring one whole cake.

Pastry chefs and home bakers brought their unique creations, while many people also attended with store-bought cakes.

During the first hour of the picnic, everyone was arranging their cakes on the tables, draped with white tablecloths. There were delicious-looking cakes in different colours, sizes, flavours and decorations. After everything was arranged, people captured pictures of the wonderfully sweet sight of so many cakes in a single picnic.

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Next, they began feasting. To manage the large crowd, people were given a huge cake box each to collect different slices. In the first round of tasting, each group was given 6 minutes to get as many cake slices as they wanted, as explained in a viral reel of the picnic. Once everyone had their turn, the tables were opened for more rounds until only crumbs were left.

Also Read: This Edible Art Piece Redefines Interactive Galleries

The Cake Picnic started with Sunga's love for cake. "It started primarily because I wanted to eat a lot of cake," Sunga said, quoted in The New York Times. She posted the gathering on the invitation app Partiful, and it took off. Hundreds of people responded.

The picnic venue - Legion of Honor museum - dedicated this festival to late American painter Wayne Thiebaud, who is famous for his decadent paintings of cakes and confections. According to the museum's website, the Cake Picnic aimed to turn his dessert artworks into a "living tribute." 

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What Is Shraddha Kapoor's Go-To Cold Drink For The Summer? Find Out Here

Summer is upon us. With the rising temperature, we always find ourselves reaching for a bottle of water or soothing coolers to quench our thirst. Besides keeping us hydrated, you might want to ensure that the beverage you are drinking is healthy and delicious too. Actress Shraddha Kapoor has just recommended an easy option in her latest Instagram post. She revealed what keeps her cool in this hot weather - a humble glass of lime soda. Shraddha shared pictures of herself holding a glass of this wholesome drink. In the caption, she wrote, "Naa khud piyungi, naa tujhe peene dungi (I won't drink myself, nor will I let you drink). #nimbusoda."

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A post shared by Shraddha ✶ (@shraddhakapoor)

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor's Desi Topping For Papaya Is Simple, Fun And Delicious!

In another Instagram post, Shraddha Kapoor was seen relishing barfi on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. The actress shared a picture of barfi on her Instagram Stories and wrote, "Eid Mubarak!!! Mood: Barfi."

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor 'Bullied' Rahul Mody For Vada Pav

Earlier this month, Shraddha Kapoor celebrated her 38th birthday. The actress shared a carousel post on Instagram, sharing a glimpse of her birthday celebration. The opening frame featured the actress posing with a chocolate cake with a candle on it. The next photo had what seems to be a large modak (a type of traditional sweet). Another cake shown in the post was a yummy-looking one topped with cream and freshly cut pineapple. In another photo, we see a cut piece of the first cake, cosily paired with cups of black coffee. What also caught our eye in Shraddha's carousel post was crisp kanda (onion) bhajiyas and a small cup of chai, which she relished at a roadside stall. In the caption, she wrote, "Agar cakes ab tak khatam nahi hue, toh birthday bhi nahi hua na???" ["If the cakes are not over till now, so the birthday is also not yet over, right?"] Click here to read the full story. 

Shraddha Kapoor's love for food is unapologetic and we are excited to see more of her foodie adventures in the future.

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Heading Out? 7 New Menus In Delhi-NCR Restaurants To Try In March-April 2025

As the seasons transition from winter to summer, our desire for exploration and trying new things kicks in. For food enthusiasts, this is the perfect time to discover fresh flavours and cuisines. With the arrival of summer, top restaurants in Delhi-NCR have unveiled exciting new menus, packed with seasonal delights. From savoury snacks and refreshing drinks to decadent desserts, these menus offer a world of flavours to indulge in. They're a treat for the senses, and you won't want to miss out. Check out the latest offerings below.

Here Are New Menus You Must Check Out In Delhi-NCR:

1. Mister, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Mister Chai at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi has unveiled a new menu celebrating India's tea culture. This contemporary tea lounge offers an elevated take on Indian street food, blending traditional flavours with modern twists. Signature dishes include Butter Chicken Samosa, Paneer Khurchan Tacos, and Masala Amritsari Fish N Chips. The menu also features creative desserts like Vanilla Mille Feuille and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt. Health-conscious and vegan options are available, along with a variety of teas and specialty coffee.

