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Navratri is celebrated twice a year for nine continuous days in honour of the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. Representing the victory of good over evil, Goddess Durga Maa is also known as Shakti, Parvati Maa.
Food is an important part of any celebration / festival. Brings families together effortlessly during the meal preparation process. If you think that Navratri food list meals are limited and you have to struggle to find things to eat for the nine days, you are wrong.
This extensive Navratri shopping list will help you maintain the fasting with all the joy and enthusiasm while keeping all the dietary guidelines of Navratri intact. Even if you're not fasting this year, from ready-to-eat Navratri snacks to healthy meals, this Navratri grocery list is sure to make your mouth-watering.
Ready to learn about some of our favorite Navratri essentials?
Navratri Festival - What You Need To Know?
As we know, Navratri is celebrated not once but twice a year. Besides mythological and spiritual reasons, there is an important natural reason.
Navratri marks the end of one season and the beginning of a new season. There is a change in the length of days and how much daylight one gets.
The first Navratri is also known as Chaitra Navratri begins in summer. While Ashwin Navratri begins in winter season. Here is the Fasting Food (Upavas) List to help you prepare meals quickly.
Significance Of Navratri
- As Navratri is a time of seasonal changes, it helps the body keep negative energies away due to low immunity.
- Fasting helps to developing qualities like self-discipline and strong willpower.
- Navratri festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
- It is the celebration of Goddess Durga Maa defeating the demon Mahishasura (Winter Navratri).
- Fasting helps people find happiness in combination with meditation.
- These nine day and night pujas are metaphors for the nine evils we face in our daily lives.
- The nine evils are - lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego, fear, envy, inertia, hatred and guilt.
Your Ultimate Navratri Fasting Foods Shopping List
From grains and flours to fast-friendly seasonings and fruits, here's a complete list of Navratri foods you need to prepare yourself for this season.
This Navratri food list also includes many options that you already have in your pantry. Apart from these, nuts, seeds and dry fruits form the main part of our Navratri food items.
At the end, you will also see a list of useful pooja items.
Finally, we have prepared some easy sweet and savory recipes in this Navratri food's list. We have listed some things to eat during Navratri fasting.
Kuttu (Buckwheat)
Kuttu, also known as singhara or buckwheat in English, is not a cereal. Kuttu flour is good for the intestines and is rich in calcium and magnesium that help strengthen bones.
Kuttu is rich in minerals, which are essential Navratri flour to help the body through the nine-days of detox and reset.
- Kuttu is made using the seeds of the fruit.
- Fruit seeds are not grains. So, kuttu is a pseudo-cereal.
- Kuttu provides a satisfying feeling as one of the best Navratri foods.
Sabudana (Sago)
Sabudana has a natural cooling effect on our digestive system, making it a wonderful Navratri food. In addition to this, sabudana is gluten free and provides instant energy. Sabudana is also known for its property to promote great bone health.
- You can make sweet kheer and savory khichadi using sabudana and other Navratri fast foods.
- Soak a cup of sago pearls and blend them into a thick paste for a fast navratri dosa! To the mixed sago paste, you are recommended to add some curd (for dough-like consistency) along with Navratri fast food like samak or kuttu which helps the dosa retain its shape.
- Sabudana is rich in calories and makes a healthy meal.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is one of the best Navratri fast food items. Rich in potassium, a glass of coconut water helps maintain the level of electrolytes in your system. Coconut water is naturally sweet and a powerhouse of magnesium and amino acids.
- When food intake decreases, hydration levels also decrease. Coconut water is a delicious way to keep yourself hydrated.
- Compared to caffeinated beverages, coconut water replenishes and nourishes the system.
- The malai / cream of coconut is a rich source of essential fats and proteins.
Curd, Milk, Paneer, Buttermilk and etc..
Consuming dairy products is allowed during Navratri fasts. Curd and paneer are made using milk, while buttermilk is made from curd. Buttermilk and yogurt can also be consumed by those who are lactose intolerant, as the bacteria grown in the process help digest the lactic acid.
- These Navratri food items are excellent sources of protein and calcium.
- Due to their low carbohydrate content, these foods prevent lethargy.
- You can make Navratri fast-friendly desserts with milk.
Amarnath (Rajgira)
Amarnath is believed to be a storehouse of nutrients. Being high in fiber and rich in vitamins, amaranth is recommended not only as a Navratri fast food but also as part of daily diet. It helps the body process iron, which repairs muscles faster and maintains collagen levels.
- Many Navratri special food items are not protein-rich. Amaranth is one of the most accessible fast-friendly protein sources due to its nutritional value.
- Amarnath contains all the essential amino acids, even those that our bodies cannot produce naturally.
- The fiber content in amaranth maintains digestive health.
