Shardiya Navratri 2024: Foods To Eat And Avoid During Fasting For Goddess Durga

Shardiya Navratri 2024 Fasting Rules: The auspicious occasion of Navratri is here and devotees are immersed in preparations for the festival. The nine-day festival of Navratri will begin on October 3 and culminate on October 12 with celebrations of Ram Navami and Dussehra. During the nine days of Navratri, devotees worship nine divine incarnations of Goddess Durga and observe fast to seek the deity’s blessings. 

During the nine-day fasts, devotees are required to indulge in prayers and worship of Maa Durga along with avoiding consumption of certain foods and beverages. It is important to be mindful of your food considerations during Navratri fasting. Here is a list of foods and beverages that you can eat and should avoid during fasting for Navratri. 

Foods To Eat In Navratri

Fruits And Juices: You can incorporate fresh fruits and juices into your Navratri fasting guide for much-needed energy throughout the day. 

Sabudana: A popular staple during Navratri, sabudana can be consumed as khichdi or vada and can be easily digested. It can keep you full for longer hours and prevent overeating and fatigue caused during fasting. 

Buckwheat Flour: Kuttu ka atta is an ideal Navratri fasting food that you can use to prepare puri, pakoras or roti. It is packed with vital nutrients and is also gluten-free. 

Curd: For hydration, you can consume curd or yoghurt to boost digestion and nourish your body with vital nutrients and probiotics. 

Navratri Fasting Rules (Image Credits: Canva)

Foods To Avoid In Navratri

Onion And Garlic: One should refrain from eating or even including onion and garlic in their fasting meals. The popular idea behind this restriction is that onion and garlic are tamasic in nature, which increases desires in individuals, leading to unnecessary distractions. 

Non-Vegetarian Foods: Never consume non-vegetarian foods like chicken, meat or even eggs during the nine-day auspicious period of Navratri. 

Grains: Certain grains like wheat, bajra and pulses should also be avoided during Navratri. 

Alcohol And Caffeinated Beverages: Both alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be avoided during Navratri as they can lead to dehydration and fatigue and disrupt spiritual focus. 

Packaged Foods: Certain packaged snacks contain hidden ingredients like preservatives or gluten which are ideally not allowed to be consumed during Navratri. 

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(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)