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Navratri is a beautiful festival that spans nine nights of devotion, prayer, and fasting. During this period, many people observe vrat, or fasting, abstaining from grains and certain foods. Staying hydrated is crucial, and there's no reason to compromise on flavour. There are many vrat-friendly drinks that can keep you energised and are super healthy.
So, if you or someone in your family is keeping the 9-day Navratri fast, here are 9 vrat-friendly drinks that not only keep you energised but also add a refreshing twist to your fasting experience. From traditional options to creative alternatives, we've got your thirst quenched this Navratri.
Coconut Water:
Coconut water is a timeless and wholesome choice for fasting days during Navratri. It's packed with essential electrolytes and vitamins, making it an ideal beverage to keep you hydrated. The natural sweetness of coconut water can help curb your sugar cravings. You can also enhance the flavour by adding a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of rock salt. With its many health benefits, coconut water is the perfect choice to beat the Navratri heat while observing your fast.
Minty Buttermilk (Chaas):
Recipe - NishaMadhulika
Buttermilk, or chaas, is a cooling and nutritious drink that's perfect for fasting during Navratri. To make a vrat-friendly version, blend together curd, water, and fresh mint leaves. Season it with rock salt and a pinch of cumin powder for extra flavour. This minty buttermilk not only aids digestion but also provides your body with probiotics and essential nutrients. It's a great choice to accompany your vrat meals, keeping you cool and refreshed.
Lemon-Ginger Fizz:
A lemon-ginger fizz is a zesty, vrat-friendly drink that not only hydrates but also aids digestion. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of chilled water and add a few slices of ginger. Sweeten with jaggery for a natural touch of sweetness. This refreshing concoction provides vitamin C and can help soothe your stomach during fasting. It's a great alternative to carbonated beverages and a fantastic way to beat the heat during Navratri.
Pomegranate Punch:
Recipe - tasty food point
Pomegranate juice is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. During Navratri, you can prepare a vrat-friendly pomegranate punch by blending fresh pomegranate seeds with a bit of water. Strain the juice and sweeten it with rock sugar or misri for a fasting-approved twist. This vibrant red drink not only quenches your thirst but also provides a quick boost of energy, making it a delightful and nutritious choice for your fasting days.
Lassi:
Cooling, hydrating, and healthy, lassi is a delicious drink that is made by using curd, elaichi powder, and misri to make it vrat-friendly. Blend these ingredients together to create a creamy, cardamom-flavoured lassi. This drink is not only delicious but also a good source of probiotics, potassium, and natural sugars. It's a satisfying and filling choice for your fasting days. Enjoy the rich and sweet flavour of elaichi while staying true to your vrat commitments.
Herbal Tea:
Herbal teas and infusions are perfect for fasting during Navratri. You can prepare a variety of vrat-friendly teas by using ingredients like fresh mint leaves, tulsi, kacchi haldi, or even cinnamon sticks. These infusions are not only soothing but also provide various health benefits. For a touch of sweetness, use honey or jaggery. These herbal teas can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them versatile and comforting beverages to complement your fasting meals.
Rose Sharbat:
A rose and cardamom sharbat is a fragrant and refreshing drink that adds an exotic twist to your fasting menu. Mix rose water and cardamom powder in chilled milk. Sweeten with honey or jaggery, and garnish with a few rose petals for a visually appealing touch. This drink is not only pleasing to the senses but also provides several health benefits, including improved digestion and a sense of calm. It's a delightful choice to sip on while you're observing your fast during Navratri.
Saffron and Almond Milk:
Saffron and almond milk is a rich and nutritious vrat-friendly drink that adds a touch of elegance to your fasting days. Soak a few almonds overnight and then blend them with water to create almond milk. Add a pinch of saffron strands and sweeten with misri. Saffron not only imparts a beautiful colour but also offers several health benefits. Almonds provide essential fats and protein. This drink is not only nourishing but also a comforting choice for a soothing evening beverage during Navratri.
Cucumber and Basil Cooler:
A cucumber and basil cooler is a refreshing and vrat-friendly drink that helps beat the heat during Navratri. Blend fresh cucumber with basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with sendha namak and a dash of black pepper for added flavour. This cooling beverage is not only hydrating but also provides vitamins and antioxidants. It aids digestion and keeps you feeling revitalised during your fasting period. If you play garba or perform “dhunuchi naach”, this cooler is great for hydration.
