Navratri Fasting: Simple Foods and Drinks for Energy

Navratri is a special festival in India where many people fast for nine days to seek blessings from Goddess Durga. During this period, people avoid regular food like grains, pulses, and some vegetables. Instead, they eat special fasting foods that are easy to digest and provide energy. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose what to eat and drink during Navratri fasting.

1. Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)

Sabudana is a popular choice for Navratri fasting. It’s light and gives lots of energy. You can make sabudana khichdi or sabudana vada, which are filling and tasty.

2. Kuttu Ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour)

Kuttu ka atta is another common food used during fasting. You can make rotis or puris from this flour. It’s high in protein and fiber, which helps keep you full for longer.

3. Singhare Ka Atta (Water Chestnut Flour)

Singhare ka atta is used to make pakoras and pancakes during fasting. It’s gluten-free and rich in minerals like calcium and iron.

4. Samak Ke Chawal (Barnyard Millet)

If you miss rice during fasting, you can eat Samak ke chawal, which is a good substitute. It is light, easy to digest, and perfect with curd or vegetables.

5. Aloo Papdi

Aloo Papdi is a delicious and crispy snack made from boiled potatoes and spices that are allowed during fasting. You can deep-fry or bake these crispy bites and enjoy them with Sendha Namak for seasoning.

7. Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Makhana is a great snack for fasting. You can roast it or make makhana kheer for a sweet treat. Makhana is rich in protein and keeps you full longer.

8. Sendha Namak (Rock Salt)

During fasting, regular salt is replaced by Sendha Namak. It’s natural and unprocessed, making it a healthier option for seasoning your dishes like sabudana, aloo papdi, and other fasting foods.

9. Fruits and Dry Fruits

Fruits like bananas, apples, and papayas are important during fasting because they provide natural sugars and hydration. You can also eat dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and raisins, which are healthy and give you energy.

10. Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, curd, paneer, and ghee are allowed during fasting. They provide essential nutrients and help keep your energy levels up.

11. Farali Chivda

Farali Chivda is a popular snack made from peanuts, potato chips, cashews, and other fasting-friendly ingredients. It’s crunchy, light, and provides a quick energy boost when you’re feeling hungry.

12. Banana Chips

Banana chips are another snack that is commonly eaten during Navratri. They are made by frying or baking raw banana slices and seasoned with Sendha Namak (rock salt), which is allowed during fasting.

Beverages for Fasting

Drinking enough fluids is very important during fasting to stay hydrated and refreshed. Here are some healthy drinks you can include:

11. Coconut Water

Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes and keeps you hydrated during fasting. It’s refreshing and boosts your energy.

12. Lemon Water

Mix lemon juice with Sendha Namak and water for a refreshing and hydrating drink during your fast. It helps in digestion and keeps you energized.

13. Buttermilk (Chaas)

Buttermilk, also known as chaas, is a cooling and light drink. It helps in digestion and keeps you refreshed throughout the day.

14. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas like ginger tea, tulsi tea, and mint tea are caffeine-free and soothing. They are great options to stay relaxed during fasting.

By including foods like sabudana, kuttu ka atta, makhana, aloo papdi, and drinks like coconut water and buttermilk, you can enjoy a healthy and energized Navratri fasting. Remember to use Sendha Namak instead of regular salt and keep yourself hydrated.