Sun Oct 06 08:51:27 UTC 2024: ## Navratri Day 4: Offerings to Goddess Kushmanda & Rapid Rail Progress

**New Delhi:** As the fourth day of Shardiya Navratri commences, devotees across India are preparing to offer their prayers to Goddess Kushmanda, the deity associated with prosperity and creativity.

This day is marked by the color orange, and offerings to the Goddess should reflect this. Fruits like oranges, mangoes, and pomegranates, along with sweet dishes like kheer and orange-flavored sweets, are considered auspicious offerings.

A traditional sweet dish, **Rava Kesari**, is a popular choice for the bhog (offering) on this day. This simple, saffron-infused dessert, made from semolina, milk, and dry fruits, is a delightful treat.

**Instructions for preparing Rava Kesari:**

1. Soak saffron in milk.
2. Roast semolina in ghee until fragrant.
3. Add water and cook.
4. Pour in the saffron-infused milk, sugar, and cook thoroughly.
5. Garnish with ghee and dry fruits.

Serve the Rava Kesari on a banana leaf and offer it to Goddess Kushmanda. Other suitable offerings include Malpua, Bundi Laddoos, and any orange-based sweets.

**Rapid Rail System Takes a Big Step Forward:**

In other news, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has commenced trial runs of the Rapid Rail from Sahibabad to Delhi’s Ashok Nagar station. This marks a significant step towards completing the first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in the country. The first Namo Bharat train arrived at New Ashok Nagar station on Saturday.

This new rail system is expected to revolutionize transport in the National Capital Region, providing fast and efficient connectivity between major cities.

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