Navratri is a time for abstinence and detoxification, and fasting for 9 days is supposed to be therapeutic. There is no approved or written norm on what all to eat and what to avoid during Navratri fast, and people follow as per their own beliefs, borrowed from their parents or community. However, there are some general guidelines on what foods are allowed and what should be avoided during Navratri fast.

Foods to eat during Navratri fast:

• Flour: Kuttu Atta, Singhare Ka Atta, Sama Chawal, Sago (Sabudana), Amaranth (Rajgira), Fox Nut Flour
• Vegetables: Potatoes, Arbi, Shakarkandi, Raw Banana, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Tomato, Capsicum, Carrot, etc.
• Fruits: Apples, Pears, Banana, Papaya, Grapes, etc.
• Milk and Milk Products: Milk, Curd, Paneer, etc.
• Nuts and Dry Fruits: Almonds, Cashews, Raisins, Pistachios, etc.
• Spices: Cumin, Coriander, Black Pepper, Rock Salt, etc.

Foods to avoid during Navratri fast:

• Grains: Wheat, Rice, Corn, etc.
• Legumes/Pulses: Lentils, Chickpeas, Kidney Beans, etc.
• Onion and Garlic
• Meat Products: Eggs, Chicken, Lamb, etc.
• Processed Food (including regular salt)
• Turmeric (Haldi)
• Hing (Asafoetida)
• Garam Masala

Some popular dishes cooked during Navratri season include Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ki Poori, Aloo Ki Kadhi, Arbi Kofta, and Sabudana Vada. It is recommended to consume healthy foods with healthy thoughts and detox your mind and body during Navratri fasting.