Chaitra Navratri 2025 — Know Why Garlic Is Avoided During Navratri

Chaitra Navratri fasting requires following strict food rules for 9 days. Know why garlic and onion are avoided and what to eat or avoid during this sacred period.

Know Why Garlic Is Avoided During Navratri

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Chaitra Navratri 2025: The beloved festival of Maa Durga's devotees, Chaitra Navratri, begins on March 30. The nine days of Navratri are divided into three categories based on the three fundamental qualities—Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. This is why devotees observe fasts and perform rituals with full dedication for nine days to seek Maa Durga’s blessings. Following proper rules during worship is essential; otherwise, the prayers may not be fruitful.

During Navratri, those who observe fast consume only fruits or specific grains allowed during fasting. Even those who do not fast refrain from consuming meat, alcohol, onion, and garlic during this period. Find out why onion and garlic are avoided during Navratri.

What Type Of Food Should Be Eaten During Navratri?

According to the scriptures, a person's mind and thoughts are influenced by the type of food they consume. Food is categorised into three types: Sattvic (pure), Rajasic (passionate), and Tamasic (impure).

• Sattvic: Promotes discipline, mental peace, and purity.

• Rajasic: Represents qualities like passion and excitement.

• Tamasic: Represents qualities like ego, anger, and destruction.

Why Are Onion And Garlic Avoided During Navratri?

Onion and garlic are considered Tamasic in nature. Tamasic food promotes lethargy, confusion, anger, lust, and ego. Consuming onion and garlic during Navratri can make it difficult to control the senses and maintain a pure mind for devotion. As a result, worship may not be fruitful. This is why eating food containing onion and garlic is avoided during the nine days of Navratri to ensure complete spiritual focus and divine connection.

During the Samudra Manthan, when Swarbhanu deceitfully consumed the nectar, Lord Vishnu severed his head. As his blood fell to the ground, onion and garlic were said to have originated. Swarbhanu’s head then became Rahu-Ketu. It is believed that consuming onion and garlic increases the influence of Rahu and Ketu, making it difficult to focus on spiritual activities.

What To Eat During Navratri

During Navratri fasting, you can eat sago (sabudana), buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and barnyard millet (sama rice). Fruits like banana, grapes, oranges, papaya, and melon are also allowed. However, if you are fasting, it is advised to consume these foods only once a day.

[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]