Navratri 2023: Why Is Sendha Namak Allowed During Navratri Fasts?
The joyous and colourful festival of Navratri is just around the corner. The 9-day festival is all about prayers, sattvic food, and devotion towards Maa Durga. This year, Shardiya Navratri 2023 will be observed from October 15, 2023, to October 24, 2023.
The festival marks the advent of Goddess Durga on Earth, and during these 9 days, devotees worship and offer prayers along with special foods to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.
How many times is Navratri celebrated in a year?
Navratri is marked by four annual celebrations: Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Navratri, and Ashadha Gupta Navratri. However, two of these hold more significant popularity among devotees. The first is Chaitra Navratri, observed during the spring months of March or April. The second, known as Sharad Navratri, takes place in October-November and garners widespread attention.
During these 9 days, devotees observe fast to please Goddess Durga with their devotion. While some devotees observe fast for 9 days, there are others who observe them in jodas (couple)- the first two or last two days of the Navratri.?Dos And Don'ts During Navratri 2023
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Why is Sendha Namak allowed during Navratri??
Many devotees, during the festival, fast and adhere to Sattvik diet. Devotees, during these nine days, refrain from consuming any of the strictly forbidden foods during this time, including alcohol, onions, garlic, and meat as a show of devotion to the goddess.
While some foods, like fruits and Kuttu ka atta, are permitted, others, like conventional table salt, fall under the list of restricted foods. Here, rock salt, also known as Sendha Namak, comes to the rescue and is substituted while making foods for fasting.
From Sabudana khichdi and jeera aloo to Kuttu roti and roasted makhana, there are several food items that are preferred during Navratri fasting time. Now, how to add taste to these food items, when eating table salt is restricted in the fasting diet? This is where Sendha Namak, also known as rock salt, comes to your rescue.
Why is Sendha Namak allowed during Fasting (Vrat)?
Sendha Namak usually gains popularity during the fasting season, as most people ditch the regular table salt and switch to Sendha Namak. As fasting emphasizes on the consumption of food items that are light on the digestive system and helps the body detox, Sendha Namak is a great way to add flavour to your food while keeping it pure and healthy. Sendha Namak is the purest form of salt, as it is unprocessed. Table salt on the other hand goes through chemical processes after evaporation and is also iodized.
Sendha Namak is beneficial during fasting as it keeps the body cool from within, whereas other salts are hot in potency. As Sendha Namak is low on sodium and high on potassium, it gives an energy boost by maintaining the level of electrolytes in your body which is essential to keep you going during fasting.
What are the benefits of Sendha Namak or Rock Salt?
Navratri is a significant Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. During this period, devotees observe fasts and adhere to certain dietary restrictions. One common practice during Navratri is the use of Sendha Namak or rock salt in place of regular table salt. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Sendha Namak is allowed during Navratri and explore its benefits.
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What is Sendha Namak?
Sendha Namak, also known as rock salt, is a naturally occurring salt primarily found in the Himalayan regions. It is free from environmental contaminants and pollutants, making it a healthier alternative to common table salt. This type of salt is commonly used in Ayurveda and is considered purer due to its mineral content.
Sendha Namak and Its Properties
Sendha Namak is a natural, unprocessed salt that is minimally refined. It contains various minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for the body. These minerals are often stripped away during the refining process of common table salt.
Health Benefits of Sendha Namak
The use of Sendha Namak offers several health benefits. It aids in digestion, helps in maintaining electrolyte balance, and may even alleviate muscle cramps. Additionally, it is considered a healthier choice for those with high blood pressure as it contains lower sodium content than regular salt.
Other Substitutes for Common Salt
Apart from Sendha Namak, there are other salt substitutes like pink Himalayan salt or sea salt. These salts are also minimally processed and have a distinct flavor. However, they may not be as readily available as Sendha Namak, especially during the Navratri season.
FAQs:?
Question: Is Sendha Namak the same as table salt?
Answer: No, Sendha Namak is unprocessed and contains more minerals, making it a healthier option.
Question: Can Sendha Namak be used year-round or only during Navratri?
Answer: Sendha Namak can be used year-round in your cooking.
Question: Are there any side effects of consuming Sendha Namak?
Answer: Excessive consumption may lead to high sodium levels, so moderation is key.
Question: Can I use Sendha Namak if I have high blood pressure?
Answer: Sendha Namak contains lower sodium and is often recommended for those with high blood pressure.
Question: Is Sendha Namak a suitable alternative for those observing fasts during Navratri?
Answer: Yes, it aligns with the dietary restrictions and principles of purity during Navratri.
Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.
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