Fruits
When it comes to fruits, you can enjoy all kinds! Apples, bananas, mangoes and all other seasonal fruits. Fruits are contain fiber and natural sugars that keep cravings at away.
- Besides the obvious reason for great taste, fruits are loaded with micronutrients.
- Not only are fruits filling, fruits can also be added to desserts.
- These are rich in antioxidants.
- Fruits offer a wide variety of textures.
Samak Chawal (Barnyard Millet)
Craving some rice during your fasting? Well, it doesn't get any better than this. Samak chawal, also known as barnyard millet, is full of iron and magnesium. You can prepare sweet and savory dishes with this Navratri food.
- Barnyard millet's texture is similar to broken rice, which helps manage rice cravings.
- Rich in essential minerals, consuming samak chawal will help you meet your daily micronutrient requirements.
- Its natural property of being low in sodium helps prevent water retention / bloating during Navratri fasts.
Rock Salt
Rock salt is a superfood in every sense! Rock salt contains a pure form of sodium chloride, which has innumerable benefits. From curing muscle cramps to stabilizing blood pressure and improving digestion, rock salt is a staple Navratri food.
- Rock salt can be sprinkled on the fruits to enhance the taste.
- Rock salt with nuts like cashews or roasted walnuts can help combat fried food cravings.
- Rock salt promotes better absorption of minerals.
Cumin Seeds
Apart from flavor and taste, cumin seeds are full of antioxidants. As a Navratri fast food, cumin helps keep your sugar levels under control. Apart from this, cumin also regulates digestion and works wonders as a skin care product.
- When carbohydrate intake is reduced, fasting individuals have difficulty falling asleep. Cumin helps in treating insomnia.
- Cumin seeds are boost your immunity.
- Cumin removes toxins from the body, which is one of the primary benefits of Navratri fasting during the season change.
Black Pepper
Black pepper contains piperine known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and gastro-prospective modules. Drinking black pepper water has been shown to reduce appetite, which is beneficial for some.
- Since red chili is one of the spices that raise the temperature in our body, black pepper makes a great substitute. Do not eat red chillies for these nine days.
- Black pepper can be sprinkled on snacks like fruits / nuts.
- Black pepper can also be added to Navratri foods like Sabudana (Sago).
Sugar
Our brain needs a certain amount of sugar to function properly. This amount depends on a variety of factors such as age, gender, activity levels, etc. Sugar is necessary Navratri food is rich in carbohydrates, which act as a source of energy.
- It can helps fight with dessert cravings.
- You can make kheer using sugar and other Navratri fast food items.
- Sugar provides energy almost instantly.
Unsalted Peanuts
Peanuts have an exceptional macronutrient profile. High in fats, moderate in protein and minimal in carbohydrates – peanuts make a great crunchy Navratri fast snack. You can eat them as a mid-meal snack or add a portion to your meal for an extra layer of texture.
- Unsalted peanuts are high in fats and provide a satisfying feeling.
- Unsalted peanuts (use of regular table salt is prohibited during Navratri fasting) can be roasted / shallow fried to curb fried food cravings.
- Fast Navratri breakfast using unsalted peanuts- Blend peanuts into a paste and taste some sliced bananas with a spoon.
- Raw peanuts can also be added to sabudana khichadi.
Sabudana Papad
Many people have a habit of finishing their meal with something crunchy yet light like papad. While you can't eat regular urad dal papads during Navratri fasting, you can eat some sago papads! Sabudana papad, which provides instant energy, is usually made with cumin, which adds flavor.
- Sabudana is a great source of energy.
- They are a great way to add texture and flavor to your meals.
- Sabudana papad is easily available.
Ladoo / Chikki
Desserts during fasting? Yup, we've got you covered! Fast food on Navratri need not be bland. Here are a few options that will cure cravings, but provide long hours of sustained energy.
All the Navratri food items mentioned above are prepared using fast-friendly food options. Jaggery is the basic ingredient that helps binding and froming the shape of the ladoos / chikkis.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are very high in vitamin A. Just like white potatoes, sweet potatoes make an excellent Navratri fast food. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and rich in carbohydrates and fiber, which help balance sugar / insulin spikes.
- You can make sweet potato patties or sweet potato chaat with lemon.
- Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of fiber and minerals, which are difficult to get with other Navratri foods.
- Sweet potato is one of the Navratri fast foods that are rich in potassium.
Makhana
Makhana, commonly known as Fox Nuts, is one of the only nuts in any Navratri food list that contains more carbohydrates and proteins than fats. If you feel like switching things up with your Navratri fast food, try a bowl of Makhana.
- Makhana is light in the stomach.
- You can sprinkle some rock salt and black pepper over the makhana's bowl.
- Alternatively, you can also bake the makhana with some sugar for a quick Navratri caramel popcorn.
