Chaitra Navratri fasting rules: Do's and don'ts to follow while observing vrat

Chaitra Navratri fasting rules: Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival that usually falls in the months of March or April, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.

This year the festival commences on April 9 and will culminate with the celebration of Ram Navami. 

Navratri, one of the biggest Indian festivals, is being observed with great fervour across the nation. The 9-day-long festival heightens one's spiritual belief by observing fast and worshipping avatars of Goddess Durga.

In Hinduism, fasting is believed to be a way to pay gratitude to the Goddess and is observed as per their beliefs. Generally, people alter grains, meat, alcohol, onion, garlic and stale foods from their diet and opt for foods like kuttu atta, singhara atta, fresh vegetables, fruit, milk products and dry fruits.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: 9 special qualities of Goddess Durga we can imbibe

Chaitra Navratri fasting rules: Do’s 

Observe Fasting: Fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and water during the day.

Offer Prayers: Perform daily prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings.

Consume Sattvic Food: Eat light, vegetarian meals cooked without onion and garlic, emphasizing fruits, nuts, and dairy products.

Meditate and Reflect: Spend time in meditation, introspection, and spiritual practices to enhance devotion and inner peace.

Keep yourself hydrated: Unless you go for a 'nirjalvrat', it is important to keep yourself hydrated throughout. Besides water, a lot of other fluids can be consumed like coconut water, buttermilk, green tea, lemon water etc. 

Chaitra Navratri fasting rules: Don'ts

Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from consuming meat, fish, eggs, and other non-vegetarian items during Navratri.

Limit Spices: Minimize the use of spices and oil in cooking to adhere to the Sattvic dietary guidelines.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Abstain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicating substances during Navratri.

Avoid caffeinated drinks: Tea and coffee can help curb hunger pangs for a good amount of time. However, make sure you do not consume these on an empty stomach; it can affect your digestive system tremendously.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: List of delicious, yummy and easy-to-make dishes during Navratri fasting

Refrain from Negative Thoughts: Cultivate positivity and avoid negative thoughts, words, and actions during the vrat. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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