Navratri Fasting Rules and Food: What to eat and what not to eat

Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated for nine days in which many people observe a fast and follow specific dietary restrictions. 

Navratri fasting will start in the month of Ashwina. Navratri is one of the significant festivals of the Hindu religion that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. There are four Navratris in a year but only two are widely celebrated - Chaitra Navratri (March-April) and Sharad Navratri (October-November). 

During Navratris, Hindu devotees keep fasting for nine days to please and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. There can be variations in the number of fasting days. While many observe the fasts for all nine days, there are some devotees who keep fast in judas (couple) - the first two or the last two days of the Navratri. 

Navratri fasts have many variations too. Some people take only water during these nine days, while some eat fruits and some people eat one meal a day. Kuttu Ki Puri, Singhade Ka Halwa, Singhare Ke Pakore, Sabudana Vada, and Sabudana Khichdi are some of the popular Navratri food recipes


During Navratri, the following foods should be avoided:

  1. Non-vegetarian food: Non-vegetarian food, including meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, is typically avoided during Navratri.

  2. Grains and cereals: During Navratri, grains and cereals such as wheat, rice, and corn are avoided by many people. Instead, they opt for gluten-free grains such as buckwheat, amaranth, and water chestnut flour.

  3. Onions and garlic: Some people avoid onions and garlic during Navratri as they are believed to be Rajasic and Tamasic (stimulating and dulling) in nature and may interfere with spiritual practices.

  4. Processed and packaged foods: Processed and packaged foods should be avoided during Navratri as they are usually high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

  5. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages: Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be avoided during Navratri as they can be dehydrating and may interfere with spiritual practices.

It is important to note that the specific dietary restrictions during Navratri may vary depending on the region and the customs followed by individuals or families.