By Suprita Mitter
October 9, 2024
During Navratri, a sattvic diet is followed, with an emphasis on fresh fruits, dairy, and light, easily digestible foods like sabudana, kuttu, and singhara flour. Foods such as grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items are avoided, as they are considered tamasic or overly stimulating.
Many people avoid onions during Navratri as part of the traditional fasting guidelines, which exclude "tamasic" (heat-inducing) foods like onions and garlic.
Onions are considered to increase heat and stimulate desires, which is avoided during the spiritually-focused fasting period of Navratri.
Some regions or communities may be more lenient, and the inclusion of onions could depend on local customs or personal beliefs.
Fasting during Navratri focuses on light, easily digestible foods and onions are believed to cause discomfort like bloating, making them less suitable.
While many avoid onions, some people may choose to include them, particularly in modern households, based on individual preferences or convenience.