Chaitra Navratri, one of the most awaited festivals of the year, is just around the corner. The Hindu community across the country celebrates Navratri with zeal twice a year. The first is in the month of Chaitra when spring ends, and the second is in the month of Sharada when autumn begins. This year, Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 22 and conclude on March 30.
During this time, idols of Goddess Durga are installed in pandals throughout the country. Many people fast during this 9-day festival in order to please Maa Durga. Although everyone's fasting method differs, people consume food on these 9 days just like any other day.
If you intend to fast for nine days this time to please Maa Durga, prepare your body ahead of time. When the word "fasting" is mentioned, many people get hungry. This occurs because our brain attempts to reject any sudden change; this is a natural process of the brain. In such a case, it is critical to mentally prepare for this time before fasting.
There are various ways to fast. Fasting can sometimes mean avoiding certain foods, such as carbohydrates or fats. Or simply lowering total calories. Simultaneously, some people go a day or more without eating anything or eat only once a day.
If you are planning a fast during this Navratri then you should follow these tips to keep your health and energy levels intact:
Avoid Having Wheat Or Rice: Those who are fasting are not permitted to consume wheat or rice. They can only consume flour or rice options that are permitted during fasting, such as kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), amarnath flour, or specific millets such as samai or barnyard.
Skip Regular Salt: One should skip regular salt if fasting and stick to sendha namak or rock salt. When it comes to spices, only a few are permitted during Navratris. Those who are fasting can add spices to their food such as cumin powder, black pepper powder, green cardamom powder, cloves, anardana, or dry pomegranate seeds powder.
Dairy Products Can Be Consumed: During the Navratri fast, all milk and dairy products are permitted.
No Onion, No Garlic: Fast food items such as pizza, burgers, and cakes are not permitted while fasting. Foods made with onion and garlic are strictly forbidden.
Can Have Fruits Of Your Choice: Fasting devotees are allowed to consume any fruit of their choice.
Say No To Non-Veg: Non-vegetarian food is not permitted during the Navratri fast.
Specific Oils To Be Used For Cooking: Fasting devotees should prepare their food with desi ghee or peanut oil instead of regular cooking oil.
Snack Options: Foods prepared with sabudana or tapioca pearls, peanuts, melon seeds, raw coconut, and makhanas can be consumed as snacks.
Drink Plenty Of Water: According to experts, doing heavy or strenuous exercise when you are not eating or drinking can be harmful to your body. As a result, light exercise may be beneficial until you are getting enough nutrients.