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“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

Chaitra Navaratri, also known as Vasantha Navratri, is the second most celebrated Navaratri.

The second Navaratri, named after the spring season, is also celebrated as the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

The festival is devoted to the goddess Durga, whose nine forms are worshipped over nine days.

The last day is celebrated as Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama.

People celebrate the nine auspicious days with great enthusiasm across the country, using various ceremonies and traditions.

The Navratri festival holds significant importance in Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism.

It is observed four times a year, with Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri being the most prominent, along with two Gupt Navratris.

According to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri is set to commence in a few days. This year, Chaitra Navratri will begin on Tuesday, April 9, and conclude on April 17, coinciding with Chaitra Ram Navami.

According to religious belief, Navratri is a time when devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Jagadamba, considered to be the mother of the world.

Pandit Kalki Ram, astrologer from Ayodhya, explains that according to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri begins on April 9.

The Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month starts at 11:50 pm on April 8 and ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm. The auspicious time for establishing the Ghat is from 6:02 am to 10:16 am.

The Abhijeet Muhurta is from 11:57 am to 12:48 pm.

According to mythological beliefs, when Navratri commences on either a Saturday or a Tuesday, Goddess Durga is said to arrive on a horse.

It will be her vehicle or vahan this time.

Based on this tradition, it is believed that this year Goddess Durga will descend to Earth riding on a horse, as Navratri begins on a Tuesday.

During Chaitra Navratri, there is a traditional rule for worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, which are as follows:

Shailaputri: The first form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

Brahmacharini: The second form, worshipped on the second day.

Chandraghanta: The third form, worshipped on the third day.

Kushmanda: The fourth form, worshipped on the fourth day.

Skandamata: The fifth form, worshipped on the fifth day.

Katyayani: The sixth form, worshipped on the sixth day.

Kalaratri: The seventh form, worshipped on the seventh day.

Mahagauri: The eighth form, worshipped on the eighth day.

Siddhidatri: The ninth and final form, worshipped on the ninth day, also known as Navami.

These forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped with specific rituals and prayers during Chaitra Navratri, following this prescribed order over the nine days of the festival.

Puja Muhrat Timings & Other Schedules

One of the important Chaitra Navratri rituals is Ghatasthapana.

It marks the beginning of nine days of festivity.

This ritual symbolically marks the invocation of Goddess Shakti.

Refer to the table below for Shubh Muhrat of Ghatsthapna.

Chaitra Navratri

Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts nine days and is dedicated to celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine different avatars that are popularly known as Navdurga.

This year, the festival will fall on the 09th of April , bringing joy and fervor to the devotees all across the nation.

Chaitra Navratri is the nine-day Hindu festival.

It begins on the first day of Hindu lunar calendar.

The festival marks the worshiping of nine incarnations of Goddess Shakti or Goddess Durga.

Every year, this auspicious Hindu festival is celebrated in the month of April and March.

It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra and dedicated to nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

Chaitra Navratri is also mentioned as Rama Navratri in some parts of northern India.

Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, falls on the ninth day during Navratri festival.

The Hindu lunar calendar represents the celebrations in the month of Chaitra, which is also defined as marking the New Year.

Chaitra Navratri begins with Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, and the festival begins with Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh.

Legends of Chaitra Navratri

Navratri is a mix blend of various culture and shares a common meaning, i.e. the victory of good over evil.

In Chaitra Navratri, Demon Mahishasura, who had defeated all the gods and the devas, was ultimately killed by Goddess Durga.

After the Gods were defeated, they approached Brahma (Hindu creator god), Vishnu (preserver god), and Mahesh (the destroyer), whose collective energy gave rise to the supreme deity, Goddess Durga.

In Chaitra Navratri, the 9th day is celebrated as Ram Navami (Spring Hindu festival), the day Lord Rama was born.

In the Sharad Navratri, the 10th day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dusshera, the day Lord Rama killed the demon king Ravana.

Chaitra Navratri Kalash Sthapana Puja

Chaitra Navratri usually begins in March-April period.

People prefer to do Kalash Sthapana puja at their homely space and workplace.

A Kalash is kept at the place of worship and people even call a priest to carry out the rituals of Kalash puja.

There is a perfect way to install a Kalash on the first day of Navratri.

●  Waking up early in the morning and taking a shower must be the first activity.
●  After cleaning the idols, the first thing you need to do is cleaning the place where the Kalash has to be kept.
●  The next thing you need to do is spreading a red-colored cloth on a wooden seat and chanting the mantras of Lord Ganesha while putting raw rice on the red cloth.
●  Using some soil, you need to make an altar and sow the seeds of Barley in it.
●  Now, set the Kalash on the soil and pour some water in it.
●  Use the vermillion paste to make a swastika sign on the Kalash and tie a holy thread around the neck of the Kalash.
●  Add betelnut and coin in the Kalash and keep some mango leaves in it.
●  Now, take a coconut, tie a holy thread and a red Chunari around it.
●  Put this coconut over the top of Kalash and pray to the almighty God.
●  Offer flowers to the deities and worship from the religious mind and the soul.

The Kalash Sthapana puja is proved to be beneficial to draw in more health, wealth and prosperity in our lives.

Foods for Navratri Fasting

During the fast of Navratras, foods like Sabudana Vada (Sago Vada), Sabudana khichadi (Sago Khichadi), Singhare Ka Halwa (Water Chestnut Flour Halwa), Kuttu Ki Poori (Grass Seed Flour or Buckwheat poori), and Singhare Ke Pakore are preferred for eating.

Chaitra Navratri In , Chaitra Navratri will begin on April 9, .

It is also the day of Ghatasthapana, the ritual to invite the Goddess to your house in an earthen pot (kalash).

Navratri translates to ‘nine nights’, therefore it will conclude on April 17, .

Many people believe in fasting during Chaitra Navratri, and the day after that would be the day to break the fast, called Parana.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1: April 22, , Tuesday

Date: Goddess Name
9 April : Maa Shailputri
10 April : Maa Brahmacharini
11 April : Maa Chandraghanta
12 April : Maa Kushmanda
13 April : Maa Skandmata
14 April : Maa Katyayani
15 April : Maa Kaalratri
16 April : Maha Gauri
17 April : Siddhidatri

Chaitra Navratri is a special time celebrated in India.

It starts on April 9th and ends on April 17th.

People worship the goddess Durga and her nine forms during this time, praying for good things like happiness and health.

They also fast and pray to show their devotion.

Ghatasthapana: Beginning of Chaitra Navratri

As mentioned above, Ghatasthapana holds a very important place in the festival of Chaitra Navratri . Ghatasthapana translates to the establishment of an earthen pot.

For that, on the day of Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha (Day 1 of Chaitra Navratri), after taking a bath in the morning, a resolution (sankalp) is taken.

After taking the resolution, barley is sown in the earthen pot and this is then placed.

The idol of Kuldevi (a clan/family’s deity) is installed on top of the pot and Durga Saptashati is recited, worshipping the Goddess.

An akhand lamp may also be lit.

With this Ghatasthapana, the Navratri begins!

Worshipping the Nine forms of Goddess Durga

Maa Shailputri: Maa Shailputri, an incarnation of Maa Durga, is worshipped on Navratri Day 1. She fulfills the materialistic desires and brings completeness to one’s life.

Maa Brahmacharini: Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the 2nd day of Navratri.

She blesses her devotees with emotional strength and confidence.

She can also motivate you to take the righteous path in your life.

Maa Chandraghanta: On the 3rd day of Navratri, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped. She symbolises respect, fame, and glory. She is also believed to take one to spiritual enlightenment.

Maa Kushmanda: Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the 4th day. She is believed to have created the world from nothing. She blesses the devotees with health and wealth.

Maa Skandamata: The 5th avatar of Maa Durga, Goddess Skandamata is mother of Lord Kartikeya. Worshipping her is believed to bring immense joy and abundance to the devotee.

Maa Katyayani: Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the 6th day of the Navratri. She is believed to lead the devotees to Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

Maa Kaalratri: The 7th day of this auspicious festival belongs to Maa Kaalratri. Worshipping her can eliminate all your fears and fill you with the courage to face all the problems of your life.

Maa Mahagauri: Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the 8th day of Navratri. She is believed to end all the sufferings of her devotees and fulfill all their wishes.

Maa Siddhidatri: As the name suggests, Maa Siddhidatri is the giver of all the Siddhis. The last day of the Navratri belongs to her. She represents wealth and prosperity, too.

All About the Festival of Chaitra Navratri

This sacred festival occurs during the lunar month of Ashwin in the Sharad Ritu.

As a matter of fact, the name of the festival is also inspired by its occurrence in the Sharad Ritu.

As the name further suggests, the festival is celebrated over a period of nine nights or nav ratris.

Each day is dedicated to the nine different forms of the Goddess Shakti.

As per the Gregorian calendar, on the other hand, this festival arrives each year during the months of September or October, and the nine-day-long festivities finally conclude on the tenth day, which is also known as Vijay Dashmi or Dussera.

Navratri Kalash Sthapna Puja Vidhi

This festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms.

Each day is celebrated with a lot of excitement and fervor.

The puja vidhi of these days is listed below as well as the special puja process for each day-

Devotees should get up early in the morning on each day of the festival. Take a bath and wear clean clothes to begin the day.
Clean the house with holy water while also cleaning the place of worship each day.
Take a copper kalash and fill it with water. Place mango leaves and a coconut on top of the kalash while making a swastika with roli on the urn.
Place the idol of the Goddess Durga on a chowki and light a diya next to it. One can also put the images of the nine avatars of the goddess on the chowki alongside the idol of Durga Mata.
Pray to Lord Ganesha for his blessings for completing the nine days’ vrat and puja without any hassle.
Offer fruits, flowers, sweets, and prashad to the goddess on each of the nine days.
Light an incense stick and perform the aarti dedicated to each avatar of the goddess.
Join both hands to offer your prayers with sincerity and seek the blessings of the goddess.
Recite bhajans and devotional songs of the Devi throughout the day and celebrate the Navratri date with dedication.

Mentioned below are the special puja rituals for every nine days, dedicated to the nine avatars of Durga Mata-

Day 1: Shailputri Mata: Decorate the image or idol of the Devi with jasmine flowers and recite the following mantras for her blessings:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

Auspicious Color of the Day- Yellow
Day 2: Brahmacharini Mata: Offer Panchamrit to the goddess made out of ghee, milk, honey, curd, and sugar. Chant the following mantras for her blessings:

Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah||

Om Devi Brahmcharinyai Namah Dadhaanaa Kar Padmaabhyaamakshmala Kamandaloo||

Auspicious Color of the Day- Green
Day 3: Chandraghanta Mata: She is considered the “suhag ki devi,” so offer her suhag samagree that contains sindoor, bangles, bindi, toe rings, aalta, etc.

Chant the following mantra to appease the goddess:

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah||

Auspicious Color of the Day- Grey
Day 4: Kushmanda Mata: She is said to love the Bali of white pumpkin, so offerings of the same are made to the goddess to appease her.

She is also offered halwa on this auspicious day. Given below is the mantra to appease her:

Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥

Auspicious Color of the Day- Orange
Day 5: Skanda Mata: Offer flowers, durva, sandalwood, and sindoor to the mata on this auspicious day. Recite the following mantra to get her blessings:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita|

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah||

Auspicious Color of the Day- White

Day 6: Katyayni Mata
Offer kalava, coconut, and roli to the mata. Seek her blessings by chanting the following mantra:

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah||

Auspicious Color of the Day- Red

Day 7: Kalratri Mata
Offer red flowers and jaggery to the Mata along with a garland made out of lemons. Appease the goddess with the following mantra:

Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah||

Auspicious Color of the Day- Royal Blue

Day 8: Mahagauri Mata: Perform Sandhi puja during the last 24 minutes of the Ashtami tithi and the beginning of the Navami tithi as it is considered an auspicious time. Chant the following mantra for best results:

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah||

Auspicious Color of the Day- Pink

Day 9: Siddhidatri Mata: Offer pan and supari to the mata and read the Shri Durga Saptshati path on this day.

Recite the following mantra for added blessings:

Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah||

Auspicious Color of the Day- Purple

Chaitra Navratri Significance:

During these auspicious nine days, devotees worship the different forms of Durga. The nine different avatars of Durga Mata are listed below-

Shailputri
Chandraghanta
Brahmacharini
Skanda Mata
Kushmanda
Katyayni
Mahagauri
Kalaratri
Siddhidatri

Goddess Durga is a representation of Shakti. She has the combined powers of the nine forms as well as every God and Goddess.

It is for this reason, offering prayers to her during these nine days is believed to enrich an individual with health, wealth, and prosperity in life.

As per the beliefs of the Hindu religion, during this propitious period of nine days, Goddess Durga vanquished the evil demon Mahishasura and saved humankind from his tortures.

Different religious scriptures credit the different forms of Goddess Durga with the killing of Mahishasura.

However, the most prevalent belief is that Goddess Durga,

taking the form of the eighteen-handed Ugrachandi avatar slew the demon, according to the Rambha Kalpa.

Hence, this festival of Navratri is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the immoral rakshasa.

Rituals Associated with Chaitra Navratri

All across the nation, this festival is celebrated in different ways reflecting the spirit of unity in diversity.

Let us see how Goddess Durga is worshipped from the North to the South and from East to the West:

Large pandals with idols of Goddess Durga are installed throughout the city in the states of Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa. People deck up in new clothes to visit the pandals, and the color red is specifically chosen for all activities related to these sacred days.
Devotees in Gujrat keep a fast for nine days, while in the evenings, dandiya nights are organized where people get together to perform the Garba dance to their heart’s fill.
In Tamil Nadu, Kolu is the special attraction of these days. It is a 9-step ladder where each step is a representation of the 9 Navratri days. Miniature idols of Gods and Goddesses adorn each step of the ladder.
The same Kolu is called Batukamma Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, and it is worshipped on all nine days of the festival. At the end of the ninth day, the ladder is set afloat in a nearby waterbody.
Massive processions with elephants are taken out similar to those in the Vijayanagara dynasty in Karnataka on this occasion.
Keralites celebrate learning and education during these auspicious times and pay their respects to musical instruments and books.
In Punjab, little girls are worshipped in the image of Goddess Durga. They are showered with gifts and food on the last day of the festival and are known as Kanjak.

