The Hindu festival of Navratri, which extends for nine days, is celebrated with
gusto in different regions of the country. In the eastern state of West Bengal,
the festival takes the shape of Durga Puja, when the devotees of the deity
celebrate the triumph of good over evil. There, Ma Durga is worshipped as
Goddess Shakti. In north India, Maharashtra and Gujarat, people observe a seven
day fast during Navratri and break their fast on Ashtami (the eighth day of the
festival) by worshiping young girls. However, some people observe fast until the
Ashtami and break their fast only on Navami (the ninth day). If you want to know
more about Navratri fast, then explore the article.
Navratri Fasting Procedure
On the festive occasion of Navratri, fast is observed by people for seven or
eight days, depending upon when they want to conduct the Kanchika Pujan (when
young girls are worshipped). The devotees, who have observed fast, would get up
early in the morning, take bath and offer prayers to the deity. People follow a
specific diet for Navratri, if they haven't observed a nirahar (waterless) fast.
Most people nowadays perform partial fasting. They would abstain from
non-vegetarian food, alcohol and those dishes that are made of common salt or
any kind of spice. Singhare ka atta (kuttu ka atta) is used to prepare rotis or
puris, for the fast.
One may drink beverages like tea, coffee and milk, on Navratri. Dishes made of
sago and potato is generally consumed by the people, when they observe fast on
Navratri. Sendha namak (rock salt) is used instead of common salt, for cooking
on the festival. All fruits and foodstuff made of fruits are eaten during the
seven days. Nowadays, ready-to-eat snacks are available in the stores,
especially prepared for Navratri. In addition to this, certain restaurants in
the northern parts of India would offer special menu for the people, who have
observed fast on Navratri.
After seven days of fasting, people would break their fast on the eighth day -
Ashtami - by worshipping young girls. The ritual of offering prasad to the young
girls is called Kanchika Pujan. As per the tradition, puris (deep fried Indian
bread), halwa (sweet dish made of suji) and Bengal gram curry are served to the
young girls, called upon by the people who have observed fast. After seeking the
blessings of the young girls (kanchikayen), the devotees would break their fast
by consuming the prasad (puri, halwa and sabzi) that they have prepared for
them. While this is the tradition followed by majority of people, Navratri fast
is also broken on ninth day (Navami), wherein the fast is observed until Ashtami.
The same procedure is followed in that case as well. |
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