Navarathri sundals: A Chennai tradition of devotion and flavour

This Navarathi, households across Chennai are bustling with preparations for the nine-day festival celebrating Goddess Durga. Among the many rituals, offering sundal has emerged as a cherished tradition, blending devotion with culinary delight.

Sundal, a protein-rich dish made primarily from legumes, is offered to the Goddess during Navarathri poojas and then distributed as prasadam to devotees. In Chennai, sundal varieties reflect both tradition and local taste. Popular types include chickpea (kadala) sundal, moong dal sundal, black-eyed pea sundal, green gram sundal, and peanut (verusanai) sundal. Each sundal is tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, grated coconut, and a dash of asafoetida, giving it a simple yet festive flavor.

Local devotees explain the significance of offering sundal. “Sundal symbolizes purity and nourishment. Offering it to Goddess Durga is a gesture of gratitude and respect,” says S. Radha, a resident of Mylapore, a hub of Navarathri celebrations in Chennai. She adds, “It is also a healthy dish, reminding us that devotion and well-being go hand in hand.”

Another Chennai-based home chef, Meena Krishnan, highlights the diversity of sundal preparations: “In our family, we prepare different types of sundal for each day of Navarathri. Chickpeas for the first day, green gram for the second, and peanuts for the third. Each has its own significance and flavor. It is a joyful way to celebrate the Goddess and share blessings with neighbors and friends.”

Offering sundal during Navarathri is more than a culinary act—it is a ritual that embodies community, sharing, and devotion. Temples in West Mambalam, Nungambakkam, and Mylapore see devotees lining up to receive sundal prasadam, connecting generations through the simple act of offering and receiving.

In Chennai, the festival is also marked by creative doll displays (Golu) and beautifully decorated puja areas. Sundal complements this visual and spiritual feast, reminding devotees of the deeper meaning behind the vibrant celebration.

As the city celebrates the nine-day festival, sundal continues to hold a special place—blending tradition, taste, and spirituality in every bite.