Significance of Navratri

This day is celebrated with the arrival of the autumn season, and soon after the nine days of Goddess Durga, the tenth day marks the festival of Dussera.

The celebrations of this festival thus last for a period of ten days and are full of frolic and joy.

The nine days are said to be so auspicious as per astrology that all projects can be started during this period without paying heed to the muhurats.

As per the belief of the devotees, all problems can be resolved with sincere worship of Goddess Durga during these nine days.

Tragedies can be turned into opportunities with the blessings of Durga mata in these nine days as she showers her blessings upon her bhakts, who show their devotion and staunch belief.

The nine days of the Devi during the Ashwin month have special relevance as this period is synonymous with the dakshinayan period of the Sun.

Hence, it is deemed auspicious to worship Goddess Durga during this time.

Legends Associated with Navratri

As per the scriptures, Lord Rama invoked Durga Mata to seek her blessings before going to war against the demon king Ravana.

This ultimate invocation by Lord Rama to awaken Goddess Durga from her slumber during the Navratri days is referred to as Akal Bodhan of Shakti.

It is for this reason that this Navratri among the four Navratris, namely, Ashadha Gupt Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri, and Magha Navratri, holds so much significance.

The festival is extremely important to Hindus all around the world, and the nine days enable devotees to exhibit their devotion and sincerity towards the Goddess with increased enthusiasm.

What is the religious and cultural significance of Chaitra Navratri?

Chaitra Navratri holds significant religious and cultural importance.

It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga and her various manifestations over nine days.

Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and recite prayers to seek blessings, prosperity, and protection from the divine.

It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, with each day representing the victory of a different form of the goddess.

Also, Chaitra Navratri signifies the onset of spring, renewal, and rejuvenation, making it a time for spiritual reflection and cultural festivities.

In conclusion, Chaitra Navratri is a spiritually significant festival marking the Hindu New Year and dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga.

It symbolizes renewal, protection, and the victory of good over evil.

As devotees engage in rituals and prayers over nine days, the festival fosters a sense of devotion, cultural unity, and spiritual reflection within the community.

Chaitra Navratri

1.Offer Chunari: Chunari (a type of cloth) is very dear to Goddess Durga, hence during Navratri, one should definitely offer Chunari to Goddess Durga, which is considered very auspicious.

2. Direction of Akhand Jyoti: The Akhand Jyoti, which is lit during Navratri, should be lit in the fire corner of the house. That is, light a ghee lamp in the south-east corner of the house.

In the temple also, one should choose the south-east direction for Akhand Jyoti.

3. Kaner flower: This flower must be offered along with hibiscus to Goddess Durga.

Doing this increases happiness and prosperity in the house. Negative energy goes away.

The financial situation improves and there is an atmosphere of happiness in the house.

What is Chaitra Navratri?

The festival of Navrarti celebrated in the month of Chaitra is known as Chaitra Navaratri. It is a nine-day celebration in which Goddess Durga,

the epitome of absolute divine power, is welcomed in homes by devotees and worshipped in all her nine forms with great jubilation and happiness.

Hindu devotees mainly worship three main forms of Goddess Shakti – Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi – to seek their divine blessings during this blissful time of the year.

The nine forms of Shakti worshipped on each day of Chaitra Navratri are: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.

The festival commences on the first day of the Hindu calendar during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Masa falling in the month of March-April every year.

This year, it will begin on 09th April and will end on 17th April .

Chaitra Navratri is also called Vasanta Navratri as it marks the beginning of the spring season in India.

This festival culminates with Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

The most auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri holds immense significance for the Hindu people as it is the best time to please Goddess Durga and seek her blessings.

The religious rituals and ceremonies of Chaitra Navratri have a great symbolic value attached to them.

The first three days of Chaitra Navratri is devoted to Maa Durga, the Goddess of Energy; the next three days is devoted to Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth; and the last three days is dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.

As the festival of Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar, the first day of the nine-day extravaganza is celebrated as –

Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh
Navreh in Kashmir
Chaitrai Vishu or Puthandu in Tamil Nadu

Legends behind Chaitra Navratri

According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana worshipped Maa Shakti for nine days and performed yagna on the last day to seek her blessings.

These blessings gave them the courage to fight Ravana and release Mother Sita from his captivity.

According to another legend, once there was a king named Sudarshan who offered his prayers to Maa Shakti and became victorious in seeking her blessings.

To thank the Goddess, the king in return performed a yagna and therefore, this day came to be celebrated as Chaitra Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri Puja Vidhi

Offering prayers to all the nine forms of Goddess Shakti and observing fasts is the crux of the celebrations of Chaitra Navratri.

Performing all the rituals and ceremonies of the Navratri Puja in a well-defined manner will attract happiness, wellness, and prosperity in our homes.

Before the beginning of the Chaitra Navratri festivals, the house is properly cleaned.

The Puja Ghar in the house is cleaned and decorated with lights and all the essential items.

The idol of Goddess Durga is draped new clothes and decorated with Shringar items like Bindi, bangles, sindoor, and others.

Devotees fasting are allowed to eat only “Satvik” food such as ‘kuttu ka aata’, potatoes, fruits, and curd.

Food items like garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian food re strictly prohibited in homes where Navratri Puja ceremonies are held.

Chanting Navratri mantras, reading Navratri stories of each day, and worshipping the Goddess with full devotion forms an important part of the Navratri rituals and celebrations.

The fast is broken on the ninth day of Navratri after the havan and Kanya Pujan.

Precautions for Chaitra Navaratri

There are a few things which must be taken care of while observing Chaitra Navratri Puja at home.

Avoid cutting nails, hair or beard during the nine days of Navratri.
The Puja rituals of Navratri strictly prohibit the consumption of garlic and onions in food at home.
Consumption of alcohol or non-vegetarian food is not allowed.
Only Satvik food like potatoes, Kuttu ka Atta, fruits, and yogurt is allowed to be eaten during Navratri festival.
Use of foul language is strictly prohibited.

Puja Rituals for Chaitra Navratri

As the nine avatars of Goddess Shakti is worshipped during the nine days of Chaitra Navaratri, every day of Navratri has its own significance and has different rituals to be followed.

Navratri Day 1 – Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja

Chaitra Navratri Ghatasthapana Muhurat & Puja Vidhi

Also known as Kalash Sthapana or Kalashsthapana, Ghatasthapana constitutes a significant part of the Navratri rituals.

It signifies the beginning of the noine-day festival of Navratri as holy Kalash is installed in the Puja Ghar on this day.

When performed in a ritualistic manner following all the necessary rules and regulations, it brings peace and prosperity in homes.

It is advised to perform this Puja in the Pratipada muhurat and avoid performing it in Nakshatra Chitra and Vaidhriti Yoga during Ghatasthapana.

Chaitra Navratri Ghatasthapana Date & Time

Date of Chaitra Ghatasthapana Tuesday, April 09,
Ghatasthapana Shubh Muhurat 06:02 AM to 10:16 AM
Falls During Vaidhriti Yoga
Tithi Pratipada
Pratipada Tithi Begins 11:50 PM on Apr 08
Pratipada Tithi Ends 08:30 PM on Apr 09
Abhijit Muhurat 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM

Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi during Chaitra Navratri

Items for Ghatasthapana Puja

Clay pot to sow Barley (??) or Sapta Dhanya (Seven grains for Navratri)
Clean soil, clay/brass urn with lid
Ganga jal
Mauli thread
Betel nuts
Coins for Kalash
Five leaves of Mango or Ashoka tree
Akshat (अक्षत), coconut
Red cloth for coconut
Durva grass
Fresh flowers and garlands

Ghatasthapana Puja Procedure

Sow seeds into Clay pot: Spread soil evenly into the clay pot and sprinkle the grains. Ass another layer of soil on top of the seeds. Sprinkle water on top of the oil.
Preparation of Kalash: Tie sacred thread around the Kalash and fill it with holy water to the neck thereafter. Add Akshat, Durva grass, Supari and coins into the Kalash. Keep five leaves of mango or Ashoka on top of the Kalash and then cover it with the lid. Take the coconut, wrap it with a red cloth, and tie with a sacred thread. Put this coconut on top of the Kalash and now place it on the centre of the grain pot.
Offer your prayers to Goddess Durga and request her to make this Kalash her abode for nine days of Navratri.
Panchopachara Puja (पंचोपचार पूजा): This Puja is performed with five items. Lit a lamp and worship the Kalash and deities in it. After that, light incense sticks and offers them to the Kalash, followed by flowers. In the end, offer Naivedhya (नैवेद्य) i.e. fruits and sweets to the Kalash.

Shailputri Puja

The first of Navratri or Pratipada is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri (also called Maa Bhavani, Parvati and Hemavati) who is the first form of the Goddess Durga.

Maa Shailputri Puja when performed by the devotees in a ritualistic manner wards off any negative effects of the moon.

The Puja is performed immediately after the Ghatasthapana.

Date of Puja 09-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Red
Favourite flower Jasmine
Offering to Goddess Ghee
Chakra Muladhara

The Shailputri Puja Vidhi is as follows –

Atma Puja done for self-purification
Put Tilak on your forehead and drink holy water from palms.
Take water in your hand and seek the blessings of the Goddess
Evoke Goddess by offering her fresh flowers
Offer holy water on the feet of the Goddess
Offer camphor water to the Goddess (Aachman)
Offer cow milk for bathing to the Goddess (Dugdha Snan)
Offer ghee and honey for bathing to the Goddess (Ghrita and Madhusnan)
Offer sugar and Panchamrita for bathing to the Goddess (Sharkara and Panchamritsna)
Offer red sari to the Goddess (Vastra)
Apply sandalwood tilak on the forehead of the deity
Offer Kumkum, Kajal, Druvapatra and Bilwapatra to the Goddess
Show dhoop and lit diya to the Goddess and offer your prayers
Chant mantra for 108 times
Sing Shailputri Aarti
Distribute Prasad among the people

Shailputri Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥

Shailputri Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Shailputri Aarti

शैलपुत्री माँ बैल असवार। करें देवता जय जय कार॥
शिव-शंकर की प्रिय भवानी। तेरी महिमा किसी ने न जानी॥
पार्वती तू उमा कहलावें। जो तुझे सुमिरे सो सुख पावें॥
रिद्धि सिद्धि परवान करें तू। दया करें धनवान करें तू॥
सोमवार को शिव संग प्यारी। आरती जिसने तेरी उतारी॥
उसकी सगरी आस पुजा दो। सगरे दुःख तकलीफ मिटा दो॥
घी का सुन्दर दीप जला के। गोला गरी का भोग लगा के॥
श्रद्धा भाव से मन्त्र जपायें। प्रेम सहित फिर शीश झुकायें॥
जय गिरराज किशोरी अम्बे। शिव मुख चन्द्र चकोरी अम्बे॥
मनोकामना पूर्ण कर दो। चमन सदा सुख सम्पत्ति भर दो॥

Navratri Day 2 – Brahmacharini Puja

The Dwitiya tithi of Chaitra Navratri observes the celebration of Goddess Brahmacharini Puja who is the second form of Goddess Durga.

Goddess Brahmacharini symbolizes love, loyalty, wisdom, and knowledge and blesses her devotees with all these qualities.

Performing her Puja ritualistically bring good luck and eliminates all hurdles from the path of progress.

Date of Puja 10-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Royal Blue
Favourite flower Chrysanthemum flower
Offering to Goddess Sugar
Chakra Swathisthana
Ruling Planet Mars/Mangal

Brahmacharini Puja Vidhi

Perform Atma Puja for self-cleansing.
Apply Tilak on the forehead and drink holy water from the palms (Aachman)
Take water in your hand and ask a wish from the Goddess (Sankalpa)
Evoke Goddess by offering her fresh flowers
Offer fresh water on the feet of the Goddess Brahmacharini (Paadhya)
Offer camphor water to the Goddess Brahmacharini (Aachman)
Offer cow milk for bathing to the Goddess Brahmacharini (Dugdha Snan)
Offer ghee and honey for bathing to the Goddess Brahmacharini (Ghrita and Madhusnan)
Offer sugar and Panchamrita for bathing to the Goddess (Sharkara and Panchamritsna)
Offer red sari to the Goddess (Vastra)
Apply sandalwood tilak on the forehead of the deity
Offer Kumkum, Kajal, Druvapatra and Bilwapatra to the Goddess
Show dhoop and lit diya to the Goddess and offer your prayers
Chant jaap mantra 108 times
Sing Brahmacharini Aarti
Distribute Prasad among the people

Brahmacharini Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥

Brahmacharini Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Brahmacharini Aarti

जय अम्बे ब्रह्मचारिणी माता। जय चतुरानन प्रिय सुख दाता॥
ब्रह्मा जी के मन भाती हो। ज्ञान सभी को सिखलाती हो॥
ब्रह्म मन्त्र है जाप तुम्हारा। जिसको जपे सरल संसारा॥
जय गायत्री वेद की माता। जो जन जिस दिन तुम्हें ध्याता॥
कमी कोई रहने ना पाए। उसकी विरति रहे ठिकाने॥
जो तेरी महिमा को जाने। रद्रक्षा की माला ले कर॥
जपे जो मन्त्र श्रद्धा दे कर। आलस छोड़ करे गुणगाना॥
माँ तुम उसको सुख पहुँचाना। ब्रह्मचारिणी तेरो नाम॥
पूर्ण करो सब मेरे काम। भक्त तेरे चरणों का पुजारी॥
रखना लाज मेरी महतारी।

Navratri Day 3 – Chandraghanta Puja

The third day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to the Goddess Chandraghanta who is the third form of the Goddess Shakti.

