WHAT HEALTHY FOOD ITEMS TO EAT DURING FASTING THIS NAVRATRI?

Fasting is a practice in many religions, including Hinduism. The purpose of fasting in the Hindu religion is to purify the body and mind and obtain divine grace; it is not a required moral or spiritual act. There are various fasting practices, each with varying degrees of rigor, difficulty, and conformity to one’s own, one’s family’s, and one’s community’s beliefs.

The celebration of Navratri honours the nine manifestations of Shakti. This event, which is observed throughout all of India, takes many different forms, but all represent the triumph of Dharma over adharma.

The goddess Shakti fought Mahishasur for nine days between Pratipada and Navami, finally slaying him on Navami night. Additionally, Bhagwan Shriram was told by Sage Narada about this Navratri vrat (avowed religious observance). This vrat was observed by Shriram, who later defeated Ravana after receiving blessings from the Divine Mother.

The bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin runs from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami (the first to ninth day). The nine days are commemorated with a variety of religious celebrations, such as Kumarika pujan, and customs, such as the Garba dance, to honor the Goddess. From October 15 to October 23, Navratri will be observed.

In Hinduism, the primary festival of Navratri, also known as Navaratri or Sharad Navratri (Sanskrit for “Nine Nights”), is celebrated in honor of the divine feminine. In the Gregorian calendar, Navratri lasts for nine days throughout the month of Ashwin, (often from September to October). On the tenth day, it ends with the celebration of Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami). Dussehra is celebrated in several and different regions of India, for the duration of nine to ten days. Navratri may occasionally last for eight days according to the lunar calendar, with Dussehra coming on the ninth day.

Around the time of Shardiya Navratri, many worshippers of Durga observe fasting for these fortunate nine days. Depending on the customs followed by a given family, the fasting period can last anywhere between two and nine days. Regardless of whether they are fasting or not, many people adhere to the Sattvic diet throughout this time. Many people steer clear of eating onions, garlic, root vegetables, tea, and coffee. People who observe fasts are also picky about their intake of grains, salt, and vegetables, among other things, and favor vrat-friendly foods.

Different parts of India observe Navratri in different ways. It is a time of religious introspection and fasting for many individuals, while it is also considered as time for dancing and enjoying for others. Particularly in Gujarat, dancing is done, such as garba. The nine nights of the navratri are always devoted to various facets of shakti.

In general, the navratri’s first third focuses on features of the goddess Durga, the second third denotes the aspects of the goddess Lakshmi, and the last third denotes the features of goddess Saraswati. The pattern may vary slightly by location. Rituals are carried out in their honor, and offerings are frequently presented to the different goddesses and their numerous incarnations. One well-known ritual known as Kanya Puja, which happens on the eighth or ninth day. Nine young girls are costumed as each of the nine goddess facets honored during Navratri in this rite, which also includes foot washing and food and clothing offerings.

It is crucial to understand what foods are preferred and those that are best avoided during this nine-day celebration honoring the feminine divinity of Goddess Shakti as the country prepares to observe the auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri, a time of devotion and culinary traditions.

• Grains and Flours: During Navratri, it is not recommended to eat rice or ordinary wheat. In Spite of this, you can substitute with rajgira ka atta, kuttu ka atta, singhare ka atta, or samak rice. Sabudana is an essential component used to make cuisines like, papad, vadas and khichdi.
• Fruits to be taken: You can enjoy a variety of fruits during Navratri. One should always consume more fruit so that the body stays hydrated throughout the fast.
• Spices and herbs to be taken: You can use spices and herbs in your Navratri cuisine. But for your culinary endeavors, rock salt is a suitable substitute instead of table salt.
• Vegetables: Throughout the event, any type of vegetable is acceptable. Onions and garlic, however, must be avoided per tradition.

• Non-Vegetarian Food: Since Navratri supports a pure vegetarian diet, it is strongly advised to stay away from meat, fish, and eggs during this festival.
• Alcohol and smoking: These vices are unquestionably forbidden throughout this spiritual era.

• Lemon: It’s acceptable to drink basic lemon water that simply contains lemon juice when using the intermittent fasting method. The beverage has almost no calories and doesn’t end your fast. One or two glasses of lemon water each day when intermittent fasting can help with weight loss and appetite control.
• Yam: It includes kapha vata shamak properties.
• Cucumber: Cucumbers are one of the greatest foods to eat while fasting since they are satisfying and have a high water content. You can eat them as a snack or as a side dish with your meal. Dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are all abundant in cucumbers.

• Sabudana khichdi: The abundance of carbohydrates and starch in sabudana provides a much-needed energy boost during a fast. An easy recipe is made using sabudana, peanuts, and mild spices. Sabudana kheer and sabudana vada are two excellent Navratri treats that you might choose from.
• Kuttu’s dosa: Usually people enjoy eating dosas, so you can try something new this Navratri instead of the traditional kuttu puris. A good and crisp dosa recipe is made with buckwheat flour and stuffed potatoes. You can serve it with the mint and coconut chutney.
• Singhade ke Atte ka Samosa: Eat while you’re fasting! Your preferred teatime treat, prepared with fasting-friendly ingredients including water chestnut flour, sendha namak, and a chironji filling with coriander chutney, you might offer this samosa.
• Makhana Kheer: Desserts make people happy, so here is a recipe for low-fat kheer made with makhana and nuts. Enjoy yourself without thinking about the scale!

Diet in fasting also depends on the prakriti of the individuals, like

Fasting during Navratri improves our entire health in all four domains of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The foods we choose when fasting aid in the improvement of our gastrointestinal health and the eradication of various stomach conditions, including bloating and gastritis. Prayers and a disciplined lifestyle help people find inner peace and improve their mental and emotional health. Positive and spiritual vibes circulate across the populace during the holiday season.