What food to eat during Navratri fast?

Wondering what to eat during navratri vrat? During Navratri, you can enjoy a variety of Navratri upvas foods made with ingredients like atta, fruits, vegetables, paneer, nuts, seeds, and specific spices.

What are the rules for fasting in Navratri?

Navratri fasting rules vary based on personal beliefs and family traditions. Generally, people abstain from onion, garlic, and certain spices. Some follow a stricter fast, while others include fruits, vegetables, and specific flours in their diet.

What to avoid when fasting?

Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco. Processed foods and excessive sugar are also best avoided when you are fasting.

Which fruit is best for fasting?

Fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates, papaya, and berries are excellent choices during fasting as they provide energy and essential nutrients.

How to break Navratri fast?

Break your fast gently with light and easily digestible food. Start with fruits, followed by a simple meal of khichdi or plain rice with yoghurt. Avoid heavy or oily food immediately after breaking the fast.

Navratri Vrat Food: Ultimate Recipe Guide

Home>Blogs>Food>

Food |Published on :September 30, 2024 |Last Updated :October 07, 2024

Introduction

Navratri, the flamboyant nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, is a time for spiritual reflection, joyous celebrations, and of course, delicious food. While many observe a fast during Navratri, it's far from a time of deprivation. Instead, it's an opportunity to explore a whole new world of flavours and ingredients, creating unique and satisfying dishes that nourish both body and soul.

This blog explores the world of Navratri vrat food, offering insights, tips, and delicious recipes to make your fast truly special.

About Navratri Fasting

Fasting during Navratri is a deeply personal practice, observed with varying levels of strictness. Some choose to abstain from all grains, onions, garlic, and certain spices, while others follow a lighter fast, including fruits, vegetables, and specific flours. The core principle remains the same: to purify the body and mind, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Beyond the spiritual aspect, Navratri fasting benefits also extend to physical well-being, promoting digestion and detoxification.

Different Fasting Foods and Ingredients

The beauty of Navratri food lies in its versatility. With a little creativity, you can whip up a range of dishes that are both delicious and fulfilling. Here are some key ingredients and recipe ideas to inspire you:

Grains and Flours: While regular wheat flour is avoided, atta made from buckwheat (kuttu), water chestnut (singhara), or amaranth (rajgira) are excellent substitutes. Use them to make flavourful rotis, puris, or even pancakes. Rava, or semolina, is another versatile option, perfect for preparing savoury upma or sweet halwa.
Fruits and Vegetables: Embrace the bounty of fresh produce! From juicy pomegranates and sweet potatoes to leafy greens and gourds, the options are endless. Enjoy them as is, toss them into salads, or create comforting curries and stews. Not a big fan of fruit and vegetable salads or don’t have the time to prepare a smoothie for yourself? We have the perfect solution for you! Stock up your pantry with B Natural fruit beverages this Navratri and thank us later!
Dairy: For many, paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a staple during Navratri. It's a fantastic source of protein and can be used in countless ways. Try paneer skewers, creamy curries, or even a simple paneer bhurji. Yoghurt, in its plain form, is also permitted and can be enjoyed as a cooling drink like lassi or used in savoury dips and chutneys.
Nuts and Seeds: A handful of nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds can provide a much-needed energy boost during your fast. Incorporate them into your snacks, sprinkle them over salads, or blend them into creamy smoothies using B Natural juices as a base for a refreshing and nutritious treat.
Spices and Flavourings: While some spices like onion and garlic are typically avoided, a plethora of others can elevate your Navratri fasting food. Cumin, coriander, green cardamom, cinnamon, rock salt, and black pepper are just a few examples. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique flavour combinations.
Ghee: A dollop of ghee not only adds richness and depth of flavour to your dishes but is also considered auspicious during Navratri. Use it generously in your cooking and enjoy its numerous health benefits.

Conclusion

Navratri is all about worshipping the divine, spending time with your loved ones and enjoying simple and wholesome Navratri vrat food. By exploring new recipes, you can make your fast a truly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Remember, it's not about deprivation, but about nourishing your body and soul with clean eating when you are fasting.

Looking for an online store to shop for Aashirvaad ghee, spices and other kitchen staples this Navratri? Head over to the ITC store and get great deals on groceries, puja items and other home essentials.

For a hassle-free shopping experience, download the ITC Store grocery app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Enjoy easy browsing and fast delivery!

Frequently Asked Questions About Navratri Vrat Food Recipes

What food to eat during Navratri fast?
Wondering what to eat during navratri vrat? During Navratri, you can enjoy a variety of Navratri upvas foods made with ingredients like atta, fruits, vegetables, paneer, nuts, seeds, and specific spices.
What are the rules for fasting in Navratri?
Navratri fasting rules vary based on personal beliefs and family traditions. Generally, people abstain from onion, garlic, and certain spices. Some follow a stricter fast, while others include fruits, vegetables, and specific flours in their diet.
What to avoid when fasting?
Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco. Processed foods and excessive sugar are also best avoided when you are fasting.
Which fruit is best for fasting?
Fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates, papaya, and berries are excellent choices during fasting as they provide energy and essential nutrients.
How to break Navratri fast?
Break your fast gently with light and easily digestible food. Start with fruits, followed by a simple meal of khichdi or plain rice with yoghurt. Avoid heavy or oily food immediately after breaking the fast.