Chaitra Navratri 2024: Foods to Eat and Avoid During 9-Day Fast

Chaitra Navratri’s celebration has begun in full swing. To mark the festival of nine nights, people observe fast and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. These nine days of festivities witness people worshipping nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Devotees seek blessings for the well-being of their families and friends. During this time, people abstain from eating non-vegetarian food items, onions and garlic.

Devotees opt for Sattvik meal. It is prepared using plant-based food, such as fruits, nuts, veggies, seeds, dairy, legumes, and other naturally occurring items. In this article, we have compiled a list of foods that should be consumed and the ones to be avoided on the occasion of Navratri 2024.

Foods To Avoid

1. Non VegetarianFoods like chicken, eggs, meat, and fish are better avoided during the 9-day festivities to prevent yourself from their harmful impact on the body.
2. Garlic and onionsGarlic and onions are suggested not to be consumed throughout the Navratri.
3. GrainsDuring Navratri, one should not consume grains like wheat, rice, and oats. Instead, go for gluten-free alternatives like amaranth, buckwheat, and water chestnut flour to ensure a healthy body..
4. Processed FoodMake sure that you are not consuming processed food during the fast. Since processed food is mainly prepared using flour and sugar, it is likely to cause stomach issues and other health issues.
5. Caffeine And Bottled JuicesOpt for fresh juices instead of bottled ones. The high level of added sugar contributes to weight gain. On the other hand, avoid having tea or coffee on an empty stomach to prevent dehydration and headaches.

Foods To Eat

1. Fruits And VegetablesFast or not, fruits and vegetables are a must-add to your diet. Considered highly nutritious, these natural sources of food are an excellent source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. These are also low in calories which makes them the best alternatives for people on diet. This festival, go for apples, bananas, pomegranates, cucumber, bottle gourd and spinach and they can be a great taste-changer meal for you.
2. SabudanaSabudana is a popular food ingredient packed with an adequate amount of carbohydrates. Just like potatoes, this food ingredient can be used to prepare great dishes with its help. Prepare Sabudana kheer or Sabudana tikki during Navratri fasting to feel energetic.
3. Samak RiceSamak Rice, also known as barnyard millet, is another food with nutritional value. Using Samak rice, one can cook delicacies like upma, khichdi, and much more. This is one of the most healthiest food items that can be consumed during Navratri fasting.
4. Dairy ProductsApart from fruits, veggies, and sabudana, milk and dairy products like curd, paneer or cottage cheese, white butter, and ghee can also be included in the diet for the nine-day festivities.