Chaitra navratri fasting rules: Dos and don'ts...

Chaitra navratri is a well-known Hindu festival that lasts for nine days, starting with Ghatasthapana and ending with Rama Navami, which is the anniversary of Lord Rama's birth. The Hindu lunar year commences on the first day of the month of Chaitra, which is observed as Chaitra navratri, even though there are four Navratris in a year. The celebrations this year will start on april 9, 2024, and last through april 17. navratri is an ancient holiday that is observed for nine days to honor Goddess Durga's victory over the monster Mahishasur, according to tradition. It is stated that Maa Durga engaged Mahishasur in a bloody nine-day and nine-night combat in order to defeat him. 

Dos and don'ts for fasting during Chaitra Navratri

How to start your day: Every day of the fast during navratri, adoration is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine various avatars. Before doing any morning ritual, bathe, tidy the puja area, recite the mantras of Maa Durga, do an aarti, and present the goddess with bhog, which consists of sweets and other satvik meals.

Puja customs

Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana, is completed on the first day of Navratri. During Puja, it is recommended to wear red clothing and give red flowers to all of Maa Durga's avatars.

How to maintain the fast

There are restrictions on the kinds of foods, spices, grains, and vegetables you can eat during the navratri fast. Satvik and vrat-friendly ahaar is eaten. Some of the foods people eat during their navratri fast include kottu, sabudana or sago, rajgira, makhana, arbi, pumpkin, aloo, singhare ka atta, samak ke chawal, nuts and dry fruits, rock salt, cumin, buckwheat, ginger, and green chillies.

Dairy products

During the navratri fast, foods like milk, paneer, cheese, dahi, lassi, buttermilk, and chhena are both advised and permitted since they are satvik, full of vital nutrients, and provide you energy all day long.

Foods you should not eat

During the navratri fast, several meals are either tamasic or rajasic and should be avoided. Some products are off limits for the nine days: processed foods; wheat; rice; onions; garlic; and table salt.