As she is the Goddess of spiritual and internal power, so performing the rituals of the Chandraghanta Puja in a perfect manner such as offering her milk and milk products will remove obstacles from life.

Date of Puja 11-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Yellow
Favourite flower Lotus
Offering to Goddess Milk
Chakra Manipura
Ruling Planet Venus (Shukra)

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi

Perform Atma Puja for self-cleansing.
Apply Tilak on the forehead and drink holy water from the palms (Aachman)
Take water in your hand and ask a wish from the Goddess (Sankalpa)
Evoke Goddess by offering her fresh flowers
Offer fresh water on the feet of the Goddess Chandraghanta (Paadhya)
Offer camphor water to the Goddess Chandraghanta (Aachman)
Offer cow milk for bathing to the Goddess Chandraghanta (Dugdha Snan)
Offer ghee and honey for bathing to the Goddess Chandraghanta (Ghrita and Madhusnan)
Offer sugar and Panchamrita for bathing to the Goddess (Sharkara and Panchamritsna)
Offer red sari to the Goddess (Vastra)
Apply sandalwood tilak on the forehead of the deity
Offer Kumkum, Kajal, Druvapatra and Bilwapatra to the Goddess
Show dhoop and lit diya to the Goddess and offer your prayers
Chant mantra 108 times
Sing Chandraghanta Aarti
Distribute Prasad among the people

Chandraghanta Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥

Chandraghanta Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Chandraghanta Aarti

जय माँ चन्द्रघण्टा सुख धाम। पूर्ण कीजो मेरे काम॥
चन्द्र समाज तू शीतल दाती। चन्द्र तेज किरणों में समाती॥
मन की मालक मन भाती हो। चन्द्रघण्टा तुम वर दाती हो॥
सुन्दर भाव को लाने वाली। हर संकट में बचाने वाली॥
हर बुधवार को तुझे ध्याये। श्रद्दा सहित तो विनय सुनाए॥
मूर्ति चन्द्र आकार बनाए। शीश झुका कहे मन की बाता॥
पूर्ण आस करो जगत दाता। कांचीपुर स्थान तुम्हारा॥
कर्नाटिका में मान तुम्हारा। नाम तेरा रटू महारानी॥
भक्त की रक्षा करो भवानी।

Navratri Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda Puja

Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the fourth day of the Chaitra Navratri.

The Goddess is known to end darkness with her radiant smile.

She is the avatar of Goddess Parvati who resides in the sun and gives out positive energy to the universe.

With the vase of nectar in her hands, she gives blessings of longevity and good health to her devotees.

Date of Puja 12-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Green
Favourite flower Jasmine
Offering to Goddess Malpua
Chakra Anahata (Heart)
Ruling Planet Sun

Maa Kushmanda Puja Vidhi

Take an early morning bath and wear green-coloured clothes.
Light a lamp of ghee in front of the statue of photo of Maa Kushmanda and apply tilak on her forehead.
Offer Malpua, green cardamom, fennel, and pompon to the Goddess.
Chant this Mantra 108 times- ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
Perform the Aarti

Maa Kushmanda Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥

Kushmanda Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Kushmanda Aarti

कूष्माण्डा जय जग सुखदानी। मुझ पर दया करो महारानी॥
पिङ्गला ज्वालामुखी निराली। शाकम्बरी माँ भोली भाली॥
लाखों नाम निराले तेरे। भक्त कई मतवाले तेरे॥
भीमा पर्वत पर है डेरा। स्वीकारो प्रणाम ये मेरा॥
सबकी सुनती हो जगदम्बे। सुख पहुँचती हो माँ अम्बे॥
तेरे दर्शन का मैं प्यासा। पूर्ण कर दो मेरी आशा॥
माँ के मन में ममता भारी। क्यों ना सुनेगी अरज हमारी॥
तेरे दर पर किया है डेरा। दूर करो माँ संकट मेरा॥
मेरे कारज पूरे कर दो। मेरे तुम भंडारे भर दो॥
तेरा दास तुझे ही ध्याए। भक्त तेरे दर शीश झुकाए॥

Navratri Day 5 – Skandamata Puja

Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri.

She is the fifth incarnation of the Goddess Adi Shakti.

When Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Kartikeya (Lord Skanda), she came to be known as Skanda Devi.

Date of Puja 13-Apr-24

Colour of the Day Grey

Favourite flower Hibiscus

Offering to Goddess Bananas

Chakra Vishuddha (Throat)

Ruling Planet Mercury

Skandamata Puja Vidhi

Take an early morning bath and wear yellow-coloured clothes.
Decorate the temple with flowers (preferably red flowers).
Offer bananas, sweets, rice, and water to the Goddess.
Apply chandan/kumkum tilak on her forehead.
Chant the mantras and perform the Aarti
Distribute the Prasad to the Brahmin first and then to others.

Maa Skandamata Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

Skandamata Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Skandamata Aarti

जय तेरी हो स्कन्द माता। पांचवां नाम तुम्हारा आता॥
सबके मन की जानन हारी। जग जननी सबकी महतारी॥
तेरी जोत जलाता रहूं मैं। हरदम तुझे ध्याता रहूं मै॥
कई नामों से तुझे पुकारा। मुझे एक है तेरा सहारा॥
कही पहाड़ों पर है डेरा। कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा॥
हर मन्दिर में तेरे नजारे। गुण गाए तेरे भक्त प्यारे॥
भक्ति अपनी मुझे दिला दो। शक्ति मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो॥
इन्द्र आदि देवता मिल सारे। करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे॥
दुष्ट दैत्य जब चढ़ कर आए। तू ही खण्ड हाथ उठाए॥
दासों को सदा बचाने आयी। भक्त की आस पुजाने आयी॥

Navratri Day 6 – Maa Katyayani Puja

Goddess Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga well-known in removing obstacles from the path of her devotees.

Ladies worship the Goddess to seek her blessings for a happy and long married life.

Offering prayers to the Goddess during Navratri will eliminate negative impacts of planets in horoscope.

Girls who are unmarried and finding it difficult to find a groom for themselves, worshipping Maa Katyayani will bless them find a suitable groom.

Date of Puja 14-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Orange
Favourite flower Marigold
Offering to Goddess Honey
Chakra Ajna (Third Eye)
Ruling Planet Jupiter

Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi

Take an early morning bath and wear green-coloured clothes.
Decorate the temple with flowers.
Offer fruits, marigold flowers, honey, sweets, rice, and water to the Goddess.
Apply chandan/kumkum tilak on her forehead.
Chant the mantra 108 times and perform the Aarti to seek her blessings
Distribute the Prasad to the Brahmin first and then to others.

Maa Katyayani Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥

Katyayani Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Katyayani Aarti

जय जय अम्बे जय कात्यायनी। जय जग माता जग की महारानी॥
बैजनाथ स्थान तुम्हारा। वहावर दाती नाम पुकारा॥
कई नाम है कई धाम है। यह स्थान भी तो सुखधाम है॥
हर मन्दिर में ज्योत तुम्हारी। कही योगेश्वरी महिमा न्यारी॥
हर जगह उत्सव होते रहते। हर मन्दिर में भगत है कहते॥
कत्यानी रक्षक काया की। ग्रंथि काटे मोह माया की॥
झूठे मोह से छुडाने वाली। अपना नाम जपाने वाली॥
बृहस्पतिवार को पूजा करिए। ध्यान कात्यानी का धरिये॥
हर संकट को दूर करेगी। भंडारे भरपूर करेगी॥
जो भी माँ को भक्त पुकारे। कात्यायनी सब कष्ट निवारे॥

Navratri Day 7 – Maa Kaalratri Puja, Saptami

The seventh day of navratri is dedicated to the Goddess Kalaratri.

She is believed to destroy ignorance and eliminate darkness from the universe.

This day of Navratri is celebrated in two ways by the people of India.

Some people follow a tantric method of prayer where wine or blood is offered to the Goddess and some people follow certain religious rituals which include praying.

Date of Puja 15-Apr-24
Colour of the Day White
Favourite flower Krishna Kamal/Raat ki Rani
Offering to Goddess Jaggery
Chakra Sahasrara (Crown)
Ruling Planet Saturn (Shani)

Maa Kaalratri Puja Vidhi

Spread a black cloth on the Choki.
Place the idol or photo of Maa on the choki.
Cover her head with a red dupatta.
Offer her the items of Shringaar
Take flowers in your hand and make
Light a diya in front of the Goddess and chant mantras
Apply chandan/kumkum tilak on her forehead.
Offer jaggery to the Goddess
Perform the Aarti to seek her blessings
Distribute the Prasad to the Brahmin first and then to others.

Maa Kaalratri Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥

Kaalratri Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Kaalratri Aarti

कालरात्रि जय जय महाकाली। काल के मुंह से बचाने वाली॥
दुष्ट संघारक नाम तुम्हारा। महाचंडी तेरा अवतारा॥
पृथ्वी और आकाश पे सारा। महाकाली है तेरा पसारा॥
खड्ग खप्पर रखने वाली। दुष्टों का लहू चखने वाली॥
कलकत्ता स्थान तुम्हारा। सब जगह देखूं तेरा नजारा॥
सभी देवता सब नर-नारी। गावें स्तुति सभी तुम्हारी॥
रक्तदन्ता और अन्नपूर्णा। कृपा करे तो कोई भी दुःख ना॥
ना कोई चिंता रहे ना बीमारी। ना कोई गम ना संकट भारी॥
उस पर कभी कष्ट ना आवे। महाकाली माँ जिसे बचावे॥
तू भी भक्त प्रेम से कह। कालरात्रि माँ तेरी जय॥

Navratri Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri Puja

Also known as Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami, the 8th day of Chaitra Navratri observes people worshipping Goddess Mahagauri and performing Kanya Puja.

The Goddess epitomizes peace and endurance and worshipping her cleanse us of all the sins in the heart. Kanya Pujan is performed in most of the Hindu homes on this day.

Date of Puja 16-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Pink
Favourite flower Night Blooming Jasmine/Mogra
Offering to Goddess Coconut
Ruling Planet Rahu

Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi

Take a bath in the early morning and wear yellow clothes
Light a lamp in front of the Goddess and meditate
Offer Mogra flowers, fruits, coconut, and perfume to her and chant mantras
Prepare Navratri Prasad of Black channa, suji halwa, and Puris to offer young girls for Kanjak Puja.
Offer this Prasad first to the Goddess, then to the kanyas and then to others.

Maa Mahagauri Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥

Mahagauri Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Mahagauri Aarti

जय महागौरी जगत की माया। जय उमा भवानी जय महामाया॥
हरिद्वार कनखल के पासा। महागौरी तेरा वहा निवास॥
चन्द्रकली और ममता अम्बे। जय शक्ति जय जय माँ जगदम्बे॥
भीमा देवी विमला माता। कौशिक देवी जग विख्यता॥
हिमाचल के घर गौरी रूप तेरा। महाकाली दुर्गा है स्वरूप तेरा॥
सती (सत) हवन कुंड में था जलाया। उसी धुएं ने रूप काली बनाया॥
बना धर्म सिंह जो सवारी में आया। तो शंकर ने त्रिशूल अपना दिखाया॥
तभी माँ ने महागौरी नाम पाया। शरण आनेवाले का संकट मिटाया॥
शनिवार को तेरी पूजा जो करता। माँ बिगड़ा हुआ काम उसका सुधरता॥
भक्त बोलो तो सोच तुम क्या रहे हो। महागौरी माँ तेरी हरदम ही जय हो॥

Navratri Day 9 –Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami

Siddhidatri Puja

Siddhidatri Devi is worshipped on the ninth day of the Chaitra Navratri as she is the ninth form of the Goddess Durga.

She fulfils the wishes of her devotees and bestows joy in their lives.

On the ninth day of Navratri, the devotees worship the holy kalash and recite all the chapters of the ‘Durga Saptashi’.

Devotees also offer the Goddess nine oranges, light diyas and burn incense sticks in front of her, offer jasmine flowers, fruits, clothes and chant Siddhidatri Pujanmantras.

Some people even conduct Kanya Pujan at home on the ninth day of Navratri and invite nine girls in their homes and offer them Prasad and gifts.

These girls are symbolic of the nine avatars of Maa Durga.

Date of Puja 17-Apr-24
Colour of the Day Sky Blue
Favourite flower Champa
Offering to Goddess Til
Ruling Planet Ketu

Maa Siddhidatri Puja Vidhi

Perform Atma Puja for self-cleansing
Apply Tilak on the forehead and drink holy water from the palms (Aachman)
Take water in your hand and ask a wish from the Goddess (Sankalpa)
Evoke Goddess by offering her fresh fragrant flowers
Offer fresh water on the feet of the Goddess (Paadhya)
Offer camphor water to the Goddess (Aachman)
Offer cow milk for bathing to the Goddess (Dugdha Snan)
Offer ghee and honey for bathing to the Goddess (Ghrita and Madhusnan)
Offer sugar, Panchamrita, and naivedyam for bathing to the Goddess (Sharkara and Panchamritsna)
Offer sari to the Goddess (Vastra)
Apply sandalwood tilak on the forehead of the deity
Offer Kumkum, Kajal, Druvapatra and Bilwapatra to the Goddess
Show dhoop and lit diya to the Goddess and offer your prayers
Chant mantra 108 times
Sing Siddhidatri Aarti
Distribute Prasad among the people

Maa Siddhidatri Jaap Mantra

ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥

Siddhidatri Puja Stuti

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Siddhidatri Aarti

जय सिद्धिदात्री माँ तू सिद्धि की दाता। तु भक्तों की रक्षक तू दासों की माता॥
तेरा नाम लेते ही मिलती है सिद्धि। तेरे नाम से मन की होती है शुद्धि॥
कठिन काम सिद्ध करती हो तुम। जभी हाथ सेवक के सिर धरती हो तुम॥
तेरी पूजा में तो ना कोई विधि है। तू जगदम्बें दाती तू सर्व सिद्धि है॥
रविवार को तेरा सुमिरन करे जो। तेरी मूर्ति को ही मन में धरे जो॥
तू सब काज उसके करती है पूरे। कभी काम उसके रहे ना अधूरे॥
तुम्हारी दया और तुम्हारी यह माया। रखे जिसके सिर पर मैया अपनी छाया॥
सर्व सिद्धि दाती वह है भाग्यशाली। जो है तेरे दर का ही अम्बें सवाली॥
हिमाचल है पर्वत जहां वास तेरा। महा नंदा मंदिर में है वास तेरा॥
मुझे आसरा है तुम्हारा ही माता। भक्ति है सवाली तू जिसकी दाता॥

Ram Navami

Ram Navami is the birth anniversary of Lord Rama which is celebrated on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month.

