Navratri fasting is one of the significant ways to rejuvenate oneself. Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasanta Navratri, is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga and is majorly celebrated in North India. It falls under the month of March and April, and according to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri is counted as a New Year. ‘Nav’ in the word Navratri means nine, and the word ‘Ratri’ means night. Because of this, the festival is celebrated for nine days. This year, Chaitra Navratri started on 22nd March and will end on 30th March. During the successive nine days of Navratri, Goddess Durga and her nine forms are worshipped. The significance behind these nine days is that Goddess Durga resides amongst her devotees. Generally, the Lion is a vehicle of Goddess Durga, but during these days, she has a different vehicle which shows the different events to come in the future.
Many Devotees observe Navratri Fasting and pray to Goddess Durga, who helps and protects them from evil. In Kashmir, the first day of Navratri is known as Navreh; in Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Gudi Padwa. In many states, it is marked as the beginning of the New Year. The day are usually spent fasting, reciting prayers, and performing puja and on the last day is Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram, which is why it is known as Rama Navratri too. The concept of keeping fast these days has a lot of connotations. Based on religion, fasting is believed to be a way of getting closer to the Almighty. In a way, fasting is seen as a way to inculcate stoicism and self-discipline. Many other people believe that abstinence is a way of spiritual purification. Many also observe the no water, no food fast, which is known as Nirjala Vrat.
When it comes to fasting, there are a lot of people who suggest that we should not practice it. Fasting isn’t bad for our health if we take care of our diet during it. Again there are many who would say that if we eat from time to time, it is not fast. The most important thing to see is that you should have proper food whenever you want it. Due to fasting, there are a lot of people who can go through cravings and hunger pangs, so it is imperative to add all the nutrients that one needs for the whole day.
The fast that we follow during Navratri is the Satvik diet which means we have to avoid a lot of food items that we can eat while following the other fasts. One has to ignore Okra, garlic, mushrooms and brinjals during these fasts. Even though there are a lot of food products that people who are observing fast have to avoid, you do not have to worry about the food choice. There are still a lot of food choices that you will have, like vrat friendly flour, spices, fruits and vegetables. While there are a lot of folks who fast for all nine days, there are a few who follow the judas, which means keeping fast on the first and the last two days of Navratri. One must take care of their meal to avoid dehydration or any health issues.
Below are foods and tips for Navratri fasting that you need to add and avoid in your fasting season this year to have a fulfilling fast.
● Sabudana
Sabudana is also regarded as tapioca pearls, and it is a really popular food ingredient when someone fasts. Sabudana is an adequate source of carbohydrates and helps you to have a full stomach for a long time. If you are worried about the same mundane Sabudana khichdi, you might be on the wrong path. Sabudana, just like potatoes, is really great, and one can prepare great dishes with its help. You can make Sabudana kheer, Sabudana tikki, Sabudana pakoda and a lot more. Prepare Sabudana kheer using A2 Gir cow milk during Navratri fasting, as it’s an excellent energy source.
● Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are considered to be nutritious food ingredients, and one is suggested to eat these things even when they do not have fast. They are an excellent source of fiber, minerals and vitamins. These are also low in calories, so you would never have to worry about a lot of these if you are on a diet too. They can help you stay energized for a long time. When fasting, you can choose any fruit or vegetable, listing from apples, bananas, pomegranates and papaya. Pumpkin, cucumber, bottle gourd and spinach also can be useful. Vegetable soups can be fulfilling, while these vigorous fasts can be a great taste-changer meal for you.
● Samak Rice
Samak Rice, commonly known as barnyard millet, is a good source of carbohydrates and is another food with nutritional value. Just like Sabudana, you can prepare various dishes with the help of Samak Rice like upma, khichdi and much more. It contains minerals, amino acids and vitamins, too, so that you can remain energized for a long time. It is one of the most substantial and healthiest food items to consume during Navratri[1] fasting.
● Milk
Milk, as well as other dairy products, are one of the safest choices for your fast. It has calcium and can be easily digestible. Another good thing about milk products is that they are filled with nutrition and can fill your stomach for a long time. So when you maintain a fast remember to make these products your best friends.
Although you will be carried away with pakoras and tikkis, it wouldn’t create a lot of problems if your stomach is filled.
● Medically, these foods are avoided because they generate a lot of heat in the body and grains like wheat are difficult to digest. And from the Ayurvedic point of view, these foods are said to attract Negative energy. The fast is a way to detoxify and cleanse our bodies.
You must know what to eat and what to avoid during Chaitra Navratri fasting. Make water your best friend. Water is something that keeps you hydrated, and sometimes even a glass of water makes your stomach feel good. During the fasts, you need to drink more water than normal. In addition to this, you should also intake milk, juices or shakes made out of the ingredients you can consume during your fast. When you have a clear amount of fluids in your body, it helps you to flush out all the toxins.
Since food ingredients like meat and wheat are off the table, you will need to eat something with protein. When you consume dairy products, you will be able to fill up for the protein that is missing out in those days.
Fasting is not easy, and since you keep a gap between your meals, it can cause acidity and be a problem for you. And this acidity does not work with the metabolism that well. Snacking consciously can help you a lot. Food items like nuts and Makhana can be really helpful. Munching on these will not make you crave for the fried Savory. If you are craving something different, fruit salad or vegetable salad with a sprinkle of rock salt can be a good choice. Rock salt is consumed during the fast days for a reason. It is rich in potassium, soothes your heart burns and also aids in digestion.
Although fried food is something we can never give up on, during a fast, it is better to switch to techniques like baking or steaming and grilling. Paneer and cottage cheese should be another ingredient added to your platter so that you get all the nutrients in your diet. What’s better than fluffy, delicious A2 paneer made by using desi cow milk?
Even though you hear a lot of people saying you do not eat a lot and starve yourself but doing that would be bad for your body. Follow the tips for Navratri fasting and stock your place with these products beforehand. Do not give up on food but try to choose better options, and don’t shy away from working for something and creating something new. Before keeping fast, you need to assure yourself of giving your body all the nutrition it needs.
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