Navratri 2024: What to eat and what not to eat during the fast

Do you know that each incarnation of Navadurga represents a specific attribute of Durga and every day a specific prasad is offered to Navadurga by devotees to seek her blessings? The decision to observe Nakta or Ekabhukta fast in special circumstances is also found in Hindu scriptures.

Devotees observing fast can consume sago sabudanaWater chestnut flour, Mordhan flour and dry fruits with seasonal fruits. Even for those who are not fasting, it is recommended to adopt a pure vegetarian diet without garlic, onion and drumstick.

Food items to eat during Navratri fast

1. Fruits and Fruit Juices: Fresh fruits like apples, bananas and papayas are allowed and you can also have fruit juices, but make sure they are fresh and do not contain sugar.
2. Sabudana (Sago or Tapioca Pearls): Sabudana Khichdi or Vada is a popular fasting dish as it provides energy and is light on the stomach.
3. Kuttu (buckwheat flour): Make puris, parathas or pancakes with buckwheat flour as it is a gluten-free and protein-rich option.
4. Water chestnut (water chestnut flour): It can also be used to make puris and rotis as water chestnut flour is light and rich in nutrients.
5. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: Potato is the main food for Navratri fast while sweet potato can be roasted or boiled and served with rock salt.
6. Samak Rice (Barnyard Millet): Replace your regular rice with samak rice as it is rich in fiber and keeps you satiated for longer.
7. Dairy products: Milk, curd, cheese and buttermilk provide much-needed protein and calcium, so these are allowed during Navratri fast.
8. Makhana (Fox Nuts): Makhanas are rich in antioxidants and minerals and can be roasted and cooked with rock salt for a light snack.
9. Dry fruits and nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts and raisins are great energy boosters and provide essential nutrients during fasting.
10. Rock Salt: During the fast, use rock salt instead of regular salt as it is pure and unrefined.

Food items to be avoided during Navratri fast:

1. Onion and Garlic: These are avoided during fasting as they are considered tamasic in nature.
2. grains like wheat, rice, barley, and oats This is not allowed so replace them with alternatives like buckwheat, water chestnut and samak rice.
3. Pulses and Pulses: Pulses and pulses are avoided during fasting, hence consume only fruits, vegetables and dairy for protein.
4. Common salt or table salt: Regular table salt should be replaced with rock salt (sendha namak).
5. Meat, fish and eggs: Non-vegetarian food is strictly avoided during Navratri.
6. Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and beverages such as tea and coffee are generally discouraged during the fast, but herbal teas are permitted.
7. processed foods: Packaged and processed foods containing preservatives, artificial sugars or additives should be avoided during the fast.

Follow these guidelines to maintain the sanctity of your Navratri fast and ensure you get the nutrients and energy you need for the day.