Navratri Fasting Guide
Duration: 9 days · When to observe: Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and Shardiya Navratri (September–October)
Worship of Shakti, purification of mind and body, seeking blessings for health and prosperity
Duration
9 days
When to observe
Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and Shardiya Navratri (September–October)
Fasting type
Moderate fastPresiding deity
Maa Durga (9 forms)
Purpose
Worship of Shakti, purification of mind and body, seeking blessings for health and prosperity
What you can eat
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
- Singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
- Rajgira (amaranth) flour
- Sama rice (barnyard millet)
- Rock salt (sendha namak)
- Fresh fruits of all kinds
- Milk, curd, paneer
- Nuts and dry fruits
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Coconut and coconut water
- Ghee for cooking
What to avoid
- Regular table salt (use sendha namak only)
- Wheat, maida, regular rice
- Onion and garlic
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol
- Lentils (dal) and beans
- Mustard oil (use ghee or groundnut oil)
Always consult your family tradition — regional customs vary.
Rituals & Practices
- 1
Light a diya (lamp) morning and evening
- 2
Recite Durga Saptashati or Devi Stotra
- 3
Offer red flowers and red chunri to the goddess
- 4
Day 8 or 9: Kanya Puja — invite young girls and feed them puri, chana, halwa
How to Break the Fast
On Ashtami or Navami after Kanya Puja. Eat prasad first, then regular food.
Vrat Mantra
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः (Om Dum Durgayai Namah)
Chant 108 times on the day of the vrat
Practical Tips
Drink plenty of water and coconut water to stay hydrated
Sabudana khichdi with peanuts and potatoes is a complete meal
Kuttu ki poori with aloo sabzi is a Navratri favourite
Makhana (fox nut) kheer is a nutritious dessert
Keep sendha namak in a separate box to avoid confusion