On this auspicious day, people take a holy dip in the river Sarayu and thereafter visit Rama temple to participate in his birthday celebrations.

Rama Navami Muhurat

Date of Ram Navami 17th April
Rama Navami Madhyahna Muhurat 11:03 AM to 01:38 PM
Navami Tithi Begins 01:23 PM on Apr 16,
Navami Tithi Ends 03:14 PM on Apr 17,

Ram Navami Puja Vidhi

Take a bath in the Brahma Muhurta and wear clean clothes.
Install a photo of Lord Rama in the house temple and spray some Ganga Jal on it.
Lit a diya of ghee in front of the picture or idol and some incense sticks.
Put the the idol of Ramlala in the cradle, decorate it with flower garlands and swing the cradle.
Perform Shodashopchar and Lord Rama Aarti.
Offer fruits, kheer, and offerings to Lord Rama.
Apply tilak on the forehead of the youngest girl in the family.

Lord Ram Aarti – श्री रामचन्द्रजी की आरती

श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन, हरण भवभय दारुणम्।
नव कंज लोचन, कंज मुख कर कंज पद कंजारुणम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
कन्दर्प अगणित अमित छवि, नव नील नीरद सुन्दरम्।
पट पीत मानहुं तड़ित रूचि-शुचि नौमि जनक सुतावरम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
भजु दीनबंधु दिनेश दानव दैत्य वंश निकन्दनम्।
रघुनन्द आनन्द कन्द कौशल चन्द्र दशरथ नन्द्नम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
सिर मुकुट कुंडल तिलक चारू उदारु अंग विभूषणम्।
आजानुभुज शर चाप-धर, संग्राम जित खरदूषणम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
इति वदति तुलसीदास, शंकर शेष मुनि मन रंजनम्।
मम ह्रदय कंज निवास कुरु, कामादि खल दल गंजनम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
मन जाहि राचेऊ मिलहि सो वर सहज सुन्दर सांवरो।
करुणा निधान सुजान शील सनेह जानत रावरो॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
एहि भांति गौरी असीस सुन सिय हित हिय हरषित अली।
तुलसी भवानिहि पूजी पुनि-पुनि मुदित मन मन्दिर चली॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।

Frequently asked Questions – Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri

Q. चैत का नवरात्र कब है?

09 April से चैत्र नवरात्री (Chaitra Navratri) शुरू हो रही है, जो 17 April तक चलेगी |

Q. What are the 9 colors of Chaitra Navratri ?

The 9 colors of Chaitra Navratri includes –

Day 1 – SKY BLUE for PASSION
Day 2 – YELLOW for HAPPINESS
Day 3 – GREEN for PROSPERITY
Day 4 – GREY for DIGNITY & HUMBLENESS
Day 5 – ORANGE for FAME
Day 6 – WHITE for PEACE RED for POWER
Day 7 – RED for POWER
Day 8 – SKY BLUE for PASSION
Day 9 – PINK for HOPE

Q. Why is Chaitra Navratri celebrated?

Chaitra Navratri is an important festival of the Hindus which celebrates the nine avatars of Maa Durga with great devotion and enthusiasm.

People offer their prayers for nine days to the nine incarnations of the Goddess of cosmic powers and seek her divine blessings.

Fasts are observed by the devotees for the attainment of salvation.

Q. What are the nine avatars of Maa Durga?

The nine forms of Goddess Durga are –

Shailaputri
Brahmacharini
Chandraghanta
Kushmanda
Skandamata
Kaalratri
Katyayani
Mahagauri
Siddhidhatri

Q. How many Navratri come in a year?

The festival of Navratri is celebrated four times in a year.

June and July is observed in the lunar month of Chaitra in the month of March-April; Shardiya Navratri is celebrated during autumn in the months of September-October; Magha Navratri is celebrated in winter season during January-February; and, Ashada Navratri falls in the month of June and July during monsoon season.

Q. What must be avoided during Chaitra Navratri?

It is better to avoid these 10 things during the celebrations of Chaitra Navratri –

Avoid cutting your hair
Avoid non-vegetarian food
Don’t cut nails.
The lamp of Akhand Jyoti must always be lit.
Take care of the Kalash.
Don’t slice lemons.
Abstain from fried food.
Avoid wearing black clothes.
Take small meals at regular intervals.
Avoid eating onions and garlic.

Chaitra Navratri is a promising Hindu celebration which is exclusively committed to the love of Goddess Durga.

Much sooner than the celebration real starts, the enthusiasts begin planning different foods and buy new garments to praise this propitious celebration.

The initial three days of Chaitra Navratri enthusiasts revere Goddess Durga and her different structures, including Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Maha Gowri and Siddhidayini.

The whole Navratri celebration is about asking, fasting and in addition relishing treats, moving and getting a charge out of for the nine days.

This celebration holds heaps of significance for the whole Gujarati, Bengali and Maharashtrian people group. Navratri itself symbolizes triumph over underhandedness.

Auspicious Yogas on Pratipada Tithi

On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, Pratipada Tithi witnesses the formation of Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Amrit Siddhi Yoga from 07:32 AM to 05:06 PM.

These yogas are considered highly auspicious for undertaking significant endeavors.

Ghatasthapana Ritual:

Follow these steps for Ghatasthapana on the auspicious Pratipada Tithi:

Begin your day with an early morning bath and a resolution to worship.
Decorate the worship area and place a post for the Kalash filled with water.
Wrap the Kalash with Kalava and adorn it with mango and Ashoka leaves.
Place a coconut wrapped in red cloth on the Kalash.
Invoke Maa Durga by lighting incense sticks and lamps, following the scriptures’ prescribed method.

Chaitra Navratri is a time of spiritual significance, where devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and celebrate the divine feminine energy embodied in Goddess Durga. Embrace the auspiciousness of these nine days and partake in the collective joy of devotion during Chaitra Navratri .

Introduction to Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival, which is also called as Vasanth Navaratri, and Ashadha Navaratri.

This is celebrated on the first day of the Luni-Solar calendar, which coincides with March and April of the Gregorian calendar.

It is one of the highly revered festivals across India and holds a special position in the Hindu Pantheon.

All the nine days are filled with worship, fasting, meditation, and devotion.

It is celebrated to give significance to the female force of energy, where all succumb before her

Significance of Chaitra Navratri:

It is important to note that the last day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami.

Hence it is called Rama Navaratri. Lord Ram is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the stellar example of a perfect king, and a devout son.

This also signifies a spirited beginning, where everything in this world starts afresh.

Legend of Chaitra Navratri:

Once a great of the Kosala Kingdom, King Dooshibago was killed by a lion.

It became time to select his successor. Prince Sudarsana was the crown prince and was about to be crowned.

The hostility came from King Yudhajit of Ujjain, who was the father of Queen Lilavati.

He wanted his grandson to be the king, and thus there was a great feud for the kingdom.

Due to this hostility, it broke as a great battle between King Virasena and King Yudhajit. King Virasena was killed in the war, and his daughter Queen Manorama along with Prince Sudarsana, bolted to the forest.

A eunuch rescued him. It was in Sage Bharadwaj’s hermitage; he sought refugee.

Parallelly, King Yudhajit, crowned his grandson, Satrujit, at Ayodya.

Yudhajit found that Queen Manorama was with the Sage.

His greed forced him to destroy the Queen and the Prince.

With a fury, he was about to attack the Sage but was stopped by his minister.

Prince Sudarsana once pronounced “Kleem”, the “Bija Akshara Mantra” of the Goddess.

This is one of the most potent chants, which would ward off all evils.

He was blessed by the Goddess and bestowed the power of invincibility. He also got married to the daughter of the King of Benares.

Thus, he, along with his father-in-law, restored the kingdom with the blessings of the almighty.

Since then, the clan of Ikshvakau, where Rama was one of the kings, always celebrates Chaitra Navratri with great reverence, and they became the great worshippers of Goddess Durga.

Rituals Observed during Chaitra Navratri:

The celebrations of Chaitra Navratri are held on a massive scale, marked by prayers and fasting on all nine days of the festival.

All across the country, devotees clean and wash their houses to welcome in the Goddess into their homes.

Those who observe a fast are allowed to eat only ‘Satvic’ food like potatoes, curd, fruits, and items made of ‘kuttukaaata’ or buckwheat flour. Non-vegetarian food and certain items like onion and garlic are to be strictly avoided.

Blessings of Observing Chaitra Navratri:

It bestows wealth and prosperity and success in life.
Relief from sins committed in previous births
Protection from negative energy and evil eye
Removes obstacles
Enhances strength and self-confidence
Relief from diseases

Rituals during Chaitra Navratri :

Praying and fasting marks the Chaitra Navratri celebrations.

Before the start of the celebrations, the house is cleaned for welcome the Goddess in their home.

The devotees performing the puja observe a fast for all nine days. While fasting only ‘satvik’ food like potatoes, ‘kuttu ka aata’, curd and fruits are allowed.

Consumption of non-vegetarian food and also use of onion and garlic should be strictly avoided.

During the Navratri period, while maintaining strict discipline in food, a person should also monitor their behaviour.

The devotees spend their day worshipping the Goddess and chanting the Navratri mantras.

The fast is broken on the ninth day after the ‘havan’ and the Prasad, after offering to the Goddess, is eaten along with other members of the family.

As during the Navratri time, Goddess Shakti manifests herself in three forms, namely, Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the puja rituals of Navratri are also categorised in set of three days, with each set dedicated to a particular Goddess.

The first three days of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Durga, the Goddess of energy, on the next three days, Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshipped and the last three days are devotes to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.

The puja rituals of each of the nine days of Chaitra Navratri are given below:

Day 1 – Pratipada – on this day the rituals performed are ‘Ghatasthapana’, ‘Chandra Darshan’ and ‘Shailputri Puja.
Day 2 – Dwitiya – the rituals of the day are ‘Sindhara Dooj’ and ‘Brahmacharini Puja’.
Day 3 – Teej – This day is celebrated as ‘Gauri Teej’ or ‘Sauhagya Teej’ and the main ritual of the day is ‘Chandraghanta Puja’.
Day 4 – Chaturthi – Also known as ‘Varad Vinayaka Chauth’, on this day the devotees observe the ‘Kushmanda Puja’.
Day 5 – Panchami – This day is also referred as ‘Lakshmi Panchami’ and main puja observed on this day are ‘Naag Puja’ and ‘Skandamata Puja’.
Day 6 – Shashthi – It is known as ‘Yamuna Chath’ or ‘Skanda Sasthi’ and puja observed is ‘Katyayani Puja’.
Day 7 – Saptami – This day is celebrated as ‘Maha Saptami’ and the ‘Kalratri Puja’ is performed to invoke the blessings of the Goddess.
Day 8 – Ashtami – It is the main day of ‘Durga Ashtami’ and is also called as ‘Annapurna Ashtami’. On this day ‘Mahagauri Puja’ and ‘Sandhi Puja’ are performed.
Day 9 – Navami – The last day of the Navratri festivity is observed as ‘Rama Navami’ and on this day the ‘Siddhidatri Maha Puja’ is performed.

Even though Chaitra Navratri is a 9-day festival, the celebrations come to an end on the day of ‘dashami’ (10th day).

This day is known as ‘Navratri Parana’ and devotees bid farewell to the Goddess Durga, and pray for Her return soon, next year.

According to the Hindu Puranas and scriptures, Chaitra Navratri was the most important Navratri in which Goddess Shakti was worshipped, until Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in the ‘Ashwin’ month during the Ramayana war.

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with immense pomp and show in whole of India, especially the northern states.

This Hindu festival is very popular in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to name a few. In most of these states, a huge fair is organised in the Shakti temples.

In the state of Maharashtra it begins with ‘Gudi Padwa’ whereas in southern states like Andhra Pradesh, the celebrations kick start with ‘Ugadi’.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri :

Chaitra Navratri is the most significant festival of Hindus.

During this time, devotees worship Maa Durga, the Goddess of cosmic powers, to be blessed by Her divine benediction.

It is believed that if devotees worship Goddess Durga without any desires to be fulfilled, they will attain salvation.

Chaitra Navratri also marks the onset of the summer season and is observed when the Mother Nature undergoes a major climatic change.

It is popular belief that by observing a vrat (fast) during the Chaitra Navratri the body is prepared for ensuing summer season.

Ghatastapana – Chaitra Navratri Puja Vidhi

Collect the puja items like clean soil, an earthen pot with a broad opening, ‘Sapta Dhanya’ or seven different grains,

mini brass vessel or Kalash, sacred thread, fragrance or perfume, coins, betel nuts, mango leaves,

Akshata, unpeeled coconut, a red cloth, Durva grass, and marigold flowers.

