What to avoid during Navratri–Erakina

Devotees are kept away from using the regular flavor while fasting for Chaitra Navratri. Rather than using the regular salt people switch to sodium chloride. Sendha namak or mineral is created employing an action, free from processing and thus, is taken into account as pure salt.

The regular cooking oils like mustard oil and refined oil, don’t seem to be consumed during the fasting process. Whatever food devotees eat are made only using desi ghee or oil.

Onion and garlic are strictly avoided during Navratri

Mainly satvik vegetables are to be consumed during fasts. Potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, raw bananas, etc. are good as these don’t have a really strong taste thereto. Whereas, tamasic foods that have a distinct taste and aroma could be a strict no. Onions and garlic are strictly avoided during Navratri. Whereas, some people also avoid the consumption of tomatoes during these fasts.

The regular all-purpose flour/maida isn’t the least bit allowed during Navratri. You are able to use other alternatives like kuttu ka atta or buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour and even amaranth flour. So, if you’re fasting this Navratri, then refill on these healthy alternatives of your regular flour.

The auspicious occasion of Navratri is just around the corner and it’s time to start prepping for the celebrations with fervour and enthusiasm. The nine-day fest, which is devoted to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, begins on October 17. It marks the victory of good over evil and is associated with the prominent battle that befell between Durga and demon Mahishasura.

Apart from avoiding alcohol, smoking and meat, the devotees of Goddess Durga across the country observe Navratri fast for nine days. The foundations include sattvic diet and there’s a generic list of food items that can be consumed during Navratri.

Whole wheat, rice, chickpea, refined flour and cornflour are prohibited, devotees opting for fasts can replace them with Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour), Singhara atta(Water Chestnut Flour), Samai ka Atta(Barnyard Millet flour) and Amaranth.

All kinds of nuts and dry fruits may be consumed during the fast including almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, raisins, pistachio and pine nuts.

Halite, black salt, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, carom seeds(ajwain), black pepper, ginger, green chillies, lemons, dry mango powder are often consumed. Turmeric(Haldi), asafoetida, mustard, fenugreek seeds(methi dana), garam masala and dhania powder(coriander powder) should be avoided in and during the fast.

 Chicken is a strict no

Non-veg may be a strict ‘no’ during Navratri. Some who don’t even keep proper fast also are from eating non-vegetarian foods during the festival.

Sodas and alcohol are not consumed during these 9 days of fasting. People usually avoid drinking any aerated drinks which are available within the market. Smoking and consumption of tobacco are not allowed during fasting.

You also have to avoid certain foods like chia seeds and oats which became a staple nowadays among the millennials. Also, mushrooms, soya beans, leeks, etc. are not consumed during Navratri.