Navratri is a Hindu festival that involves fasting for nine days. During this time, people abstain from non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic, and instead consume light and easily digestible food. Here are some foods that are allowed during Navratri fasts:
- Flour: Kuttu Atta, Singhare Ka Atta, Sama Chawal, Sago (Sabudana), Amaranth (Rajgira), Fox Nut Flour.
- Vegetables: Potatoes, cucumber, bottle gourd, carrots, spinach (palak) .
- Spices: Coriander (dhania), mint leaves (pudina), curry leaves (kadi patta), dry mango powder (amchur powder), chaat masala, red chili powder, black salt (kala namak) .
- Other foods: Sabudana (sago or tapioca pearls), coconut and coconut milk, melon seeds (magaz), peanuts, groundnut oil, tea.
It is important to note that there is no rule book on what to eat during Navratri fasts, and people follow their own beliefs and traditions. The idea behind fasting is to detox the body and mind, and to reinforce faith in the Almighty. Here are some popular Navratri vrat recipes that you can try: Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu ki Poori, Aloo Jeera, Sabudana Kheer, Makhana Kheer, and more. To stay fuller during Navratri fasts, you can consume foods that are not only allowed but also provide satiety, such as Sabudana, Singhara flour, potatoes, Kuttu flour, and Makhana.