Navratri 2024: Foods to eat and avoid during your fast

One of the most popular festivals celebrated by Hindus, Navratri is celebrated four times every year where devotees dedicate all the nine days of the festival to the worship of the nine forms of Durga or Shakti. They observe Navratri fast, meditate and consume only Satvika food. Navratri celebrated this month is called the Shardiya Navratri, which is the most popular and significant Navratri of all the four Navratris and is also known as Maha Navratri.
Did you know that each avatar of Navdurga represents a distinct characteristic of Durga and each day a specific Prasad is offered by the devotees to Navdurga to get her blessings? In special circumstances, the decision to observe Nakta or Ekabhukta fast is also found in the Hindu scriptures.
Devotees observing fast can consume sago or sabudana, water chestnut flour, Mordhan flour and dry fruits along with seasonal fruits. Even for those who are not fasting, it is recommended that they adopt a pure vegetarian diet, even without garlic, onion and drumstick.
Follow these guidelines to maintain the sanctity of your Navratri fast and ensure that you get the nutrients and energy needed for the day.