• Where: Mister, Shangri-La Eros, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Photo Credit: Mister

2. The Lodhi

Elan at The Lodhi presents its new Dim Sum Lunch, a culinary journey celebrating global flavours. Available Monday to Thursday, this exclusive experience combines fine dining with socialising. The non-vegetarian dim sum selection features dishes like Nam-jim Chicken Rice Balls, Thai Style Money Bag Chicken, and Pork Pot Sticker. Vegetarian options include Pokchoy Wrapped Vegetable Dumplings and Sichuan Vegetable Bao. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and inspired by international flavours. The Dim Sum Lunch at Elan is a must-try for food connoisseurs. With its elegant atmosphere and innovative cuisine, Elan promises an unforgettable dining experience.

• Where: Elan, The Lodhi, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi
• When: 12 PM - 3:30 PM

Photo Credit: The Lodhi

3. Sorbo

Sorbo, a Moroccan-inspired restaurant in Gurgaon, has launched a revamped cocktail menu that elevates the drinking experience. Inspired by Moroccan flavours and modern mixology, the menu boasts bold flavours and exquisite craftsmanship. Each cocktail is a masterful blend of spice, citrus, and aromatics, featuring handcrafted infusions and house-made syrups. From saffron and cinnamon to mint and citrus, every sip captures Morocco's vibrant spirit. Priced between INR 500 to INR 1,500, the menu offers something for everyone. Sorbo's bar invites guests to explore the world of Moroccan mixology. With its innovative cocktails, Sorbo promises a unique drinking experience.

• Where: Sorbo, SCO 10,11, Golf Avenue, 42, Golf Course Road, Sector 42, Gurugram
• When: 12:30 pm - 2:00 am

Photo Credit: Sorbo

5. CHO

Step into the world of bold flavours at CHO - Asian Terrace & Cocktail Bar in New Delhi, where the exclusive Dragon Festival menu is available from February 21 to March 23, 2025. Inspired by Chinatown's vibrant cuisine, this limited-time menu offers a diverse selection of handcrafted dim sum, broths, wok-tossed specialties, and indulgent desserts. From delicately balanced small plates to comforting soups and hearty mains, each dish reflects the rich culinary traditions of China. Experience a perfect blend of premium ingredients and expert craftsmanship, culminating in sweet treats that offer the ideal end to a memorable meal.

• Where: CHO, 5/1,1st Floor, Ambawatta One Complex, LHS Kalkadas Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi

Photo Credit: CHO

6. L'Opéra

L'Opéra, Delhi's favourite French bakery and tea salon, has launched a new menu that blends traditional French cuisine with European and Mediterranean flavours. The menu offers a range of options, from delicate pastries and desserts to freshly baked breads, sandwiches, and light meals. Expertly crafted by Executive Chef Kevin Duthel, the menu showcases refined French culinary traditions. With dishes like Mushroom Cappuccino and Garlic Pesto Risotto, L'Opéra's new menu promises a gourmet experience. The menu also features Mediterranean-inspired options like Grilled Chicken Pesto Wrap. With its carefully curated selection, the menu has something for everyone. 

• Where: L'Opéra, all outlets in Delhi-NCR

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7. Hyatt Regency Delhi

Hyatt Regency Delhi is hosting a culinary pop-up event featuring Goan cuisine, curated by renowned Chef Avinash Martins. On March 28-29, Syrah will showcase a specially crafted menu that celebrates Goa's diverse flavours and traditions. Chef Martins' innovative dishes blend traditional Goan flavours with modern techniques, using local ingredients and unique flavour combinations. The menu includes signature dishes like Goa's Crowning Jewel and South Side Xacutti, along with gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. Expertly paired beverages, including creative cocktails and whiskey-based concoctions, will complement the menu.

• Where: Hyatt Regency Delhi
• When: 8 pm onwards

Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Delhi 

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