Chaitra Navratri Fasting Rules: Do's And Don'ts, Foods To Avoid During 9 Days Of Navratri

Chaitra Navratri 2024:?Chaitra Navratri is the major festival of Hindus. During these days, devotees observe fast for nine long days to worship Goddess Durga. These days are devoted to worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga. It is observed in the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, which usually occurs in March or April. On the ninth day of the festival, Chaitra Navratri comes to an end with Ram Navami, which is the birthday of Lord Rama

While there are four Navratri festivals celebrated throughout the year, Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are more widely observed across the country. During Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine divine forms. However, on the last day, they celebrate Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. The nine forms of Maa Durga are collectively known as Navdurgas. They are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.?For those celebrating the festival, it is important to know the dates, details of the nine days of fasting, and more.

Ghatasthapana Puja Samagri And Vidhi

Is Navratri Starting From April 9 Or April 10?

This year, Hindu followers are unsure if Chaitra Navratri starts on April 9 or April 10. According to Drik Panchang, Chaitra Navratri begins on April 9 and lasts for nine days until April 17, ending with Ram Navami celebrations. During these nine days, Hindu followers worship nine forms of Maa Durga, including Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

One of the most important rituals during Chaitra Navratri is the Ghatasthapana Puja. This year, it will be observed on April 9. Here are the details:

Ghatasthapana Puja Muhurat:?From 6:02 am to 10:16 am

Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat:?From 11:57 am to 12:48 am

Pratipada Tithi Start:?April 8, 2024, at 11:50 pm

Pratipada Tithi Ends:?April 9, 2024, at 8:30 pm

What Not To Buy During The Nine-Day Festival

Here, we'll explain the fasting rules you can follow during the nine days of Navratri:

Fruits:

You can eat all types of fruits during Navratri fasting, as there are no restrictions on including them in your diet.

No Flour and Grains:

Avoid rice and wheat flour during Navratri. Instead, use buckwheat flour (Kuttu ka Atta) and water chestnut flour (Singhare ka Atta). You can also include Sama rice in your diet and make dishes like Khichdi and Kheer.

Milk and Dairy Products:

Consume dairy products such as milk, curd, buttermilk, and sweet lassi to stay hydrated and maintain good health during Navratri fasting.

Avoid These Food Items:

Stay away from fast foods, packed food, rice flour, cornflour, semolina, and all tamasic food items like onion, garlic, egg, and meat. Also, avoid consuming alcohol during Navratri days.

Do Not Use Processed Salt:

Instead of processed salt, use rock salt or sendha namak during Navratri fasting.

Do Not Cut Your Hair and Nails:

As Navratri days are considered sacred, avoid cutting your hair and nails during this time.

Practice Celibacy:

People observing fasts are advised to practice celibacy during Navratri days.

Here's Do's and Don'ts for Chaitra Navratri 2024

Do's:

• Observe Purity: Maintain physical and mental cleanliness throughout the nine days. Take baths daily and wear clean clothes.
• Fasting: Many devotees observe complete or partial fasting during Navratri. Consume sattvic foods like fruits, vegetables, milk products, and sabudana (tapioca pearls) if fasting.
• Puja and Prayers: Offer prayers and perform puja rituals dedicated to the different forms of Goddess Durga each day.
• Meditation and Mantras: Engage in meditation or chant mantras to focus your devotion and inner peace.
• Good Deeds: Perform acts of charity and kindness during this auspicious time.
• Positive Thinking: Cultivate positive thoughts, intentions, and avoid negativity.

Don'ts:

• Non-vegetarian Food: Refrain from consuming meat, fish, eggs, and any animal products during fasting.
• Alcohol and Smoking: Avoid alcohol, smoking, and other intoxicants during Navratri.
• Anger and Arguments: Strive to maintain a peaceful and respectful demeanor. Avoid arguments and negativity.
• Haircut or Shaving: Some devotees avoid haircuts, shaving, or using sharp objects during Navratri.
• Leather Products: It's considered inauspicious to use leather products like belts or wallets while fasting.
• Overindulgence: Even if not fasting, avoid overindulging in rich or spicy foods.

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Date: Calendar

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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