Fasting during Chaitra Navratri: significance and guidelines- Special foods and dishes prepared during Navratri fasting

Navratri, a vibrant and auspicious festival, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. This festival, which marks the victory of good over evil, is dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of the goddess Durga. It brings together people from various ethnic backgrounds, uniting them in the spirit of devotion and festivity.

When is Navratri Celebrated and What Does It Signify?

Navratri is celebrated twice a year during Chaitra (Spring of March/April) and Sharad (Early autumn of Mid-September to Mid-November). The main celebratory factor of Navratri is the victory of good over evil by goddesses. In different parts of India, the festivities occur differently, and Navratri is known by various names. Each of these nine days worships a different form of the goddess Durga.

How is Navratri Celebrated Across India?

Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India by various ethnicities including Assamese, Bengalis, Odia, Bihari, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. The last day, also known as Rama Navami, is the birth date of Lord Rama.

What Are the Traditions and Decorations During Navratri?

People create many pandals, temporary tents near roadside shrines, community halls, and other places adorned with natural elements. Homes and temples are decorated with fresh flowers while worshipping the various forms of Maa Durga and Shakti.

What Rituals Are Performed During Navratri Pooja?

The Ghatasthapana involves establishing the holy Kalash at the pooja place. Various rituals take place to honor and worship the goddesses.

Why Do People Fast During Navratri?

Fasting is a way for devotees to worship the brave and strong Hindu goddesses. According to Ayurveda, fasting is valuable and beneficial for the mind, body, and soul. Fasting helps devotees feel lighter, achieve peace of mind, and focus more dedicatedly on worship.

What Foods Are Consumed During the Navratri Fast?

During Navratri fast, people should avoid grains like wheat and rice, and instead, consume flours such as Kuttu ka Aata (buckwheat flour), Singhare ka Aata (water chestnut flour), Rajgira ka Aata (Amaranth flour), and samai ke chawal (barnyard millets). Fruits like bananas, apples, watermelons, and seasonal fruits, along with vegetables such as potatoes, arbi, sweet potato, yams, lemon, spinach, bottle gourd, cucumber, and carrots, are recommended.

What Foods Should Be Avoided During Navratri?

Onion and garlic are avoided during Navratri as part of the fasting guidelines. Non-vegetarian food, eggs, smoking, alcohol, and aerated drinks are also not consumed during Navratri.

What Dishes Are Offered as Prasad During Navratri?

Dishes like Halwa, puri, and chana are commonly offered. Sweet pongal, rice payasam, ven pongal, curd rice, medhu vada, black chana sundal, chalimidi, panakam, vadapappu, sabudana khichri, sabudana vada, sabudana pappad, and makhanas are also staple fast foods.

How Can One Celebrate Navratri Enthusiastically?

Indulge in mouth-savouring dishes of the special occasion while worshipping Maa Shakti and Durga. Fasting helps relax the mind, boosts morals, and strengthens devotion and dedication towards prayers and worshipping. You can check for various recipes online with just one click. Engage enthusiastically and have a happy Navratri!

Navratri is a time of immense joy and spiritual reflection. It allows devotees to reconnect with their inner selves and seek blessings from the divine. By participating in the rituals, fasting, and celebrations, one can experience the true essence of this beautiful festival. May this Navratri bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to all.