Chaitra Navratri 2023: These foods should be avoided during the 9-day-long festival

The sacred festival of Chaitra Navratri is approaching, and it is those nine days when people immerse themselves in religious fervour, worshipping nine avatars of Goddess Durga and praying for well-being, health, and success in life. During the nine-day Navratri festival, rajasic and tamasic foods, such as onions, garlic, and meat are forbidden, while a sattvik diet is encouraged.

Sattvik food, which is primarily vegetarian in nature, is made up of foods prepared with only natural and plant-based food, such as fruits, nuts, veggies, seeds, dairy, legumes, and another naturally occurring bounty. The intake of any meat is strictly prohibited in Sattvik food.

What foods to be avoided?

Non-vegetarian foods
Non-vegetarian foods, such as meat, chicken, fish, and eggs, are typically avoided throughout Navratri because they are tamasic, which means they are harmful to the body and mind.

Garlic and onions
Avoid consuming onions and garlic throughout Navratri because they are rajasic, which means they enhance the senses and may end up causing restlessness.

Grains
During Navratri, avoid grains, such as wheat, rice, and oats in favour of gluten-free alternatives like amaranth, buckwheat, and water chestnut flour.

Legumes
Some people avoid legumes, such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas during Navratri because they are considered tamasic.

Processed foods
Processed foods should be avoided during Navratri since they commonly consist of refined flour and sugar, which are not thought to be healthy.

FAQs

Q1. When will the Chaitra Navratri 2023 start?
March 22, 2023

Q2. What is the distinction between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri is observed in March and April during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra. Sharad Navratri occurs during Ashwin masa and signals the start of winter in September/October.