Dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, Navratri is a nine-day-long celebration of festivities. These nine days also comprise people observing fasts for one, two, or maybe all nine days as a form of spiritual discipline. The focus is on consuming simple and pure foods while avoiding certain items that are considered inappropriate for this period of purification.
While we all observe fasting, do we know why the practice started? Well, a very simple logic, this is a time of spiritual reflection and purification, and the dietary choices made during this period are aimed at supporting these goals. The restrictions are in line with the idea of cleansing the body and mind during the festival. People opt for a ‘satvik’ diet which emphasizes purity and avoid foods that comprise strong flavours or odors.
Food Not Recommended To Be Consumed On Fasting Days
While dietary restrictions during Navratri can vary among individuals and communities, certain foods are commonly avoided. Some people follow additional dietary guidelines based on their cultural or regional traditions. By and large, here are five foods that are commonly avoided during Navratri fasts:
Grains and Cereals
One of the primary restrictions during Navratri is the avoidance of grains and cereals such as wheat, rice, and oats. Instead of these staples, people often turn to alternatives like buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, and amaranth flour, which are considered permissible during Navratri fasts.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are commonly avoided during Navratri as they are believed to generate heat in the body and disturb the meditative state sought during the festival. In place of onions and garlic, alternative seasonings such as cumin, ginger, and green chilies are used to add flavor to dishes prepared during this time.
Non-Vegetarian Foods
Non-vegetarian foods, including meat, fish, and eggs, are strictly avoided during Navratri. The festival encourages followers to adopt a vegetarian diet as a way of promoting compassion and non-violence. Plant-based proteins like cottage cheese, tofu, and a variety of legumes and dairy products are commonly included in Navratri meals.
Table Salt
While rock salt, also known as ‘sendha namak’, is permitted during Navratri fasts, common salt is generally avoided. This is because table salt is believed to undergo a refining process that may not align with the idea of purity associated with Navratri. Rock salt, on the other hand, is considered pure and is commonly used in fasting recipes.
Processed Foods
Processed foods contain preservatives that may not fall under the Satvik diet. People participating in the fast often prepare homemade dishes using fresh ingredients to ensure that the food is as pure and simple as possible.
Also Read: Festive Look For Navratri: 5 Simple Skin Care Tips To Get That Ravishing Glow
By avoiding certain foods and embracing alternatives that are considered pure, you can participate in fasts not only to nourish your body but also to align with the spiritual significance of the festival. Meanwhile, you should also know what must be done to reap the maximum benefits of body cleansing. Since some of you are going to be fasting for all auspicious days, here is how you can stay energetic all day long and for the entire duration as well. Foray into this infographic to know more:
