Navratri 2024 fasting rules: Do's and don'ts to follow for 9 days during Shardiya Navratri

As Shardiya Navratri 2024 approaches, starting on October 3, 2024, and concluding with Dussehra on October 12, 2024, devotees are preparing to honour Goddess Durga during this vibrant festival. Celebrated for nine days, Navratri is a time of devotion, cultural festivities, and community bonding. This period not only highlights the strength and virtues of Goddess Shakti but also brings people together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

The Importance of Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri is considered the most significant of the four Navratris observed throughout the year. It occurs in the month of Ashwin, marking the arrival of autumn. During these nine days, people engage in various rituals, prayers, and festivities, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Each day is associated with a specific colour that represents different forms of the goddess, and women often dress in vibrant attire to celebrate.

As the festival draws near, it's essential to understand the dos and don'ts to follow during Navratri fasting. Observing fasting is a crucial part of the rituals, allowing devotees to connect more deeply with the divine.

Shardiya Navratri 2024: Fasting Guidelines

Fasting during Shardiya Navratri is a disciplined practice that requires following certain guidelines to ensure a fulfilling experience. For those observing fasting for the first time, here are the important Navratri dos and don'ts to follow:

Navratri 2024: Do's

Perform Aarti Twice

Do aarti two times a day for different forms of the Goddess, including Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, and Maa Kushmanda.

Engage in Prayer and Chanting

Devotees are encouraged to participate in various spiritual practices throughout Navratri. Chanting mantras and performing puja rituals daily helps invoke the goddess's blessings. Reading the Durga Saptashati can also deepen your understanding of her power and victories over evil.

Stick to a Sattvic Diet

The word "Sattvic" comes from Sanskrit and means pure. According to the Bhagavad Gita, a holy book in Hinduism, foods are linked to three different types of energies, or Gunas: Sattvic (pure and harmonious), Rajasic (active and restless), and Tamasic (lazy and dull).

A Sattvic diet helps you feel calm and reduces stress. It includes vegetarian foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lentils, nuts, honey, and dairy products. These foods also help cleanse your body.

If you're following a Sattvic diet, avoid garlic and onions. Even though they are vegetables, Ayurveda classifies them as Rajasic foods. They may give temporary enjoyment but can upset your mind and body balance, leading to stress.

Stay away from processed foods like chips, as well as meat, alcohol, and tobacco. These are considered Tamasic foods and can make you feel tired and unproductive.

Change Your Salt!

When cooking, replace regular iodized salt with sendha namak (rock salt) because it's regarded as the Sattvic type of salt.

Focus on Fruits and Nuts

During fasting, many people choose to consume light meals consisting mainly of fruits, dry fruits, nuts, and dairy products. Common options include sabudana (tapioca), Kuttu flour (buckwheat), and fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and potato. These foods provide necessary nutrients while keeping your energy levels up.

Use Desi Ghee or Mustard Oil

When preparing meals for Navratri, it's recommended to use desi ghee. If that's not available, mustard oil is a good alternative. These oils enhance the flavor of your dishes while adhering to the dietary rules of fasting.

Break Your Fast After Sunset

Devotees should break their fast only after sunset. It's advisable to avoid heavy or fried foods at this time to aid digestion. Instead, opt for light meals that help maintain energy levels throughout the evening.

Maintain Celibacy

These nine days are spiritually significant, and it's encouraged to practice celibacy during this period. This helps to maintain a focused mindset and deepen your spiritual connection.

Keep Your Space Clean

Cleanliness is vital during Shardiya Navratri. Ensure your home and puja room are tidy, as this invites positive energies. Personal hygiene is also crucial; take a bath daily, wear clean clothes, and use fresh flowers and garlands for your worship.

Navratri 2024: Don'ts

Steer Clear of Non-Vegetarian Food

The Navratri days are sacred, and it's essential to maintain a sattvik lifestyle. This means avoiding non-vegetarian foods, eggs, garlic, and onions, as they are believed to disrupt spiritual practices.

Avoid Gossip

Keep your mind and actions clean, just like your diet and clothing. Focus on creating positive energy and stay away from negativity, harmful thoughts, and toxic people.

Avoid Shaving and Cutting Nails

To honour the sacred nature of Navratri, it's best to refrain from cutting nails or shaving during these days. These practices are thought to attract negative energies and are not considered auspicious.