कौसल्या सुप्रजा राम पूर्वा सन्ध्या प्रवर्तते
उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम् ॥ १॥
उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ गोविन्द उत्तिष्ठ गरुडध्वज
उत्तिष्ठ कमलाकान्त त्रैलोक्यं मङ्गलं कुरु ॥ २॥
मातस्समस्तजगतां मधुकैटभारेः
वक्षोविहारिणि मनोहरदिव्यमूर्ते ।
श्रीस्वामिनि श्रितजनप्रियदानशीले
श्रीवेङ्कटेशदयिते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥ ३॥
तव सुप्रभातमरविन्दलोचने
भवतु प्रसन्नमुखचन्द्रमण्डले ।
विधिशङ्करेन्द्रवनिताभिरर्चिते
वृषशैलनाथदयिते दयानिधे ॥ ४॥

विजयादशमी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। Dussehra festival has several mythological stories. In some part of India, people celebrate Vijaya Dashami as the day when Goddess Durga killed demon Mahishasur and that signifies the victory of good over evil. This is the reason why nine avatars of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the Navaratri. It is also said that Goddess Durga immersed in water with the devotees who signifies the departure of Goddess Durga from the material world after maintaining Dharma.

The other mythological story of Dussehra is when Lord Ram killed Raavana. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Ravana kidnapped Lord Rama's wife Sita. Lord Rama managed to shoot an arrow in the belly of Ravana and killed him. That is why the Dussehra festival is celebrated as a victory of good over evil.

On this festival we offer dessert as prasadam. Today I have made a very special Makhana kheer that is an Indian milk pudding made with foxnuts, whole milk, sugar or jaggery, lots of dry fruits, and flavoured with cardamom & saffron. This delicious dessert is truly addictive and sinful, that can be served on any occasion especially during the fasting day. I have made this yummlicious dessert, especially for (Ram bhog) Vijayadashami parasadam. This flavourful, creamy makhana kheer is perfect for a party or any day meal dessert.

Makhana is also known as Phool makhana or foxnut. It is very healthy and has nutritional properties. I usually prefer makhana slightly roasted with salt and pepper. When you add this healthy fox nut in your pudding that takes this particular authentic dessert next level. In India, we celebrate lots of festivals and do fasting as well. Dessert makes festivals more special.

This is my to-go and easy to make dessert. As I grew up in a traditional Marwari family, I am used to eat lots of variations in sweets and lots of desserts. But kheer is always my one of favourite. I can't resist this beautiful dessert, when you serve it as chilled "oh goodness"; there is no comparison. This delicious dessert made of full-fat milk that simmered until it gets thicken with roasted foxnuts and dry fruits. It is flavoured with saffron and cardamom. No compromises on your sweet carving during fasting or festivity or make it as a prasadam.

What is Makhana (Foxnut) or Lotus seeds and what is health benefits of it?

• Makhanas is also known as foxnuts or gorgon nuts or Phool makhana.
• The seeds obtained from the lotus plant are cleaned and then roasted. Roasting makes the lotus seeds or foxnuts pop open and fluffy Phool makhana emerges out of the seed.
• These makhanas are falahari and used in Indian sweets, snacks, curries.
• Great and healthy substitute for popcorns.
• Makhana is vegan, gluten-free, rich in protein and fibres so almost everyone can enjoy it.
• These makhanas are said to have an anti-ageing enzyme which helps to repair damaged protein.
• Makhana contains good fat and low saturated fat so it makes an ideal snacking option
• Good for during and post-pregnancy.
• Makhanas are low in sodium content and high in potassium and magnesium, making them useful for people with high blood pressure.
• The high calcium content makes them great for bone and teeth health.
• The astringent properties in foxnuts help reduce kidney problems.
• They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make them excellent for reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
• Makhanas are low glycaemic index foods, which make them good for diabetes.
• The calcium and iron content present in makhanas make them great for pregnant women.

Due to sugar maybe this recipe not as healthy as it should be. But, you can skip the sugar and use jaggery to make this authentic kheer more delicious and healthy. Serve your makhana kheer chilled or hot as you like.

Enjoy this festival season more. Stay healthy, stay humble!