As the nation gears up to celebrate the auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri in 2023, a time of devotion and culinary traditions, it is imperative to know what foods are encouraged and those best avoided during this nine-day celebration dedicated to the feminine divinity of Goddess Shakti.
Shardiya Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a significant festival celebrated with immense fervour and reverence across India. Each of these nine nights is dedicated to honouring one of the nine avatars of Goddess Shakti: Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.
While Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja in the eastern regions, including West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Assam, it is Gujarat that steals the limelight with its grand celebrations. During this sacred time, devotees observe fasts and adhere to a Satvik diet, which is free from onion and garlic and follows a daily colour code.
This year, Shardiya Navratri commences on October 15 and culminates on October 24. As we embark on this spiritual journey, it’s essential to understand the dietary norms.
Foods To Embrace:
1. Flours and Grains: Standard wheat and rice should be omitted from the diet during Navratri. Instead, use flours like kuttu ka atta, singhare ka atta, or rajgire ka atta for your culinary creations. Sabudana, a vital ingredient, is used to prepare dishes like khichdi, papad, and vadas.
2. Fruits: Embrace a variety of fruits during Navratri. In fact, increasing fruit consumption is encouraged to keep the body hydrated throughout the fasting period.
3. Spices and Herbs: Spices and herbs can be included in your Navratri meals. However, avoid table salt and opt for rock salt as a suitable alternative in your culinary endeavours.
4. Vegetables: All types of vegetables are permitted during the festival. However, the tradition calls for the avoidance of onion and garlic during these nine sacred days.
Foods To Avoid:
1. Non-Vegetarian Fare: Meat, fish, and eggs are to be strictly avoided during Navratri, as the festival promotes a vegetarian and pure diet.
2. Alcohol and Smoking: The consumption of alcohol and smoking are definite taboos during this spiritual period.
Follow these dietary guidelines during Shardiya Navratri to ensure a pure and wholesome celebration in honour of Goddess Shakti, as well as to enjoy the rich traditions and culinary delights that accompany this significant festival.