Navratri is one of the biggest festivals in India and has deep religious and cultural importance. In 2024, Navratri starts on 3rd October and will go on till 12th October, 9 days of devotion, fasting and celebration. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Each day is one form of the goddess, with rituals, prayers and cultural events happening all over the country. It is time to reflect, rejuvenate and celebrate with family and friends.
During Navratri, food takes centre stage as millions fast and follow specific food restrictions. These vary by region but generally include no grains, non-vegetarian food and alcohol. Instead, meals are made with buckwheat, amaranth, water chestnut flour and a variety of fruits and dairy products. Special fasting dishes or ‘vrat’ recipes are a highlight, with potatoes, sabudana (tapioca pearls) and nuts being the base of most meals. The dietary customs have spiritual significance and also help in physical detoxification, so Navratri is a time to reflect and eat mindfully.
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Get ready to dive into the rich traditions and food practices that make Navratri such a cherished festival!
Significance Of Navratri
Navratri means nine nights and is a festival to worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It is a celebration of good over evil, as each day is dedicated to one form of the goddess, each representing different virtues like power, wealth, knowledge and courage. It is a time to seek blessings, remove negativity and rejuvenate spiritually.
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Navratri also marks the season change, from autumn to winter. That is why fasting during this period is not just a religious practice but also a way to detox and prepare the body for the coming season. Navratri culminates with Dussehra, which is the celebration of good and is celebrated with grand processions, dances and feasts all over India.
Auspicious Date And Timings For Navratri 2024
Navratri 2024 starts on Sunday, October 3rd and ends on Tuesday, October 12th. These nine days are very auspicious for worship and fasting. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana or the installation of the Kalash, an important ritual to worship the goddess Durga. The best time for Ghatasthapana in 2024 is on Pratipada Tithi, which starts in the morning on October 3rd.
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Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga and special pujas are performed accordingly. The last day, Dussehra (Vijayadashami), is October 12th, which is the victory of good over evil and the end of the festival. Make sure to align your pujas with the auspicious times, as it will bring more divine blessings and prosperity during this period.
Purpose Of Fasting During Navratri
Fasting during Navratri has spiritual and physical benefits. The main purpose is to clean the body and mind so we can connect deeper with the divine. It is time to detox your system and align your energy with the festival. Fasting is also a form of self-control so we can express our devotion to Goddess Durga by controlling our desires and eating simple spiritual food. During Navratri, the focus is on sattvic food, which is light, easy to digest and pure. These include:
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Fruits
Fruits are a must in the Navratri diet as they are light, nutritious and easy to digest. They provide natural sugars and essential vitamins to keep you energised throughout the day. During fasting, fruits like bananas, apples, papayas, pomegranates and oranges are preferred as they are hydrating and nutritious. Bananas have potassium, apples have fibre and pomegranates have antioxidants. Including a variety of fruits not only helps in maintaining a balanced diet but also adds sweetness to your meals, making fasting more enjoyable.
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Dairy
Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, paneer and ghee are consumed in large quantities during Navratri. They are rich in calcium, protein and healthy fats and are a great source of energy and nourishment during the fast. Ghee is used in cooking or as a garnish to add flavour and healthy fats. Yoghurt is a probiotic and helps in digestion and gut health, which is especially important during fasting. Paneer adds protein to your meals, making it a staple in dishes like kuttu flour pancakes or sabudana khichdi.
Flours
During Navratri, traditional grains like wheat and rice are replaced with alternative flours like kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut) and rajgira (amaranth). These gluten-free flours are light on the stomach and packed with nutrients. Kuttu flour is high in fibre and keeps you fuller for longer; singhara flour is rich in vitamins and minerals; and rajgira flour is a powerhouse of protein and iron. These flours are used to make chapatis, puris and pakoras, making them a wholesome and filling option during fasting.
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Vegetables
Navratri fasting means sattvic food and vegetables play a big role in it. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and bottled gourd are used in fasting recipes. These are easy to digest and have fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and give sustained energy. Pumpkin is low in calories and has vitamin A and bottle gourd helps in hydration and cooling the body. These are cooked with minimal spices as per the sattvic nature of the Navratri diet.
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Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, peanuts and makhana (fox nuts) are great for keeping energy levels up during the fast. They are rich in healthy fats, protein and fibre, so they are a great snack or ingredient in fasting dishes. Makhana is roasted and consumed as a crunchy snack; peanuts and almonds can be added to kheer or fruit salads for extra crunch and nutrition. These nuts also have magnesium, which helps in muscle relaxation and energy production.
Rock Salt
Rock salt or sendha namak, is used in place of regular salt during Navratri. It is unprocessed, has no additives and is considered more natural and pure as per the Sattvic diet. Rock salt has potassium and magnesium, which helps in balancing electrolytes in the body, especially during fasts when hydration and mineral balance are crucial. Its mild taste makes it a great seasoning for all Navaratri dishes, from sabudana khichdi to kuttu puris.
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Sabudana And Makhana
Sabudana (tapioca pearls) and makhana (fox nuts) are used in Navratri dishes as they are light and filling. Sabudana is used to make khichdi, vadas or kheer and is a good source of carbohydrates. It is easy to digest and helps in keeping the stomach light during fast. Makhana is used in various forms, from roasted snacks to kheer and is low in calories and antioxidants. Both sabudana and makhana are great for maintaining energy without overloading the digestive system.