texts like 'Navratri vrat katha' speak of the importance of 'nirjal' (without water) and 'nirahar' (without food) 'vrat' or fasting during the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. Such fasts help devotees to elevate their bodies and minds. Navratri vrat is one of the most sacred fasting rituals among Hindus. This fast is also undertaken to ensure a long and prosperous married life.
The fast begins from the first day and continues through the seventh or eighth day during the Navratri festival. In the latter scenario, the fast is broken on Navami or the ninth day. In the case of devotees who observe a partial Navratri vrat, they break the fast after the evening Pooja. The devotees avoid fish, meat, eggs, onion, garlic, alcohol, dishes made using salt or any spice. Some people take only milk, fruits, and fruit juices during the entire fasting period. Tea, coffee, milk, sago, and potato cooked with rock salt are some of the most popular dishes among the devotees observing a partial fast. Milk products and dry fruits are also consumed. During Navratri, one should be careful about their actions, temperament, and behavior. This is possible if one follows a strict vegetarian diet.
Navratri Vrat
A regimen of strict or partial fasting marks the Navratri festival. Navratri fasting rules can be followed by men as well as women. But there is some flexibility regarding the number of days a devotee needs to fast. For instance, some devotees fast only for three days, beginning from the first day and with a gap of two days. Some devotees fast only on the first and the last day.
Navratri Fasting Procedure
People take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, fresh clothes. The devotee then performs the Pooja with the proper rituals. This includes Mantra chanting, lighting of lamps or diyas', reciting shlokas from Durga Saptashati, and preparing and offering 'prasad' for Goddess Durga. Navratri fasting rules are applicable to all devotees who observe a partial fast, so food must be prepared sans onions and garlic, as people believe that these ingredients cause negative vibrations. 'Bhog' or 'Naivedyam' is offered to the Goddess. Bhajans are sung during the day. In the evening. Pooja and 'aarti' are performed, and the Goddess is offered 'prasad'.
At night, groups of devotees take part in 'jagran' and stay awake the entire night singing 'bhajans' and 'hymns' that are dedicated to Durga. Some devotees choose to eat only one meal a day, and it will be after performing the evening Pooja. Throughout the fast, other than eating a vegetarian diet, devotees also observe some 'niyamas' like sleeping on the floor, not cutting nails or shaving, and avoiding recreational activities. People also do acts of charity during this time.
Usually, some devotees break their Navratri fast on Ashtami, the eighth day, while some break it on the ninth day (Navami). The ritual of 'Kanya' or 'Kanchika Pujan' is also performed. In this ritual, nine young girls who symbolize the Goddess, are worshipped, and their feet are washed.
After this, they are offered a sumptuous spread of puri, chana, and halwa. Gifts of handkerchiefs/clothes are also given, along with some money. The 'kumari kanya' bestow blessings on the devotees observing the Navratri vrat, after which the fast is broken. It is regarded as auspicious to give 'dakshina' to a Brahmin.
The most popular food preparations for Navratri include Kuttu Ki Puri, Singhare Ke Pakore, Singhade Ka Halwa, Khuskhus Aloo, Sabudana Khichdi, and Sabudana Vada. The food ingredients used to prepare these include Singhara atta, Kuttu atta or buckwheat flour, foxnuts, and Sabudana or tapioca. During Navratri, 'vrat' packaged snacks flood the markets. Restaurants and food joints offer special Navratri thali for devotees observing navratri colors. These ‘thalis' offer a delectable assortment of preparations.