Prepare the Kalash by adding a layer of soil at the bottom of the earthen pot before invoking Maa Durga. Place the grains underneath the soil. Continue this way till the pot is filled with the layers of soil to the peak level.
Add some water in the Kalash or brass vessel and place the fragrance, betel nuts, Durva grass, Akshata and some coins in this vessel.
Keep 5 to 6 mango leaves on the opening of the brass vessel and cover it.
Tie the holy thread around the red cloth containing the unpeeled coconut. Then place this on the top of the Kalash.
In the end, place this brass vessel on top of the earthen pot. Now the puja setup is done and you can invoke Goddess Durga in it.

Do’s During Chaitra Navratri:

On the first day of Navratri, be sure to perform Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana. It is one of the most important rituals of the festival should be done while Pratipada is prevailing.

Each day until Dashmi, one has to light an akhanda deepak. If it is not feasible for you, you can also conduct aarti every day in the morning and evening until the festival is over.

Every day of Navratri should include the recitation of the Durga Chalisa and the Durga Saptasati.

Offer red flowers to all avatars of Devi Maa. It is advised to wear red clothes during puja. Try to offer Singar to Mata every day.

Don’ts During Chaitra Navratri:

Abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages or tobacco.

Refrain from clipping your nails, getting a haircut or shaving your beard during the period.

One should not consume processed salt during Navratri and use sea salt as an alternative.

Children, pregnant women or people that have been diagnosed with a severe illness are not supposed to perform the vrat.

Even though onions and garlic are considered vegetarian food items, they cannot be used to make food during this time.

Additionally, legumes, rice flour, all-purpose flour, cornflour, lentils, semolina, wheat flour also come under the foods that need to be avoided during Navratri fasting.

What Food is Allowed in Navratri Fasting?

Rock salt (sendha namak): Rock salt is considered to be unadulterated, pure and therefore falls under the category of sattvic food. All foods are cooked with rock salt only during Navratri.

Whole spices: Cumin seeds (jeera), black peppercorns (kali mirch), cinnamon, cardamom (elaichi), cloves (laung) and carom seeds (ajwain) can be consumed.

Fasting Flours: Flours made from millets (baajara) such as barnyard millet (samak rice), finger millet (ragi), amaranth flour (rajgira ke atta) and even water chestnut (singhare), buckwheat (kuttu atta), fox nut flour (makhane ka aata) and sago (sabudana) are considered sattvic foods and can be consumed during the Navratri fast.

Dairy Products: Dairy products are an important source of protein and are considered sattvic. Therefore, consumption of milk, cottage cheese (paneer), ghee, curd, buttermilk, malai and khoya is permitted during Navratri.

Fruits: All types of fruits and coconut water can be consumed during Navratri fasting. Prepare smoothies and have them solid for breakfast or as a snack.

Nuts: Peanuts (moongphali), makhana (fox nuts), cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds can be consumed during Navratri fast.

Vegetables: Potatoes (aloo), colocasia (arbi), sweet potato (shakarkhand), raw banana, yellow pumpkin (kaddu), raw green papaya, cucumber, carrot, ginger (adrak), green chilli, lemon (neeboo), coriander leaves (hara dhaniya), tomato, bottle gourd (lauki) can be consumed. Sattvic vegetables are high in fibre and minerals and give you lots of energy and keep you hydrated.

Cooking Oil: Ghee or peanut oil (avoid refined oils).

What Food is Allowed in Navratri Fasting?

Rock salt (sendha namak): Rock salt is considered to be unadulterated, pure and therefore falls under the category of sattvic food. All foods are cooked with rock salt only during Navratri.

Whole spices: Cumin seeds (jeera), black peppercorns (kali mirch), cinnamon, cardamom (elaichi), cloves (laung) and carom seeds (ajwain) can be consumed.

Fruits: All types of fruits and coconut water can be consumed during Navratri fasting. Prepare smoothies and have them solid for breakfast or as a snack.

Nuts: Peanuts (moongphali), makhana (fox nuts), cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds can be consumed during Navratri fast.

Cooking Oil: Ghee or peanut oil (avoid refined oils).

What Foods to Avoid During Navratri?

During Navratri, it is essential to nourish our bodies with simple, wholesome meals that promote a sense of peace and tranquility while enhancing our immune system and metabolism.

Whether they are fasting or not, many Hindu devotees choose to adhere to a vegetarian or Satvik diet.

They purposefully avoid consuming anything that is heavy or rich, as well as anything categorized as Tamsik or Rajasic food.

These food categories can induce feelings of lethargy, dullness, and laziness.

Here are some of the foods that people avoid during Navratri.

Non-vegetarian foods: This includes meat and poultry products including eggs, chicken, fish, lamb, seafood and others.

Onion & garlic, other vegetables: Onions and garlic are considered tamasic and rajasic foods and should be avoided in any form.

Other vegetables that are considered tamasic include leeks, mushrooms, okra, and brinjal.

Table salt: During Navratri, people tend to avoid consuming table salt due to its artificial processing, which increases the risk of adulteration. All processed foods include table salt, hence it is a strict no-no during Navratri.

Alcohol: All alcohol and alcoholic cocktails are considered tamasic and are avoided during the nine days of Navratri. Some people also avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea and aerated drinks.

Cereals And Legumes: Cereals such as rice, wheat, oats and their flours, chickpea flour, maize flour and whole wheat flour are considered rajasic foods and are avoided during Navratri . All types of pulses and legumes, lentils, semolina (rava) are also avoided.

Spices: Rich powdered spices like turmeric, red chillies, garam masala, asafoetida (hing), nutmeg, and others are avoided during Navratri.

What Popular Navratri Recipes to Cook During Fasting?

Some of the popular Navratri recipes include sabudana aloo moongfali tikki (cutlet), shakarkandi ki chaat, singhare ke pakore, fruit salad, aloo tikki, kuttu pakore, kuttu singhare ke atte ka dhokla, crispy arbi, and others.

Some popular main course recipes for Navratri fasting include malai kofta, vrat ke aloo, vrat ki arbi, falhari paneer ki sabzi, rat wale dahi ke aloo, samak rice, singhara atta, kadhi, fried aloo with dahi, sabudana khichdhi, samak rice pulao, samak dosa with allu,

singdana and green chutney, makhana dahi wada, kuttu atta poori with aloo, kaddu ki sabji, lauki ka raita, dahi ke aloo, vrat ke aloo, aloo tamatar ki sabji, and fruit raita.

Some of the popular Navratri dessert recipes include sabudana kheer, lauki ki kheer, dry fruit kheer, sama chawal kheer, carrot kheer, carrot halwa, carrot burfi, aloo halwa, phirni, coconut almond burfi and kaju katli.

List of Do’s and Don’ts in Navratri:

During navratri, Do’s are important but Don’ts are more important.

If you are not following Do’s list then it is not harmful or will not put any negative effect on you and your family.

But if you are doing “not to do things in navratri” then it may cause to trouble in your life or goddess may angry with you.

So always follow all the rules, worship Maa Durga with pure heart.

Here we have added points on, what you should do during navratri and what should you not do during navratri.

What you should not do during Navratri Festival:

1 – People should avoid alcohol during nine days of navratri.

2 – People should not cut Lemon during navratri.

3 – Avoid cutting nails, hair and shaving in navratri

4 – Do not consume eggs, non-veg and meat during navratri.

5 – Devotees should not eat Onion and Garlic during this time.

6 – Do not stich or knit during navratri.

7 – Do not tell a lie and use harsh words for others.

8 – People should not use leather items like belt, bag, sleepers and shoes.

9 – People should not sleep in the afternoon during navratri nine days.

10 – Do not use grain and salt during navratri.

11 – If you are reciting Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashati, Durga Kawach or chanting mantras then never talk with anyone in between. Accomplish the paths and mantras then only talk with someone.

12 – Eat any fruit in a single sitting.

13 – People should not use many spices in navratri.

14 – Do not wear dirty clothes in navratri.

15 – People should not marry during navratri.

16 – If you have done Ghat Sthapana (Kalash Sthapana) at home then you should not leave home for a night.

17 – Do not visit beauty parlour during navratri time.

Kalash Sthapna

Ghatasthaapana or Kalash sthapana is the first and the most important step to begin Navratri Puja.

You should place it near the idol of the Goddess and fill it with water. You have to put mango leaves on the top of the Kalash.

Place a coconut on the Kalash, and tie a thread around its neck.

Let’s check all the pooja items for Navratri.

Idol or picture of Goddess Durga
Durga Chalisa
Ganga water
Fresh mango leaves
A coconut
Sandalwood
Roli, Kumkum
Rice
Cloves and cardamom
Gulal

Navratri fast

Fasting:

People observe fast during Navratri in various parts of India.

It is said that when someone worships Goddess Durga with a strict fast, he/she can achieve the maximum gain of this Puja.

Devotees either take a single meal or can have a strict fast with only fruits and liquids.

You may opt to fast one day for every three days of the fast.

Dos and Don’ts Of Navratri vrat.

DO’s:

Bathing is a must. Keep yourself clean and try to bathe in the wee hours of the morning
Kanya Puja is a sacred tradition which should be performed at least on the eighth and ninth day.
If you are on one meal fast, have a full meal only after sunset.
Keep yourself and the place of Puja clean. It is believed that the Goddess Durga visits every home during the puja time in these nine days.
During Puja, at morning and evening recite Durga Saptashati.
According to a belief, a person who is observing a fast should sleep on the ground, and he must follow Brahmacharya
During Navratri, every day has different colors according to the form of Devi, so try to offer sarees of that particular color on that specific day. To know the colors of each day, click this link:

Don’ts:

Non-vegetarian foods and even garlic and onion is strictly prohibited
Alcohol is also forbidden during these nine days
Use rock salt, not the table salt during this fast.
As per the belief, getting a haircut, shaving, or cutting nails should be abstained in the fasting time.

Navratri fasting food list

What To Eat

Grains and Flours: Singhade ka Atta, Kuttu ka Atta, Rajgira,sama ka Atta, Sama ke chawal, Sabudana, Phool makhana, etc. can be used
Nuts: All kinds of nuts are allowed to be consumed during fast.
Spices: Rock Salt, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cumin powder can be used
Seasoning agents: Green chilies, Ginger root, Coriander leaves, Lemon juice
Fruits: All kinds of fruits are allowed. Seasonal fruits are best to consume during fast.
Raw sugar, Jaggery, Honey, Or regular sugar can be consumed during Navratri fast.
Milk, curd, coconut powder, grated coconut can be consumed

When To Break Navratri Fast?

After nine days of fasting, when you break your fast, you need to take care of a particular thing.

After the pooja of the ninth day, some people break their fast on Vijayadashami.

While some people even observe the fast of Dashami.

When you break the fast, don’t plunge on food.
Some people prefer to break the fast with fruit juice
Begin with simple and light food for the first two days
Try having a leafy salad with curd
Eat-in small portions after every 3-4 hours
Keep yourself hydrated

Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.

Fasting during Navratri is a common tradition observed by millions every year.

The fasting practice demands discipline, devotion, and adherence to certain rules.

Since Chaitra Navratri is right around the corner and all set to begin from the month of April, we have listed the important Navratri fasting rules and the dos and don’ts of fasting for the people who will be observing the fast for the first time.

Vegetables you can consume in Navratri

Potato
Sweet potato
Pumpkin
Colocasia
Raw banana
Raw papaya
Bottle gourd
Tomatoes (it is technically considered a fruit)
Ginger
Lemon
Yam or Suran
Cucumber
Carrots

Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals.

The festival that spans nine nights is a celebration of good over evil.

Furthermore, it also marks a shift in the season.

Many devotees observe a fast during Navratri to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga for themselves and their families.

Also, according to Ayurveda, fasting is one of the best ways to flush out all the toxins from your body.

The blog below serves as a comprehensive guide on Navratri fasting rules, the benefits of Navratri fasting, do’s and don’ts during the fasting and so much more.

Keep on reading to gain interesting insights into this vibrant festival.

What is Navratri Fast?

Navratri fast is a Hindu religious observance that involves abstaining from certain foods and activities during the nine-day Navratri festival which takes place typically in the months of March/April and September/October.

Fasting during Navratri is believed to purify the body and mind, and increase spiritual awareness.

It is also seen as a way to show devotion to the goddess Durga, who is the central figure of the Navratri festival.

History of Navratri Fasting

The history of Navratri fasting dates back to ancient times and has its roots in Hindu mythology.

According to Hindu scriptures, the festival of Navratri is celebrated to honour the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

The festival is believed to mark the time when Durga fought against Mahishasura for nine days and ultimately defeated him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.

In addition to Navratri fast, this festival is also marked by other rituals and celebrations, including puja (prayer), the chanting of mantras, and the playing of traditional music and dance.

How Many Types of Navratri Are There In A Year?

Navratri is celebrated four times a year.

However, the two types of Navratri i.e., Chaitra and Sharad Navratris are the most popular ones.

Let’s check out when we observe different types of Navratri:

· Chaitra Navratri – March

· Sharad Navratri – October

· Magha Gupt Navratri – January

· Ashadha Gupt Navratri – June

Navratri Dates

In, the two major types of Navratri will be observed on the following dates:

Chaitra Navratri starts on 22 and ends on 30.
Sharad Navratri begins on 15 Ocober and ends on 23.

Chaitra Navratri

There are various ways of doing a Navratri fast:

Water fasting: The most rigorous form of Navratri fast is water fasting where people only consume water for nine days.
Fruit fasting: In this type of fast, only fruits are consumed, and other foods are avoided.
Satvik food fasting: In this type of fast, only Satvik foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products, are consumed. Spices, meat, and other foods that are considered to be Rajasic or Tamasic are avoided.
Vrat ka khana fasting: Here, Navratri food is made with specific ingredients and spices like Himalayan Pink salt according to Navratri Vrat rules.
Phalahari fasting: In this type of Navratri fasting, only fruits, nuts, and certain grains such as amaranth, buckwheat, singhare ka atta, and sama ke chawal are consumed.

