Navratri 2022: Dos and don’ts of Navratri fasting

The auspicious festival of Navratri is finally here. Chaitra Navratri will start on April 2 and will continue for 9 days till April 11. During these nine days, people keep a fast and each day is dedicated to nine different forms of Goddess Durga. For those who keep a fast, here are some dos and don’ts that you must follow to not only follow the fast in a healthy way but also prevent it from taking a toll on your body. (image credits-istock)

Navratri is an integral part of the festival and is observed to pay respect to Goddess Durga and her various avatars. Fasting also helps in detoxifying the body and flushes out toxins from the body. So, avoid having fried pakoras, puris and other such unhealthy items. Instead, eat light yet nutritious to observe fast in a healthy manner.

Here are some healthy yet delicious dishes that you can enjoy while fasting- Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Cheela, Samak Chawal Pulao, Paneer Tikka, Jeera Aloo, Sweet Potato Cutlets, Aloo Kadhi, Paneer Bhurji, Rajgira Roti, Arbi Cutlets, Kaddu Sabzi, Aloo Tamatar Sabzi, Makhana Dry Fruit Namkeen, Cucumber Raita, Banana Chips, Lauki Kofta, Coconut Laddoo and many more.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2022: Puja timing, vidhi, and bhog

If you have a sweet tooth and crave something sweet while fasting, then you can have some of the following desserts. You can have Makhana Kheer, Sitaphal Kheer, Mixed Fruit Cream, Mango Raita, Sweet Potato Halwa, Apple Rabri, Banana Lassi, Lauki Halwa, Dry Fruits Laddoo and Samak Chawal Kheer.

All types of dairy products are allowed during Navratri and are considered auspicious for consumption. You can have milk, paneer, ghee, curd, butter, khoya and even condensed milk while fasting.

When you are fasting, you need energy to carry out the daily activities in a hassle-free manner. Nuts not only provide instant energy but also gives you a feeling of satiety. You can mix a handful of almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, raisins to make a trail mix and snack on it in small quantities throughout the day.

Also Read: Consuming a handful of prunes daily can protect against fracture risk in postmenopausal women: Study

The food is seasoned with sendha namak instead of the regular white salt. Other spices which are allowed during Navratri are black pepper powder, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ajwain or carom seeds, black peppercorns, kokum, tamarind and nutmeg. Many people also use red chilli powder, coriander powder and even dry mango powder in their dishes.

It goes without saying that smoking, alcohol, eggs and non-veg items are prohibited during Navratri. Common food items like wheat, rice, oats, ragi, bread, semolina, gram flour, cornflour and even ragi are not consumed during the fasting period.

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