Navratri Fasting Rules 2023: Dos And Don’ts To Keep In Mind During 9-Day Festival
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.
What are the Fasting Rules of Navratri: Dos And Don’ts
Navratri is a vibrant and spiritual Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days with immense zeal and enthusiasm. It honors the goddess Durga and her various forms. As you embark on this sacred journey, it is essential to be aware of the dos and don'ts to fully immerse yourself in the festivities while respecting tradition.
Navratri Fasting Rules: The Dos
1. Embrace celibacy
Embrace celibacy during the sacred Navratri period, a nine-night celebration ideal for self-reflection, self-discovery, self-discipline, self-mastery, and spiritual enlightenment.
2. Begin your day early
Begin your day early, preferably at Brahma Muhurat, which is about two hours before sunrise. Take a purifying bath and don clean, fresh attire.
3. Dress in Traditional Attire
Wearing traditional Indian attire during Navratri, such as lehengas or dhotis, adds to the festive spirit and shows respect for the culture.
4. Meditation
Engage in Dhyana, a practice of meditation, followed by Sankalpa, a firm resolution to focus on your spiritual goals.
5. Fasting and Purity
Many people observe fasts during Navratri. Consume only vegetarian food, avoid alcohol and non-vegetarian dishes, and maintain purity.
6. Not to sleep during the Day
Devotees should keep in mind not to sleep during the day while observing fasts.
7. Perform Puja at Home
Incorporate the recitation of the Durga Saptashati and mantras dedicated to the Divine Mother into your daily routine throughout these nine auspicious days.
8. Follwo fasting rules
If you're observing a fast with just one meal a day, break your fast after sunset. For those on a fruit or milk diet, consume nourishment at regular intervals, ensuring that all your food choices are Sattvic.
9. Opt for Rock salt
Opt for rock salt over regular refined salt, and familiarize yourself with the list of permissible and restricted items in your Navratri diet.
10. Charity and Giving
Consider donating to the less fortunate. Navratri is a time to spread happiness and share your blessings with others.
11. Respect Elders
Show reverence to your elders and seek their guidance during the festival.
12. Decorate Your Home
Adorn your home with colorful rangoli, flowers, and torans to welcome the goddess and add to the festive atmosphere.
13. Visit Temples Regularly
Attend daily prayers at temples, participate in aarti, and seek the blessings of the goddess. It's a time for devotion and reflection.
Navratri Fasting Rules: The Don'ts
1. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food
Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food as it goes against the principle of purity during Navratri.
2. Avoid onion and garlic
According to experts, the consumption of onion, garlic and spices should be avoided while preparing food during Navratri. Also, other heat-generating foods and oils like mustard oil or sesame oil should be avoided.
3. Say No to Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is strictly discouraged during the festival. It disrupts the sanctity of the celebration.
4. Respect Quiet Hours
During Navratri, there are specific hours of the day when silence is encouraged, especially during puja and aarti.
5. Avoid packaged juices
Avoid drinking packaged juices as they may contain added salt and preservatives to enhance the flavour.
6. Avoid Negative Thoughts
Keep your mind positive and free from negativity. The festival is about spiritual growth and inner peace.
7. Don't Skip Prayers
Ensure that you do not skip your daily prayers or visits to the temple during Navratri.
Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.
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