Navratri Vrat Fasting Rules (The Major Do’s & Don’ts In Navratri Vrat)

There are various do’s and don’ts in Navratri Vrat.

According to Navratri Vrat rules, one needs to abstain from Certain foods and follow only specific food habits during these 9 days of fasting.

To promote healthy fasting it is recommended to follow Navratri fasting rules.

The below-mentioned list of do’s and don’ts in Navratri Vrat helps in cleansing the body and mind.

Let’s check’em out!

Do’s

Avoid Onion and Garlic: They are considered to be tamasic foods that can generate negative energy in the body.
Limit on Your Salt Intake: Excess salt intake leads to water retention and bloating. It is recommended to limit salt and use sendha namak or Himalayan Pink Salt for fasting during Navratri.
Eat plant-based proteins to keep your energy high.
Avoid over-eating.
Include fibre-rich foods in your Navratri food.
Instead of sugar use jaggery or honey for a sweet indulgence.

Don’ts

Consume Non-Vegetarian Food: It is essential to avoid non-vegetarian food as it is believed that meat attracts negative energy. Instead, you can opt for dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
Consume Alcohol or Cigarettes: Navratri fasting rules state complete abstinence from alcohol and tobacco as they can disrupt the spiritual aspect of the Navratri fast.
Don’t indulge in fried snacks – opt for baked or roasted
Avoid starving for long periods – keep yourself hydrated and eat fruits
Consume Grains: Grains such as wheat, rice, and lentils are not consumed during Navratri fasting.

Health Benefits of Navratri Fasting

There are immense benefits of Navratri fasting.

It is a great way to show devotion to Goddess Durga and is also beneficial for one’s health.

Let’s check out the various benefits of Navratri fasting.

1. Helps Reset Metabolism

All the permitted foods to eat during fasting help you in tuning your body’s metabolism to adjust to climatic change.

This facilitates better immunity and enhanced energy levels.

2. Boosts Heart Health

Since Navratri fast is all about selective and timely eating, it helps safeguard your heart health and work on high cholesterol levels.

3. Helps Body Detoxification

By incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your Navratri diet, you can effectively detoxify your body and facilitate overall good health.

Navratri Vrat Diet – Foods That Are Allowed In Navratri Fast

Here is a list of foods that you must include in your Navratri diet plan for 9 days:

Fruits: Fruits are an essential part of the Navratri vrat diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which are essential for the body. You can have fruits such as bananas, apples, pomegranates, papayas, and kiwis.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants. You can have vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and bottled gourd during Navratri fasting.
Dairy Products: Dairy products such as ghee, milk, yoghurt, and cottage cheese are excellent sources of protein and calcium. You can consume them in moderation during Navratri.
Buckwheat Flour: Buckwheat flour or kuttu ka atta is a popular ingredient used during Navratri fasting. It is gluten-free and rich in fibre and protein. You can use it to make chapatis or pancakes.
Water Chestnut Flour: Water chestnut flour or singhara ka atta is also a popular ingredient used during Navratri fasting. It is gluten-free and rich in fibre and minerals. You can use it to make puris or parathas.
Makhana: Fox nuts or Lotus seeds have been given the status of superfoods. Makhanas are suitable for promoting healthy weight loss and are permitted for consumption during Navratri fasting.
Amaranth Flour: Amaranth flour or rajgira ka atta is another popular ingredient used during Navratri fasting. It is rich in protein, fibre, and minerals. You can use it to make chapatis or porridge.
Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fibre. You can have nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews.

How to do Navratri Fasting

It isn’t as easy as it sounds, there are a lot of pre and post-Navratri fasting tips that you must keep in mind as a part of Navratri fasting rules.

Pre-fast preparation

Here are a few tips to follow for pre-fast preps.

Take a holy bath early in the morning
Avoid clipping your nails, getting a haircut or shaving your beard during the 9 days.
Wear clean fresh clothes.
Keep the ingredients according to Navratri vrat rules handy at home.

Post-fast tips

After the 9 days of Navratri Vrat ensure you are taking healthy proteins to get back to a normal diet. Include these foods post-Navratri.

Soy protein food – healthy plant-based protein
Beetroot Juice – reduces fatigue
Stay hydrated – water, buttermilk, fresh fruit juice, coconut water
Focus on micronutrients – eat vegetables and fruits

Some Healthy Fasting Foods for Navratri

For Navratri fasting days you can try these nutritious foods for healthy fasting. All of the below-mentioned ingredients are according to Navratri Upvas fasting rules.

Kuttu Dosa

Instead of regular Kuttu Puris – which are deep fried – try the Kuttu dosa made from kuttu ka atta or Buckwheat flour. Make a dosa batter using kuttu ka atta and use a sweet potato filling to make it healthy and nutritious. You can serve it with coconut chutney, sonth chutney or mint chutney.

Nutritional Benefits of Kutta Atta / Buckwheat Flour:

Buckwheat flour, also known as kuttu atta, is a type of flour that doesn’t contain gluten, cholesterol, or saturated fats. It’s high in both fibre and protein, as well as rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, iron, magnesium, and vitamins B1 and B6..

Air-fried Singhare ka Samosa

Samosa made from singhare ka atta or water chestnut flour is a popular snack during the Navratri fast. However, instead of a deep-fried samosa enjoy an air-fried low-calorie samosa. You can serve them with sonth chutney or mint chutney.

Nutritional benefits of Singhare ka Atta / Water Chestnut Flour:

Singhare ka atta or water chestnut flour is a powerhouse of antioxidants and minerals. Water chestnut flour is loaded with vitamin B6, potassium, copper, iodine and manganese.

Sabudana Khichdi

Another popular Navratri fasting food is the sabudana khichdi. Sabudana is known by different names like sago or tapioca pearls. People add potatoes and peanuts to make this khichdi tasty. You can also add other vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes to make this Navratri food even healthier.

Nutritional benefits of Sabudana /Tapioca pearls / Sago:

Sabudana is rich in calories for instant energy and is high in fibre that facilitates smooth digestion.

Makhana Kheer

Makhanas or foxnuts are a healthier snacking option when it comes to evening hunger pangs. You can have roasted makhanas in your snack time or make the delicious makhana kheer to satisfy your sweet tooth during Navratri. Instead of sugar, you can opt for jaggery and enrich the kheer with nuts like cashew, almonds or pistachio.

Nutritional benefits of Makhana / Foxnuts:

Makhana or foxnuts are rich in proteins and fibre. They are low in fat and a good source of calcium.

Tips & Ways to Stay Healthy & Fit during Navratri

If you are looking for tips to stay healthy during Navratri, then we suggest that you read along.

1. Be careful of your food choices

If you are fasting during Navratri, it is advisable to opt for food options that are wholesome and healthy. Try opting for flour such as Kuttu ka Atta which is full of essential nutrients and impressive fibre content.

2. Stay hydrated

It is advisable to make a categorical effort to stay hydrated throughout the day so that you can replenish the ideal levels of hydration in your body. This will also help you feel fresh and full.

3. Make fruits and vegetables a part of your diet

Try incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, fruit smoothies and other fresh and healthy options in your Navratri diet plan.

4. Control your food portion size

While having your Navratri meal, ensure that you don’t go overboard in terms of your food portion size. Normally, when a person is fasting, they tend to want more during the stipulated interval. It is advisable to make a conscious effort not to overeat.

5. Stay away from fried food

Opt for nourishing food options instead of deep-fried recipes that will make you pile on extra pounds.

6. Keep a check on your potato intake

Potatoes are a quintessential Navratri food option. Since it is a very versatile ingredient, it can be cooked in a number of ways. Having said that, they are also high in calories, and one should be careful about their intake throughout the day.

7. Take proper rest

Getting adequate sleep and rest intervals throughout the day will help you stay fit during the Navratri festivities.

8. Stay active

It is advisable to go for regular walks to keep your body active and agile during the Navratri season.

9. Snack on nuts instead of packaged or fried snacks

Look for smarter and healthier ways to satiate your taste buds during Navratri. For example, you can have fox nuts instead of fried snacks to take care of your hunger pangs.

10. Control your sugar intake

If you are a fan of paneer malpua or sabudana kheer and are constantly looking for ways to make them a part of your Navratri meal, then you are advised to control your sugar intake.

Too many desserts will make you heavier and unhealthy. Always remember that moderation is the key to health and happiness.

11. Plan your meals in advance

It is always a good idea to plan your meals in advance so that you don’t end up indulging in heavy-duty or unhealthy eating.

Navratri is a special time for Indians and it is celebrated in almost every household.

It is a time to seek blessings from the goddess and lead a pure life for 9 days.

When you follow Navratri vrat rules your healthy fasting journey becomes easier.

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FAQs For Healthy Navratri Fasting

· Can we eat spices during Navratri?

Spices such as Hing, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder etc., are prohibited while preparing Navratri dishes. Having said that, you can use spices like nutmeg, green cardamom, black pepper etc.

· If I observe a fast during Navratri, will I lose weight?

You won’t lose unnecessary weight due to Navratri fasting if you eat well and choose your food options wisely. It’s all about being articulate about your food choices and avoiding extra fried or sugary food.

· How to keep yourself feeling full while fasting?

Stay hydrated and consume protein in the form of nuts, paneer, curd etc., to stay healthy and feel full while observing your Navratri fast. There are plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to Navratri food items and therefore finding something delicious and healthy shouldn’t be a problem.

· Can we consume tea or coffee during the Navratri fast?

Yes, you can consume tea and coffee during the Navratri fast. It is advisable to opt for homemade tea and coffee instead of packaged ones.

· Can I consume Navratri food if I am not fasting?

Yes, anyone can consume Navratri food. In fact, it is a highly preferred option for many people because of its fantastic health benefits and outstanding taste.

· Can I consume dairy products during Navratri Vrat?

Navratri upvas fasting rules allow the consumption of dairy products like ghee, yoghurt, buttermilk, paneer etc.

· What are some healthy snack options for Navratri Vrat?

Some of the healthy snacks for fasting during Navratri are Roasted Makhanas, Peanut Chikkis, Til Chikkis, and Amarath Laddu.

· How can I ensure that I am getting all the necessary nutrients during Navratri Vrat?

The best way to ensure to get the necessary nutrients is to eat healthy fasting food.

Eat Fruits
Avoid seed-based oil, including ghee
Instead of fried snacks opt for baked or roasted snacks
Stay hydrated with water, buttermilk, and coconut water
Opt for gluten-free grains like Singhara Atta and millet

· Can we eat beetroot in Navratri fast?

Yes, you can eat beetroot during Navratri fasting.

· Can I drink coffee in Navratri fast?

Coffee is not allowed during Navratri fasting.

· How to detox your body in Navratri fast?

Eat healthy alternatives like Makhana, fruits, vegetables and dry fruits during Navratri fast to detox your body.

· What are some protein-rich sources to consume during the Navratri fast?

Dairy items, Kuttu flour, Amarnath, dry fruits are some of the protein-rich foods to consume during Navratri.

· What food should we avoid during Navratri?

Non-vegetarian and whole grains such as wheat, jowar, and barley should be avoided during Navratri fasting.

· What things should we avoid doing during Navratri?

Cutting nails and getting a hair cut, should be avoided during Navratri.

DO’s – Foods to be consumed during Navratri –

Grains & Flours – Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour), Singhade ka Atta (Water Chestnut flour), Rajgira/Chaulai ka Atta (Amaranth flour), Sama ke Chawal (Barnyard Millet), Sama ka Atta (Barnyard Millet flour) and Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls). Phool Makhana (Fox nuts) are commonly used too.
Nuts – All kind of nuts can be consumed during Fasting. It includes Baadam (Almonds), Kaaju (Cashews), Mungfali (Peanuts), Akhrot (Walnuts), Magaj ke Beej (Melon seeds), Chilgoza (Pine Nuts), Kishmish (Raisins), Pista (Pistachio).
Oils – Ghee, Vegetable Oil & Peanut Oil are commonly used oils.
Spices – Sendha Namak (Rock salt), Jeera (Cumin seeds), Jeera Powder (Cumin seeds powder), Kali Mirch powder (Black pepper powder), Elaichi Chhoti (Green Cardamom) are the only used spices in my household and community.
Fresh Herbs & Fresh Seasoning Agents – Ginger root, Green Chillies, Coriander Leaves (Cilantro), Lemon juice are commonly used.
Fruits – Fruits of all kinds are allowed to be eaten. Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Papaya, Pears, Peaches, Berries, etc, any seasonal fruit can be consumed.
Milk & Dairy Products – Milk, Yogurt, Paneer (Cottage cheese), Fresh Cream, Butter, Malai, Khoya/ Mawa are commonly consumed milk items during fasting season.
Sugars – Raw sugar, Jaggery, Honey, regular sugar are consumed commonly.
Vegetables – Only a limited variety of vegetables are allowed during Navratris. Aloo (Potato), Arbi (colacasia), Yam (Jimikand), Kacha Kela (Raw Banana), Kacha Papeeta (Raw Papaya), Lauki (Bottle Gourd), Kaddu/Kashifal (Pumpkin) are most commonly consumed vegetables.
Miscellaneous – Coconut powder or grated coconut and coconut milk.

