Once again, it's that time of year. Navratri is taking place from October 3, 2020, to October 12, 2024. A small percentage of people only refrain from alcohol, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food, while others fervently believe in keeping fast for the full nine days. The majority of people only fast on the first and end days. It's interesting to note that the festival establishes a strict list of acceptable foods to eat during the fasts.
In Navriti, people have been fasting since ancient times, and there is science behind it. The changing of the seasons weakens one's immunity. There is proof that exposure to extreme heat or cold impairs the immune system.
During these nine days, they practice intermittent fasting (upvas) and consume Satvik food, which stabilises bodily changes and boosts immunity. Saatvik cuisine is regarded as being healthy, pure, and conducive to serenity. They also give the digestive system a break and help with cleaning.
Can We Eat Curry Leaves During Fasting?
Curry leaves are an essential ingredient in Indian cookery because of their fragrant and acidic flavour. Many people maintain certain dietary restrictions during Navratri. Curry leaves may or may not be consumed during Navratri, depending on the area, customs, and kind of fast being observed.
Curry leaves are allowed in some families and areas, but they may be avoided in others because they are associated with regular meals that frequently contain ingredients like onion, garlic, and other forbidden foods.
If You're Observing A Strict Fast:
Some people observe very strict fasting during Navratri, consuming only "satvik" food, which is believed to purify the body and mind. Satvik food excludes ingredients that are considered tamasic (creating lethargy) or rajasic (causing restlessness). Onion, garlic, and certain spices are avoided because they are thought to disturb mental peace. While curry leaves don’t belong to this restricted group directly, they may be avoided in particularly strict homes for similar reasons, as they are widely used in everyday cooking alongside tamasic components.
If You Follow A Flexible Fast:
For those following a more lenient version of the Navratri fast, curry leaves are often allowed, as they are a fresh herb, much like coriander, which is used to enhance flavour in many Navratri dishes. Curry leaves can be added to satvik recipes like aloo ki sabzi (potato curry), kuttu ki puri (buckwheat bread), or sabudana khichdi (tapioca pilaf) to elevate the taste without breaking any fasting rules.
How To Use Curry Leaves During Navratri?
If curry leaves are allowed as part of your Navratri diet, they can be a fantastic complement to your fasting meals. Here are some ways you can incorporate them:
- Use curry leaves in a tadka with ghee, cumin, and green chillies for meals like vrat ke aloo or sama ke chawal.
- You can make a simple coconut and curry leaf chutney using coconut, rock salt, and yoghurt as a side for vrat-friendly foods like kuttu ka dosa.
- Curry leaves can also be boiled with water and other fasting-friendly herbs like ginger to form a digestive tea that helps during fasting periods.
What Other Things You Can Eat During Fasting?
Potatoes: Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbs, which can keep you satiated for a long time and can be a terrific snack option as well as a meal. If you do not want to eat anything unhealthy, you can go for boiling potatoes or cooked potatoes.
Cottage Cheese: Because of certain food restrictions, there is typically a change in the amount of protein consumed during a fast. One excellent choice to increase your protein intake is cottage cheese. Savour the nutritious treat by eating it as a sabzi or by simply adding some Sendha Namak and coriander.
Lauki: Lauki can be cooked with little to no oil and eaten with meals since it is a rich source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Additionally, it contains a lot of water, which is beneficial for hydration.
Sabudana: Known for its popularity during Navratri, this dish is nearly everyone's favourite in India. It's a versatile dish that gets better with every cooking method. Sabudana can be eaten in a variety of dishes, such as khichdi, kheer, and chaat. It can be a great way to stay energised and active during a fast since it is a good source of calcium, vitamins, and fibre.