Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights in honour of the Goddess Durga and her different forms. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. During this time, many people fast, pray and follow special diets, eating simple foods like fruits, milk and certain grains while avoiding Tamsic food including onion, garlic and non-vegetarian meals. The festival is also known for traditional dancers like Garba and Dandiya, especially in Gujrat, making it a time of joy and devotion.
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Here is a general guide on what to eat and not to eat during Navaratri:
During Navaratri Devotees consume foods that are considered pure and light, avoiding those that are too heavy or Tamasic.
- Fruits
Fruits are a staple in the Navaratri diet. They are light, nutritious and provide a good source of natural sugars and energy. Bananas, apples, pomegranates, papayas and grapes are commonly eaten.
- Vegetables
Certain rooted vegetables are allowed such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. However, some non-rooted vegetables including spinach, cucumber and bottle guard are also consumed. These vegetables are often used in simple, light preparation without onion and garlic.
- Vrat-Friendly Grains
Regular grains like wheat and rice are avoided, but devotees can eat alternative grains, often referred to as vrat grains including Kuttu ka Atta and Singhare ka Atta for making chapatis and puris, Amarnath (Rajgira) can be used to make Laddoo or chapatis, Samak rice used as a substitute for regular rice and Sabudana is a popular fasting food used in dishes like Khichdi, Vada and kheer. It is light, easy to digest and provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Dairy Products
Dairy is considered as Sattvic, which includes milk, yoghurt, paneer and other dairy products commonly consumed and used in dishes like kheer or yoghurt-based curries.
- Nuts and dry fruits
Nuts like almonds, cashews and raisins are great sources of energy and are often eaten as snacks during Navaratri. Makhana is a popular snack consumed during this time.
- Rock Salt
Instead of regular salt, sendha namak and rock salt are used in cooking during Navaratri.
- Herbs and sweets
Herbs like coriander, cumin and black pepper are used in meals.
Natural sweeteners like honey and jaggery are preferred over refined sugar.
Certain foods are strictly avoided during Navaratri as they are believed to interfere with spiritual focus and purity.
- Regular grains
Grains like wheat, rice and maida, semolina (sooji) and corn are avoided. Devotees replace them with vrat grains like buckwheat and amaranth.
- Pulses and Lentils
Lentils, chickpeas, beans and other legumes are not eaten during Navaratri as they are considered too heavy for fasting.
- Non-vegetarian foods
Meat, fish and eggs are strictly avoided as they are not considered Sattvic meal. The Navaratri fast emphasizes a vegetarian diet that promotes purity of mind and body.
- Onion and garlic
Onion and garlic are considered as Tamasic, meaning that promote lethargy and do not promote spiritual growth.
- Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
Alcohol and coffee are avoided during Navaratri as they stimulate the distract from spiritual practice. Many devotees opt for herbal tea or plain water.
- Processed and packaged food
Processed and junk foods are avoided with the focus on fresh, homemade meals prepared with natural ingredients.
- Regular salt
Regular salt is processed and considered impure for fasting purposes.
There are a few popular and traditional Navaratri fasting recipes that we must try.
- Sabudana Khichdi – It is made from sabudana, peanuts, chillies and potatoes. It is a light and filling perfect meal for fasting.
- Kuttu ka Dhosa – This is a gluten-free Dosa made with buckwheat (kuttu ka atta) and potato stuffing, served with Vrat chutney.
- Makhana Kheer – A sweet dessert made from milk, makhana, homey or jaggery and flavoured with cardamom. It is a delicious way to end a fasting meal.
- Samak Rice Pulao – This dish uses samak rice instead of regular rice, combined with mild spices and vegetables to make simple pulao.
Navaratri is a time of spiritual reflection and the food consumed during the fast plays a significant role in supporting both physical and mental well-being. Devotees can maintain energy and clarity by focusing on fresh, light and sattvic foods.
As you prepare for Navaratri, try including these fasting-friendly foods into your diet for a wholesome and fulfilling experience.
