Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and is widely celebrated across India, especially in Gujarat. Along with garba and dandiya nights, fasting is an integral part of the celebration. During this period, people follow a specific diet to maintain their spiritual practice, consuming only certain ingredients that are allowed during fasting. The traditional vrat thali in Gujarat is thoughtfully prepared to adhere to these dietary restrictions while ensuring it is flavourful and nutritious. With this article, let's take a closer look at some of the popular dishes included in a Gujarati Navratri vrat thali.
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Sabudana Khichdi
One of the most loved dishes during Navratri is sabudana khichdi. Made from soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), this dish is light, filling, and easy to digest. It is cooked with boiled potatoes, peanuts, and a mild blend of spices like cumin seeds and green chillies. Sabudana is rich in carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy during fasting. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of coriander leaves add extra flavour to this tasty meal. Many people enjoy this dish as it provides a balance of nutrients while keeping you full for a long time.
Potato Chips And Banana Chips
Another crunchy and satisfying snack during Navratri is potato chips and banana chips. These chips are prepared fresh at home by slicing potatoes or raw bananas thinly and frying them in oil. Since they are made with ingredients allowed during the fast, these chips make for a convenient snack throughout the day. To add flavour, a pinch of rock salt (sendha namak) and black pepper is sprinkled on the chips. Though fried, they provide a quick and easy option when you’re looking for something crispy and light to munch on.
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Sabudana Vada
Similar to sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada is another popular snack made from tapioca pearls. These vadas (fritters) are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste. The sabudana is combined with boiled potatoes, crushed peanuts, and spices, then shaped into small balls and fried until golden brown. Sabudana vadas are a favourite treat in the vrat thali because they are delicious and easy to eat as a snack or a side dish.
Rajgira Paratha And Rajgira Puri
Rajgira (Amaranth) paratha and rajgira puri are staple bread options during Navratri. Rajgira flour is gluten-free and packed with nutrients like iron, protein, and fibre, making it a healthy alternative to regular wheat flour. The dough for parathas or puris is made by mixing rajgira flour with mashed boiled potatoes, rock salt, and mild spices. These breads are lightly fried and served with curd or a sabzi (vegetable dish) to complete the meal.
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Fresh Fruits And Fresh Salads
A Navratri vrat thali is incomplete without fresh fruits and salads. Fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates, and papayas are commonly included because they provide natural sugars, vitamins, and hydration during fasting. Simple fresh salads made from cucumber, tomato, and carrots are also a part of the thali, offering a refreshing and light component to balance out the heavier dishes.
Vrat Ke Aloo
Vrat ke aloo is a simple yet flavourful potato dish prepared with boiled potatoes, cumin seeds, green chillies, and rock salt. The potatoes are stir-fried in minimal oil, making them light and tasty. This dish is easy to prepare and goes well with rajgira paratha or puri. Vrat ke aloo is a common and comforting option in the vrat thali, as potatoes provide the necessary energy and nutrients during the fast.
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Dry Fruits And Nuts
Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins, along with nuts such as peanuts and walnuts, are an essential part of the vrat thali. These are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, making them a great source of nutrition during fasting. They can be eaten as snacks or added to other dishes like sabudana khichdi or salads for extra crunch and flavour.
Gol Papdi
For those with a sweet tooth, gol papdi is the perfect dessert in a Navratri vrat thali. This traditional Gujarati sweet is made from jaggery (gol) and roasted wheat flour or rajgira flour, cooked with ghee. It’s a simple and quick sweet dish that is often made during festivals. Gol papdi provides a boost of energy and satisfies the craving for something sweet while adhering to fasting guidelines.