Navratri Fasting Rules: Do's and Don'ts, foods to avoid during 9 days of Navratri

Categories: Festivals

Navratri Fasting Rules: Do's and Don'ts, foods to avoid during 9 days of Navratri

Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights and ten days in honor of the goddess Durga. Many people observe fasts during this period, and there are specific do's and don'ts associated with Navratri fasting. Here are some general guidelines:

Do's:

1. Eat Sattvic Foods: Consume foods that are considered pure, clean, and wholesome. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products.

2. Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of Navratri fasting. They are rich in nutrients and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Milk and Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, paneer (cottage cheese), and buttermilk are allowed. They are a good source of protein and calcium.

4. Gluten-free Grains: Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhara atta), and amaranth flour (rajgira atta) are commonly used during Navratri. These are gluten-free and considered suitable for fasting.

5. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds are good sources of energy and healthy fats.

6. Rock Salt (Sendha Namak): Regular table salt is avoided, and rock salt is used during fasting.

7. Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and spices like cumin, coriander, and black pepper can be used.

Don'ts:

1. Non-Vegetarian Food: Non-vegetarian foods including meat, fish, and eggs are strictly avoided during Navratri fasting.

2. Onions and Garlic: Many people avoid onions and garlic as they are considered impure in some traditions.

3. Common Salt (Table Salt): Table salt is usually avoided, and rock salt (sendha namak) is used instead.

4. Grains like Wheat and Rice: Wheat and rice are typically avoided. Instead, gluten-free flours like buckwheat, water chestnut, and amaranth are preferred.

5. Alcohol and Caffeine: Consumption of alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages is not allowed.

6. Processed and Refined Foods: Foods like refined sugar, maida (all-purpose flour), and processed foods should be avoided.

7. Certain Vegetables: Some people avoid certain vegetables like brinjal (eggplant) and carrots during Navratri.

Foods to Avoid:

1. Deep-fried Foods: Avoid foods that are deep-fried as they can be heavy and difficult to digest.

2. Junk Food: Chips, candies, and other junk foods are not suitable for fasting.

3. Sauces and Pickles with Common Salt: Items like ketchup, soy sauce, and pickles made with regular salt should be avoided.

4. Regular Grains: Wheat, rice, corn, and other common grains are usually not consumed during Navratri fasting.

5. Legumes and Pulses: Lentils, beans, and other legumes are typically avoided. However, some people may include specific varieties depending on their traditions.

Remember that specific fasting traditions can vary based on regions and personal preferences. It is always a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable person or a religious leader if you have any specific questions about the fasting rules for Navratri.