paramannam or Ksheerannam

Paramannam or rice payasam is a pudding that is prepared with rice, milk and sugar or jaggery. It is also called as annam payasam, ksheerannam or bellam paramannam if prepared using jaggery. It is prepared during festivals to offer it to the Gods as naivedyam. Lalitha devi or goddess adhi para sakthi is fond of Bellam paramannam it is said in Devipuranam and lalitha sahasranamam as "Gudanna pretha manasa" Gudannam means Rice cooked in Jaggery and milk. Navratri and Vijayadashami are associated with two symbolic traditions; the ancient worship of Goddess Durga and the much later mythology of Lord Rama victory over Ravana on VijayaDasami Day. Each region of India celebrate Dasara differently based on these traditions. The mythological background that forms the context of this festival are related in 'Markandeya Purana' and 'Devi Bhagavata Purana' respectively. So whatever name we use, this festival essentially symbolizes Good winning over Evil.