Navigating Navratri: Essential Fasting Rules, Dos, Don'ts, And Significance For 2024

Chaitra Navratri festivities are set to begin on April 9 and will continue till April 17, 2024, ending with Ram Navami, the day when Lord Rama was born. The first day of the Hindu calendar is marked as Chaitra Navratri. This grand nine-day festival is celebrated across the country with much zeal and enthusiasm. People observe fast and seek blessings from Maa Durga. Some people observe for all 9 days, however, some people observe the fast on the first and last day of Navaratri at their convenience. Whether you are planning to fast for the next 9 days or any two days of Navratri, here are the Navratri fasting rules you must know. Read on to learn everything in detail from Astrologer Pandit Arvind Tripathi.

Common Navratri Rules For All Hindus

Certain common rules apply to all Hindus irrespective of whether they are fasting or not. Check out the rules here: 

1. During Navratri, certain food items are considered ‘Tamsik’ like onion and garlic. Thus, it is advised not to consume them during this period. Moreover, you should also refrain from eating non-vegetarian food and alcohol. 
2. While making vegetable curry, you can use tomato, and coriander seeds but you should avoid vegetables like brinjal, mushroom and okra. 
3. You should refrain from getting a haircut or shaving during Navratri. 
4. Other than food, you are advised to follow a sattvic lifestyle which means you should perform evening and morning aarti, not criticising or gossiping about others and help those in need. 

Navratri Rules For Those Who Are Fasting

If you are planning to fast for Navratri (chaitra navratri significance), here are some of the rules you should follow to make the most out of the nine days: 

• You should do Kalash Sthapana while Pratipada is prevailing on the first day of Navratri.
• Those who are fasting should light an Akhand Deepak on all days of Navratri. However, you can perform evening and morning aarti as well. 

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Foods You Can Consume During Fast

While you are observing fast (vastu tips for chaitra navratri), you can choose to consume food items which include: 

• Samvat ke chawal or barnyard millet, kuttu ka atta or buckwheat flour, sabudana or sago, Rajgira, singhare ka atta or water chestnut flour.
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, bottle gourd (lauki), arbi, pumpkin, spinach, bottle gourd, cucumber and carrots.
• Wheat, rice, semolina, maida, corn flour, legumes and pulses are some of the foods that you should avoid during fasting.

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