Navratri is a festival of devotion, discipline, and—let’s be honest—endless rounds of chai. As I light the diya for Day 5, dedicated to Skandamata, the goddess of wisdom and motherhood, I find myself drawn to my own sacred ritual: making the perfect cup of tea.
This isn’t just about a beverage. It’s about slowing down. It’s about finding a moment of peace in the chaos of celebrations, fasting, and planning what to wear for the next garba night. It’s about connection—connecting with traditions, with memories, and even with oneself. And so, today, let’s embark on a journey—not just of brewing tea but of understanding its essence, its role in our daily lives, and its deeper connection to the divine feminine energy that Navratri celebrates.
The Goddess and the Kettle
Skandamata is often depicted holding her divine child, Kartikeya, in her lap—a nurturing force, much like tea on a weary day. Just as she bestows wisdom, a well-made cup of chai imparts comfort, warmth, and a moment of stillness amid the festive chaos.
But this connection between the goddess and tea isn’t just poetic—it’s deeply personal. In every Indian household, tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a language of care. “Chai piye bina kaise jaa sakte ho?” (How can you leave without having tea?) is a phrase that echoes in countless homes, an unspoken rule of hospitality and warmth.
And so, as I stand in my kitchen, mentally draping an imaginary saree and channeling my inner goddess, I prepare to perform my own little ritual. Today’s mission? A cup of tea so divine it could be an offering itself.
The Journey to a Perfect Brew
I used to think making tea was just about throwing some leaves into boiling water, but experience (and a few horror brews) have taught me otherwise. My first attempt? Let’s just say it tasted like boiled regret. Too much tea, too little milk, and somehow both under-steeped and over-brewed at the same time.
If you, like my cousin who once boiled the milk until it vanished into a burned abyss, need a little tea wisdom—let me guide you.
Step 1: The Right Water Matters
This might sound dramatic, but water is the foundation of tea.
Always use fresh, cold water. Stale or previously boiled water lacks oxygen and makes the tea taste flat.
If possible, filtered water is best. Tap water sometimes has a slight taste that interferes with the purity of tea leaves.
Never reboil the same water multiple times—it changes the composition, and not in a good way.
I once made tea using stored water from a day-old kettle, and trust me, the disappointment was real. Now, I start fresh every time.
Step 2: Temperature & Timing (Yes, They Matter!)
Here’s where most people (including my past self) go wrong. Every tea type has a different personality, and it demands a different temperature:
For black tea (our beloved chai): Bring the water to a rolling boil. Not an angry boil where it’s bubbling over like a Navratri bhajan gone wild—just a steady one.
For green tea: A calmer, pre-boil simmer is best. Too hot, and it becomes bitter.
For herbal teas: They need extra steeping time, so slightly hotter water is preferable.
I let my tea leaves dance in the pot for about 3-4 minutes, like little devotees swirling in garba. Too long, and they turn bitter; too short, and the flavor remains shy.
Step 3: Milk & Sugar—To Add or Not to Add?
Ah, the eternal debate. The truth is, different teas demand different treatments:
Masala Chai: Needs milk, sugar, and a pinch of patience.
Kashmiri Kahwa: No milk, just a hint of saffron and cardamom.
Sada Green Tea: Needs nothing but reverence.
Since it’s Navratri, and I’m in the mood for a little indulgence (fasting means making up in other ways, right?), I go for a creamy masala chai.
A common mistake? Adding milk too early. It cools down the water and prevents the tea leaves from fully releasing their flavor. The trick is to let the tea steep properly before adding milk. Trust me, the taste difference is worth the wait.
The Secret Ingredient? Intention.
Tea, like devotion, is best when made with care.
I stir in my spices—cardamom, ginger, and a clove or two—thinking about the blessings I seek this Navratri. Maybe patience, maybe clarity, maybe just the wisdom to know when my tea is done. It reminds me of my grandmother, who always said that tea should be made with the same energy you want in your day. “Agar gussa mein banayogi toh kadvi banegi,” she’d say. (If you make it in anger, it’ll taste bitter.)
Turns out, she wasn’t just talking about tea.
Tea and Navratri: A Symbol of Ritual and Reflection
Navratri isn’t just about fasting and feasting. It’s about self-discipline, renewal, and introspection.
Each of the nine days represents a different form of Goddess Durga. On Day 5, Skandamata teaches us about wisdom and the power of a mother’s love. What better way to honor that than through the simple, nurturing act of making tea?
In many ways, tea-making mirrors the values of Navratri:
Discipline: Just as you follow the right steps to brew tea, fasting and rituals require discipline.
Patience: Tea needs time, just as personal growth and devotion do.
Simplicity: Sometimes, the best tea is the simplest—like the pure energy of Navratri.
Tea also plays an unspoken role in our fasting days. Whether it’s the morning tulsi tea for energy, an evening ginger brew for digestion, or just a comforting cup to break a long day’s fast, chai is always there—like an old friend.
The First Sip: A Divine Offering
I take my first sip and, for a moment, everything feels right. Outside, the world continues its whirl of dandiya nights and temple bells, but in my hands, I hold a little peace—steaming, spiced, and perfectly brewed.
It’s funny how something as simple as a cup of tea can be so profound. Maybe it’s because, like devotion, it’s made with care. Maybe it’s because, like Navratri, it’s a reminder that simple rituals can bring immense joy.
Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because the best things in life—whether a perfect cup of tea or a festival celebrating divine energy—are meant to be savored.
This Navratri, may your prayers be strong, your heart full, and your chai, always perfect. ☕✨