Don’ts – Foods to Avoid during Navratri Fasting –

Flours & Grains – Wheat in any form & Wheat flour, Rice & Rice Flour, Chickpea Flour or Besan, Sooji or Semolina, Maida or Refined Flour, Corn Flour or Starch, Millets & Millets flour like ragi & Pearl millet etc, are strictly prohibited to use in cooking.
Vegetables – Onions and Garlic are strictly prohibited. Even eggplants (Baingan), okra (Bhindi), Other Greens, etc are not consumed. Some people consume spinach, tomatoes and cucumbers. Please check with your elders on it.
Legumes & Pulses – No legumes and pulses are allowed during this period.
Spices – Table Salt or regular namak is not allowed. Haldi (turmeric), Garam Masala, Curry powder, Dhaniya powder (Coriander powder), Sarso or Rai (Mustard seeds), Hing (Asafetida) are not allowed either. Some people use Ajwain (carom seeds) and some not.
Alcohol, Eggs and Non Vegetarian is strictly prohibited.
Tomatoes – Some people use tomatoes and some do not. In my community, we avoid any souring agents in Vrat recipes like lemon, kokum, tamarind or pomogrenate seeds. Some people do use these. The only sour ingredient that we use is Yogurt and that too not for souring but as a probiotic and a complete meal.

How to Follow Navratri Fasting

Many a times, people follow all 9 days of fasting. In that case, they observe fasts on all 9 days. Some families fast in paired days, where they fast either on first 2 days of Navratris or the last 2 days of Navratris. Then there are some families who fast on the first day and last day (7th or 8th day) of Navratri. Either way is fine. You may pick and choose the way you want to follow.
Many families celebrate the commencement of fasts on 8th day where they do Ashtami Poojan. Their last fasting day is the 7th day. On 8th day, they open their fast and do Kanjak or Kanya Poojan, where they worship little girls as Devi Roop.
Many families celebrate the commencement of fasts on 9th day where they do Navami Poojan. Their last fasting day is the 8th day. On 9th day, they open their fast and do Kanjak or Kanya Poojan, where they worship little girls as Devi Roop.
This is how I follow Devi Poojan at my home – I clean a corner in my house nicely and disinfect it. Establish a cleaned and wiped idol or picture of Durga in that corner. Put a red color cloth around it. Every day, after I take my bath, I offer my prayers to Mata Rani. I light a ghee lamp. Keep a plate with some dry fruits as prasad offering, some kumkum, Chawal, flowers and water in a small container. I recite the Durga Arti. Offer Dhoop Diya, flowers and prasad. Then I eat. I do one more thing which I bring from my mom’s side. I burn a small piece of camphor or a spoon full of hawan samigri in another heavy metal lamp and offer & burn 4 pairs of cloves (Laung) in front of Durga ji. 4 pairs for 4 family members in my family here. This is optional. My Nani used to do it and then my mom and no even my mother in law does it. It burns the negativity out of the house, from our soul and wards off any nazar or drishti. Also, with weather change, it wards off the mosquitoes and spreads good aroma around the house. If you practice this, please monitor the Jyoti. After burning, I normally keep it outside to avoid any fire hazards in my Indian American kitchen. Houses are built different here so more precaution.
Navratris mostly fall during spring and autumn at the onset of change of season. It not only has religious significance but also scientific significance. Fasting helps our digestive systems to rest, cleanse and detox during the 9 days. Especially when followed through change of the season, it boosts our immunity too. The Navratri fasting is all Gluten Free. That says a bit about its scientific significance. So if you are not very religious, follow it for seasonal cleansing.
The eating pattern is very simple during fasting. The modern days and restaurant style eating has challenged the Navratri recipes and style of eating to evolve. It is more of “Charat” than “varat”. My only advise is KEEP IT SIMPLE! Start with taking a bath, offering prayers and meditation. Then go for Fruits and Milk (Tea/Coffee) base breakfast. Lunch can be followed with some yogurt, potatoes or other vegetable and some fruits. Munch on some nuts and fruit for late noon snack. Dinner can be fasting flours base flat breads & vegetables and yogurt. Focus on better eating and not more eating. Believe me, Navratri fasting is not depriving you of food, but is disciplining you for good eating.
Most important thing to follow during Navratri is the purity of heart and thoughts. THINK GOOD! DO GOOD! SPEAK GOOD! BE CALM AND PEACEFUL!

What Can You Consume or Can’t Consume?

1. Can we eat hing (asafoetida) during fast of navratri?

Most of the spices (masalas) are avoided during navratri fast which includes hing also. People avoid using common salt and use sendha namak instead of this.

2. Is peanut butter allowed during fasting?

Technically, yes! Make sure you’re consuming the unsweetened variant with just peanuts and no emulsifiers, palm oil, additives. It is crucial to check the ingredient list.

3. Can we eat packed potato chips when fasting?

Making fresh potato chips in less oil is a better alternative to packed potato chips. If you are eating packed potato chips, then it will negate the whole process of detoxification during fasting.

4. Why do some people not eat haldi (turmeric) during fasting?

Turmeric is a spice that is considered Sattvik in nature but due to its bitter taste and tendency to produce warmth in the body, it is omitted from fasting foods.

5. Are rasgullas fast-friendly?

Yes. Rasgullas are made using chenna which is derived from milk.

6. Is green tea permitted when fasting?

Yes, fluids are the best way to keep hydrated during fasting which includes green tea also. You can also have lemon water but with sendha namak, coconut water, butter milk etc.

7. What about coffee, can it be had when one is observing fast?

Yes. Tea and coffee are allowed.

8. Can we use red chilli powder to prepare fast-friendly dishes?

This is subjective and varies from household to household. Some homes permit the use of red chilli powder, while some don’t. To avoid any confusion, you can use green chillies and pepper instead.

9. Cucumbers during fasting. Are they allowed?

Yes. Cucumbers are light and have a high water content which makes them filling and one of the best foods to consume during fasting.

10. Can we consume cumin seeds in the fast of Navratri?

Yes. Cumin is added to sabudana tikki, khichdi, suhang ke chawal etc.

11. What about tofu, can I have it for protein during Navratri fast?

No. Tofu is made using soybean. Legumes and pulses are not allowed during this period.

12. What about paneer in my main meals when I am observing fast?

Yes! Since paneer is derived from milk, you can consider adding paneer to your fasting diet.

13. What about whey protein supplements? Can I drink that during the Navratri fast days?

Yes, you can consume whey protein supplements. However, ensure it is unflavored and does not contain any artificial sweeteners or additives.

14. And cardamom to flavor my tea during fasting, is that permissible?

Yes, you definitely can use cardamom.

15. Are banana chips a fast-friendly snack?

Typically, banana chips are relished during fasting. However, ensure they are seasoned with sendha namak and not regular salt.

16. What about protein bars, can I consume them when observing fast?

There are very few protein bars that are made with fast-friendly ingredients like dates, unflavored whey, and nuts. We recommend scanning the ingredient list before consumption.

17. Could you suggest a replacement for rice during Navratri fast days?

Samak ke chawal are the most common rice replacement during Navratri. The texture is similar to that of rice and the nutrient-rich profile makes it ideal to satiate appetite.

18. Sprouted moong for breakfast for Navratri fast days, would that work?

No, all kinds of pulses are avoided during this festival.

19. To sweeten my beverages/meals, can I add jaggery? Is that fast-friendly?

Yes, jaggery can be used during these nine days.

20. I crave ice-creams and chocolates, can I consume those? Or is that against Navratri Upvas rules?

It is advised to not consume store-bought desserts. You can prepare a fruit-based ice cream at home. Add some peanut butter to dates for a chocolate-tasting dessert.

21. Is lauki allowed during Navratri?

Yes! Infact lauki or bottle gourd is highly consumed during the March-April Navratri due to seasonal availability. You can use it to make koftas, kheer, barfis, raitas or opt for a simple sabzi too.

Some Tips For A Feast-Like Fast

22. How to stay adequately hydrated when fasting during weather change?

It is essential to not chug large amounts of water in a go. You can consume fruits that have high water content like melons, apples, grapes, and oranges.

Milk and yogurt also have substantial water content.

23. What are the components of a Navratri Thali?

There is kuttu ki poori, aloo sabzi, kaddu sabzi, raita, samak chawal pulao, and a paneer dish. Often a dessert like makhana kheer or petha.

24. Which is the best Navratri Thali in Delhi NCR?

We tried four Navratri Thalis in Delhi NCR and found Sagar Ratna Navratri Thali to possess the tastiest flavors and maximum variety.

25. I wish to have additive-free curd, how can I set thick curd at home?

Using a clay pot, adding a whole green chilli, setting curd in a casserole, using full cream milk are a few of our recommended methods. You can check out the details here.

26. I feel lethargic after a few days of Navratri fast, any tips to prevent this?

You must ensure your meals are balanced and there is some activity. Meals and snacks should have all macro and micronutrients in proportion and light stretching and walking are recommended. Also, stay hydrated.

27. There’s office/class, how do I adhere to Navratri Upvas fasting rules?

You can pack your meals/snacks in lunch boxes. Makhanas, fruits and nuts are quick, convenient options you can opt for.

28. How do I manage my blood sugar levels on days I am observing fast?

Consulting your diabetes educator/counselor or nutritionist is recommended as they are in the best position to advise you. However, keep check of your carbohydrate intake and adjust dosage of insulin accordingly.

29. Mango drinks like Frooti and Maaza. Can we consume them?

Although there are no restrictions on fruits, most fruit-based packaged drinks contain preservatives or additives that might not be suitable to consume during a fast.

30. Please suggest some unusual snacks.

A list of some unusual snacks that you might like:

– Arbi ke chips

– Sabudana and peanut thalipeeth

– Bhein ke chips (lotus stem)

– Kuttu ki papdi chaat

– Badaam cutlet

– Walnut and paneer tikki

– Samak ki kheer

– Kaddu ki tikki

– Sesame potatoes

– Anjeer and paneer balls

– Sweet potato patties

– Makhana and badam chaat

The Feast After The Fast

31. How do I break my Navratri fast?

Fresh fruits, salads are great ways to break the fast. The first meal after breaking the fast should not be processed.

32. What should my first meal after Navratri fast comprise?

Initially, stick to home cooked meals that are not loaded with spices or oils. Gradually, you can move back to your everyday diet. Stay hydrated, it is crucial.

33. Can I eat fast food after nine days of fasting?

Yes, you can but not instantly. After your body has become accustomed to proper home cooked meals, you can consume fast food.

34. I do not have an appetite after observing Navratri fast. What should I do?

This is quite common. Start with liquids (lemon water with salt and sugar) and do not force feed.

Prepping For The Nine Days

35. Is a fruit only diet sufficient during Navratri fast?

Not really, you need to add some type of fat and protein via nuts, dairy-based products like lassi or chaas.

36. How many times can I eat during these nine days?

This is subjective. While some consume once a day, others might have two full meals or none at all. You must consult elders at home for this.

37. Some interesting onion and garlic-free recipes please?

Paneer gravy, matar sabzi are two onion and garlic-free recipes that are prepared during Navratri. If you are not observing fast, but plan to avoid onion and garlic, you can use a blend of spices to create devouring dishes. For more aloo-based no-onion and no-garlic recipe ideas, click here.

38. I have intense dessert cravings, how do I tackle them during Navratri fast?

Dates make for a vegan, fast-friendly dessert. You can try one of these recipes too.

39. Can you suggest some cooking/pantry staples for Navratri?

If you plan on fasting as per salt diet, you would need kuttu atta, samak chawal, sago, amaranth, fox nut flour. To add flavor, you can use rock salt, kali mirch, jeera, cardamom, amchoor, and cloves. Milk products like milk, curd, paneer, cream, ghee can be consumed. All fruits and nuts are permitted. For vegetables, you can go for potatoes, arbi, sweet potato, raw banana, kaddu, raw papaya, cucumber, and ginger. Ghee and peanut oil are ideal to be used during these nine days.

40. Some packaged/ready-to-eat foods that are fast-friendly?

Although there are many RTE foods that claim to be fast-friendly, we suggest that you scan the label before consumption. Depending on your rules and regulations set by the elders and keeping religious sentiments in mind, we suggest looking at the ingredient list thoroughly. There could be additives, cooking oils or masalas that might be restricted during Navratri for you.

Stay On Top Of Your Health, Internal and External

41. How do I ensure a good workout when I am observing fast?

Do not train intensely, keep the sessions lighter, as you may be consuming fewer calories. Stick to short, 30-minute workouts. These can include walking, stretching, and yoga.

42. I feel lightheaded during fasting. How do I prevent that?

This maybe because your diet is not balanced or you are dehydrated. Ensure decent water intake with micronutrients from fresh, unprocessed foods.

43. As a diabetic, what are some things I must know during the fast of Navratri?

Your meals must be balanced. Keep track of your sugar levels throughout the day and try to prevent fluctuations.

44. Since eating changes during fasting, how do I keep my micronutrient intake in check?

Consume fresh fruits and nuts, this would be sufficient.

The How To’s

45. How can I make crisp kaddu pakodas for Navratri?

To make crisp pakodas:

Make sure you slice the pumpkin thinly.
Use ice cold water to make the batter or refrigerate it. Colder batters equal crispier pakodas.
You can also add soda water to make crispy pakodas.

46. Quick five-minute recipes you need to try.

The date and peanut butter Snickers, Rajgira Kheer, banana milkshake, dry fruit shake are quick recipes you can try this festive season.

47. Four-ingredient dishes that make fasting easier.

It is summer time and milkshakes, smoothie bowls, kheers will be your best friends.

Take fruits and nuts of choice, blitz them with milk, and jaggery as per taste- voila! Reduce the quantity of milk and you have a smoothie.

48. I have raw bananas, how do I use them?

Raw banana pakodas, raw banana koftas in tomato gravy, raw banana and coconut kachori, Kalan curry are a few ways to use raw bananas.

49. What salt and sugar must I consume during fasting?

Sendha namak and jaggery are recommended.

50. How can I use makhane as snacks?

You can roast them in ghee and season with salt and pepper. You could also dip them in melted jaggery, sprinkle some sendha namak and that’s as good as caramel popcorn.

51. Some tips for a successful Navratri vrat, please?

Try to keep yourself occupied. If not, you will be thinking about food constantly. Try sipping on water if you feel hungry. Have high volume foods like fruits.

