Navratri 2025: Complete guide on what to eat, avoid, and important do's and don'ts during the nine-day fast

Navratri fasting begins today, Monday, September 22, 2025, in the month of Ashwina. Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Devotees observe fasting during these nine days to seek the blessings and grace of the Goddess. The duration of fasting varies, as some choose to fast for all nine days, while others observe only the first and last day.

During Navratri, devotees follow a disciplined routine to honor Goddess Durga. Each day begins with cleaning the house and the mandir, followed by a bath. Devotees prepare bhog for the Goddess, perform aartis and chant mantras, and finally partake in the offered food. Historically, these nine days are intended to prepare the body for the winter season, so eating light and nutritious foods is recommended.

Food Guidelines During Navratri
Foods to Avoid

• Onion and garlic
• Grains and pulses like wheat, rice, lentils, and beans
• Meat, eggs, and seafood
• Alcohol and tobacco
• White salt, black salt, and chaat masala

Recommended Foods

• Sattvik foods such as fruits and vegetables: potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, bottle gourd, raw banana
• Dairy: milk, buttermilk, lassi
• Natural beverages: fresh fruit juices, shakes, smoothies
• Rock salt (sendha namak) and black pepper for seasoning

Dos During Navratri

• Eat at Regular Intervals
• Avoid starving. Consume nuts, fruits, and light snacks every 2–3 hours to maintain energy levels.
• Follow a Balanced Navratri Diet
• Include alkaline foods like nuts, fruits, dairy, and fasting flours such as Kuttu ka Atta (buckwheat), Singhare ka Atta (water chestnut), and Rajgira ka Atta (amaranth).
• Stay Hydrated
• Drink water, milk, buttermilk, and fresh juices throughout the day to keep the body hydrated.
• Use Appropriate Salt and Spices
• Replace table salt with rock salt (sendha namak). Use mild spices like cumin, cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and red chili powder.
• Maintain Sugar and Salt Balance
• Eat or drink at regular intervals to avoid dizziness or weakness and ensure a balance of sugar and salt in the body.

Don’ts During Navratri

• Avoid onion, garlic, and other heat-generating foods or oils such as mustard and sesame oil.
• Refrain from meat, eggs, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Do not consume a heavy last meal before Sandhya Aarti or sunset.
• Avoid packaged juices as they may contain added salt or preservatives.