Chaitra Navratri 2023: Here are some healthy snacks you can try during this fasting period

As the nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri begins today, 22nd March is set to go on till 30th March, people get together to celebrate the festival with great devotion across India. The important Indian festival is also known as 'Vasant Navaratri' because it is observed during the spring season.

During these auspicious days, devotees offer prayers to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars such as Durga, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri with great enthusiasm. Every day of this festival is dedicated to one of the nine form of Durga Devi.

During Navratri, devotees as part of the festival celebrations also prepare a number of traditional snacks at home and perform bhajans to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe a fast for all nine days, with people preferring to fast for the first two or last two days of the festival, because it is popularly believed that Goddess Durga fulfills the prayers and wishes of those who fast on these days.


During the fasting period, people avoid eating certain kinds of foods, including onions, garlic, and other spices. In keeping with these traditions, a number of popular dishes are prepared such as sabudana halwa, fruit chaat, kheer, kuttu ki puri and many more. Here are some other dishes you can try making at home.

Milk & juice

In order to stay hydrated while fasting, it is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids. In order to do so, one can even consume lemon water, coconut water, buttermilk, watermelon juice, and more.

Kuttu ki puri

Kuttu ki puri (buckwheat flour), is a type of flour commonly used for fasting recipes during this festival. This type of flour is rich in fiber, which aids in improving digestive health and regulating blood sugar levels. It is also a healthy source of other essential nutrients like protein, iron, and magnesium. A popular way to enjoy this food item is by making crispy and flavoured Kuttu ki puri which is often served with aloo ki sabzi and curd.

Fruit Chaat

Fruit chaat is another healthy option to snack on during the fasting period. The snack can be made by combining a number of fresh fruits and spices. The popularly used fruits include, apples, bananas, papayas, pomegranates, and grapes.

Makhanas

Makhana, also known as foxnuts or lotus seeds, is a popular ingredient in diet snacks during fasting periods. It is typically roasted in ghee or fried to create a crispy and crunchy snack with a pinch of Sendha Namak. Makhana is a high source of protein and fiber, and ensures that you feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories. There are a variety of ways to use these snacks, such as in kheer (pudding), curry, or as a topping on salads.

Sabudana Halwa

Sabudana Halwa is another traditional Indian snack which is made of tapioca pearls, sugar, ghee, cardamom and other ingredients. It is naturally high in carbohydrates, which is a great source of energy for the body, especially during the fasting period. This makes it an excellent snack for people who need a quick boost of energy during a fasting period. It is a very easy and simple recipe method that you can try at any time at home during a fast.

If you're fasting during this auspicious time, try out these healthy snacks.