52. Is Navratri not in the month of October usually?

Yes, there are two Navratris, Chaitra and Sharad.

53. What is the difference between Chaitra and Sharad Navratri?

Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of summers in March/April while Sharad Navratri marks the commencement of winters in September/October.

54. What is the significance of Navratri?

These nine days are dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, it celebrates the victory of good over evil.

55. How can I make softer kuttu rotis?

It takes a whole lot of practice and some easy tricks to make this a seamless process. Here are 5 hacks to help make this process easier.

Conclusion

From when Navratri starts to breaking your fast, and everything in between, anything you’d ponder over during these nine days has been covered in this post.

Navratri Fast

Navratri is one of the biggest Hindu festivals, celebrated in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin with the names Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri respectively.

In many parts of India, People keep fast during navratri days to purify the mind, body and soul, as it is one of the rituals of Navratri festival.

Navratri fast helps in other ways also, it improves the immune system and make you healthier.

During Navratri, the markets are laden with navratri fast materials, Puja materials as well as decoration items for beautifying the place of worship.

The sweet stores stock huge quantities during these festive days as the devotees offer daily Prasad to the Goddess.

Below we have described about Navratri fast, navratri fasting rules, vrat procedure, navratri recipes that you can make at home and types of fasting.

Sacrificing personal interests is also considered as a part of praying to the almighty. Thus, many men and women observe navratri fast during the span of the festival.

The process of fasting during the Navratri is believed to be explained by the divine Goddess herself to an ardent devotee of hers.

It is believed that proper fasting during the Navratri brings success and prosperity to individuals and their families.

People who exercise fasting are known to have better metabolism in their routine lives and make healthier as well.

During navratri fasting time, many sweet stores and restaurants also offer special diet for fasting and special fasting Thali in their menu.

Navratri Vrat Dates:

As there are nine auspicious days, nine sacred nights and nine divine goddess, we are enlightening information on nine interesting facts about Navratri.

Below mentioned, amazing nine Navratri facts can familiarise you well with all the aspects of Navratri festival.

Navratri Fasting Rules:

Navratri fasting rules may different from one state to another state in India or could be different from community to community.

Same fasting rules are applied during ekadashi, Janmashtami, Gauri vrat and Maha Shivratri fasts.

It is hard to follow all the navratri vrat rules during 9 days of navratri upwas because people have to keep remember that they should not eat any unnecessary things, which is not allowed in fasting.

It could be a tuff time for the people but devotees keep the fasting for 9 days and show the determination, devotion and dedication towards the goddess.

Navratri fast helps in gaining weight loss as well as to please nine goddess to get the some blessings.

What Devotees should not use/do during Navratri Fast:

– Onion, Garlic

– Lentils, Legums, Rice

– Non-veg Foods, Eggs

– Smoking is not allowed

– Alcohol, Cold Drinks

– Cutting of Hairs and Nails

– People should avoid the market prepared Sweets, try to make it at home.

– Coffee, Oats, Corn

– Do not shave beard during navratri fasting days

– Common Salt is not used, you can use Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)

– Asafoetida (Hing), Mustard Oil, Soya Refined Oil, Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana), Turmeric, Garam Masala, Dhaniya Powder (Coriander Seeds powder)

– Ice Creams purchased from the market but you use homemade Ice Cream

– Maida (all purpose flour), Besan (gram flour), whole wheat flour, Sooji (rava or semolina), Corn flour

Navratri Fasting Rules

What to eat during Navratri Fast:

– Cumin (Jeera), Black Pepper (Kali mirch), Choti Elaichi (green cardamom), Cloves (Laung), Cinnamon (dalchini), Nutmeg (jaiphal)

– Sabudana (Sago), Some Special flours

– Green Chillies, Lemon, Ginger Fresh or Dry

– All Dry Fruits

– Sugar, Honey, Gur (Jaggery)

– Fruits, Fruits Juice, Lemon Juice

– Milk products Ghee, Paneer, Cream, Curd, Khoya, Malaai

– Coconut, Coconut Water

When to Break Navratri Fast in :

Navratri fast is one of the important aspects of navratri festival.

Some people keep the fasting till whole 9 days while some keep the fast for only first and Ashtami. People can break the fast on Ashtami or Navami during navratri.

Before breaking the fast devotees should do Kanyak Puja where people has to worship nine small girls, eat them something good and then give some gift to them.

Some people break the fast on the tenth day also when all nine days are ended and it is Dussehra on the tenth day. In the year ,

Devotees will start Navratri Fast from October 17, and break the navratri fast on the last day of Sharad navratri i.e. October 25, .

Navratri Fasting Procedure:

Religiously following the Navratri fasting procedure is believed to yield fruitful results to the devotees.

The people observing fasts are expected to wake up early in the morning and get ready for the prayers at the earliest.

Prayer is offered by singing hymns and mantras from the Durga Saptashati.

People keeping partial fasts eat one time food after the prayer in the evening.

A platter of food prepared in the house is first presented to the Goddess during the time of Aarti and then mixed with the food eaten by all considering it as distribution of the Prasad to all.

Some people eat the fruits only at one time generally in the morning, it is called Falahari and at the evening, they take the navratri vrat foods while some devotees eat only one time until 9 days completed.

Some people used the flour-based food both time at morning and evening and also consumed milk, tea and fruits juice etc.

The people who follow the navratri fasting procedure and all the rules perfectly, nine goddess pleased with them (devotees).

Maa Durga blessed them with strength, wisdom, wealth and happiness.

Best Recipes for Navratri Fast

Indians are known to cook special delicacies for each and every occasion.

The juvenile atmosphere during the navratri is accompanied by preparation and sales of many distinct products which are permitted for people to consume in the fasting hours. Check the list of navratri vrat recipes that devotees can consume during fasting –

Sabudana Khichdi

Kele ke Chips

Kuttu ki Puri

Lauki ka Halwa

Khushkhus Aloo

Kuttu Ke Pakore

Singhaade ke Pakore

Singhare ki Burfi

Sweet Potato

Boiled Potatoes

Tea

Fruits Juice

Rock Salt is optional

Vegetables allowed during Navratri Fasting:

There are lots of vegetables available in the market which one can use during navratri fast. It could be green vegetables or any other.

There are some vegetables, which are not used by all, some people use these and some not.

We have listed some vegetables below which you can use during navratri upwas.

By using these vegetables, people can make delicious Halwa, Puri, Burfi, Pakore and sabzi.

1 – Lauki (Bottle Gourd)

2 – Aalo (Potato)

3 – Shakarkandi (Sweet Potato)

4 – Kachche Kele (Raw Bananas)

5 – Arbi (Colocasia)

6 – Papaya

7 – Some people use Tomato (Tamatar), Cucumber (Kheera), Spinach (Palak), Carrot (Gazar) and Pumpkin (Kaddu) etc.

Flours and Grains used during Navratri Fast:

1- Singhare ka Atta:

You can prepare mouth-watering dishes from water chestnut flour (Singhare ka Aata) like Singhare ke Parathe, Halwa, Poori and Pakore.

2- Kuttu ka Aata:

Like Sighare ka Aata, you can prepare the tasty dishes like Kachori, Poori, Halwa, Paratha and Khichdi from Kuttu ka Aata (Buckwheat flour).

3- Rajgira ka Atta:

Rajgira ka Aata (Amarnath flour) can be used to prepare Halwa, Thalipeeth, Poori, Paratha and Kadhi. One can also use roasted Rajgira in preparing Laddos and Kheer.

4- Arrowroot Flour

This flour is used as a binding agent with the dishes.

5- Vrat ke Chawal

You can make Khichdi, Upma, Pulao and many other dishes from vrat ke chawal (Barnyard Millet). One can also use the plain steamed for a different taste.

6- Sama ke Chawal ka Aata

During fasting time, for a change one can go for some special dishes, which create some taste so you can make Idli, Dosa and Uttapam by using Sama ke Chawal ka Aata (Barnyard Millet flour).

Types of Fasts Observed by the People:

Hinduism is a Sanatan Dharma and it does not impose strict rules on the manners of offering prayers or keeping fasts.

According to the Hindu religious books, it is the intent what matters to the Almighty and not the end result.

Thus, keeping hard lined nirjal or nirahar fasts are a matter of personal choice and level of self – restraint.

People keep either full fast throughout the 9 days where they are allowed to eat only Falahari products or Partial fasts where the people can break the fast post prayers in the evening.

The only compulsion is the food eaten during the navratri should not contain onion, garlic and common salt.

Rock salt is preferred in the edibles which are made during the days of festivity.

Some people keep fasts for all the nine days while some choose to keep it on the first and last days only.

Some people keep fasts on alternate days as well.

This is permissible as different individuals have different levels of physical work activities in the day.

Scientific Reason for Navratri Fasting:

Celebrating Chaitra and Sharad Navratri has some scientific reason too.

As you know already know, these two navratris are observed during the weather change.

During the Chaitra navratri it is the time of starting Spring season while during Sharad navratri it is the time of starting winter season.

Experts say, this is the time when body’s immunity level is at all time low so we should not eat heavy meals like meat, grains and salt in a large quantity.

We should eat light meals and nutritious meals, which help in making the immune system better.

During this time we should keep remember the below mentioned points.

1- Take lots of water, lemon water, coconut water and milk to keep yourself hydrated.

2- It is advised, do not keep the stomach empty for a long empty, eating something at regular intervals.

3- Add Curd in your fasting meal.

4- Keep yourself away from fried and mouth-watering dishes. Most of the people like fried stuff a lot, which can give you taste for a while but it is not good at this time.

The joy of the devotees sees no bounds when they hear the bhents and bhajans during Mata ki Chowki and Jagratas aka.

Jagrans organised by devotees at various places during the Navratris.

The devotees are seen dancing to the beats of dhol, table and other Indian instruments as the singer takes them into a trance of divine tranquillity.

People keeping fasts enjoy their hearts out at the garba and dandiya ras organised across the country during the Ashwin Navratris.

The culture primarily is seen at its colourful prime in the state of Gujarat, which is native to the Garba and Dandiya Ras form of traditional dance styles.

The garba nights gather huge attendees as people from all races participate and have a great time together.

Couples dancing garba and dandiya together are a treat to the eyes as the chemistry between partners adds a new flair to the overall ambience.

Navratri Fast – Navratri festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

The puranas and texts like ‘Navratri vrat katha’ stress on the importance of ‘nirjal’ (sans water) and ‘nirahar’ (sans food) ‘vrat’ or fasting during Chaitra and Ashwin months, through which a devotee can elevate his body and mind.

Navratri vrat is, thus, one of the most sacred of fasting rituals among the Hindus.

Navratri fast also ensures the devotee a long prosperous married life.

The fast starts from the first day and carries on through the seventh or eighth day during Navratri. In the latter case, Navratri fast is broken on the ninth day or ‘Navami’.

For devotees who observe partial Navratri vrat, the ritual involves breaking fast after evening puja.

The devotees abstain from consuming meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, onions, garlic, dishes made with common salt or any kind of spice.

Some people live only on milk, fruits and fruit juices for the entire length of fasting.

Apart from tea, coffee and milk, sago and potato cooked with rock salt are extremely popular dishes among devotees observing partial fast.

Milk products and dry fruits can also be consumed.

Navratri rules also imply watching one’s temperament, actions and behavior.

This is particularly aided by following a strict vegetarian diet.

Navratri Vrat

The festival of Navratri is marked by a regimen of strict fasting or partial fasting. Both men and women can follow the Navratri fasting rules.

However, there is flexibility in the number of days a devotee can fast.

For instance, some people fast only for three days, starting from the first day with a gap of two days.

Some devotees choose to fast only on the first and the last day.

Navratri Fasting Procedure

People take an early bath and dress in clean and fresh clothes.

The devotee then proceeds to perform puja ritualistically.

This comprises mantra chanting, lighting of diya or ‘jyot’, recitation of shlokas from Durga Saptashati and preparation and offering of ‘prasad’ made to Ma Durga or Mata Rani.

As Navratri fasting rules apply to all devotees who observe partial fasting, food must be prepared without onions and garlic, as these ingredients are believed to induce negative vibrations. ‘

Bhog’ or ‘Naivedyam’ is then offered to Mata Rani or Goddess.

During the day, bhajans are sung and then in the evening again, puja and ‘aarti’ are performed and ‘prasad’ offered to the Goddess.

During the night, large groups of devotees participate in ‘jagran’ and remain awake the whole night singing ‘bhajans’ and ‘hymns’ dedicated to Ma Durga.

It is also a common practice among some devotees to eat only one meal a day and that too, after performing the evening puja.

Throughout the fasting period, apart from eating a vegetarian diet, devotees observe ‘niyamas’ like sleeping on the floor, not shaving or cutting nails and keeping away from recreational activities.

The pious act of doing charity during this time is especially satisfying for the devotees.

Normally, some devotees follow the practice of breaking their Navratri fast on the eighth day (Ashtami) and some on the ninth day (Navami).

The procedure is to carry out ‘Kanya’ or ‘Kanchika Pujan’ wherein nine girls are worshipped and their feet washed. After this, they are treated to a spread of puri, halwa and chana and gifted handkerchief/clothes and money as a token.

The nine ‘kumari kanya’, then, give blessings to the devotees observing Navratri vrat, after which they break their fast.

On the ninth day, it is considered auspicious to offer ‘dakshina’ to the Brahmin.

The most popular food preparations include Kuttu Ki Puri, Singhade Ka Halwa, Singhare Ke Pakore, Khuskhus Aloo, Sabudana Vada and Sabudana Khichdi.

Some of the typical food ingredients to prepare these include Kuttu atta or buckwheat flour, Singhara atta, Sabudana or tapioca and foxnuts.

During Navratri, markets are flooded with ‘vrat’ packaged snacks. For devotees observing Navratri fast, special Navratri ‘thalis’ offering an assortment of preparations are available in restaurants and eating joints.