Dates
Rich in carbohydrates and naturally sweet, dates are a great source of instant energy. Dates are rich in nutrients and high in fiber.
- Dates heat the body internally, which is important during seasonal changes- like Navratri.
- Dates can be used as a natural sweetener.
- You can make date paste, add chopped nuts, freeze this mixture and you have a sugar free dessert ready!
Incense Sticks
Incense sticks are always used during puja to symbolize of sacrifice. Incense sticks turn to ashes but fill the room with pleasant aromas. Not only Hindus, Buddhists and Christians also use incense during religious rituals.
Camphor
A small handful of rice is placed on top of the pooja thali with camphor. Camphor is lit on the pooja thali when the diya, known as Akhanda Jyoti, is placed on the left side of the temple. The importance of using camphor during pooja is - it destroys evil energies and the aroma brings positivity.
Ghee
Generally, diyas are lit using ghee. Specifically, ghee from a grass-fed cow. It promotes sattva components in the environment. Sattvaguna is a subtle component characterized by patience, ability to forgive, spiritual desire, etc. There is also a belief that diseases will be eradicated by lighting ghee diyas.
Coconut
Coconuts are usually breaken before starting a new journey. New car, new house, new business - Cracking a coconut is supposed to be auspicious. Similarly, coconuts are placed in the pooja thalis. For Navratri Puja, make sure to wrap your coconut in a red cloth and tie it with a red thread.
Some Interesting Recipes For Navratri
Here are 10 easy recipes you can enjoy this Navratri festival (Dussehra).
Fresh Fruit Juice
Are you tired of peeling and cutting your fruits? Fruit juice can be a tasty alternative. We will recommend you blend fruits instead of juicing them to retain maximum fiber and flavor.
Sabudana Khichadi
For a fluffy bowl of sabudana, soak the required quantity overnight. Fry some boiled potatoes with cumin seeds, unsalted peanuts, rock salt, black pepper and some green chillies. Add soaked sago to this mix and it's ready! We have mentioned these items in our list of Navratri food items.
Fried Potato
Craving something a rich? Make some homemade potato fries. Important points to remember - Do not boil potatoes; First fry should be done slowly on medium flame-second fry on high flame for maximum crunch, use ghee while cooking for fasting minded people.
Badam Halwa
Badam Halwa has become extremely popular due to the keto diet. But this ancient dessert can also be eaten during Navratri fasts. The preparation is very simple, but time consuming. That being said, the end result is 100% worth it!
Grind a cup of soaked almonds (after peeling, yes it takes a lot of patience). You can also use store bought almond flour. After grinding, fry the flour / paste in ghee with saffron and sugar. Keep stirring the mix to avoid burning and cook until the mix leaves the sides of the pan.
Shakarkand Halwa
Boil and grate some sweet potatoes. Cook them in the ghee till the mix starts leaving the sides of the pan / pot. Add sugar, chopped nuts and raisins.
Kuttu Poori
Here's how you can eat healthy, nutritious and satisfying meals during Navratri. To the above fried potato recipe, add some cumin seeds. To make kuttu puri, knead the dough with water or ghee as per your preference. You can also batter it with homemade curd. Fry the puris using fresh ghee.
Dry Fruit Ladoo
Wholesome, filling and sweet-dry fruit ladoos are among the best Navratri food items. Grind the dates to make a paste, cook the paste and add the chopped nuts. Grease your palms with some ghee and shape the mixture into ladoos.
Barfi
Commonly distributed as prasadam / naivedyam, barfi is a creamy sweet dish made using milk solids as the base ingredient. Depending on the region, some flour may also be added to help the barfi set properly. However, as regular flour cannot be used during Navratri fasts, you can mix cashews or almonds to make barfi.
Sabudana Kheer
Instead of making sabudana like khichadi, you can make lip smacking kheer. All you have to do is let the sabudana boil with milk until the milk thickens and reduces to half size. You can add some saffron strands, sugar, nuts, raisins etc. This is a satisfying recipe!
Milk Rabri
Take full-fat milk and boil it until it thickens to a rabri-like consistency. You can add saffron strands and some chopped nuts along with sugar.
Homemde Rasgulla
If you know how to make paneer at home, rasagulla will be a piece of cake for you. After curdling the milk, separate the whey from the semi-solid material and wash it three-four times with water to remove the sour taste that may be present. Knead the semi-solid leftovers until you are left with a smooth dough-like product. Form shape it into balls and dip it in home made chashni / sugar syrup. You can add chopped nuts to improve the look and texture. Serve it chilled!
Conclusion
There you have it - a complete list of items to eat during Navratri fasting, along with the must-have food items to perform the pujas for the entire nine days.
Along with these, you should ensure that your house is not left vacant when the Akhanda Jyoti is lit. At least one family member must be attend.
We've compiled a list of some fast-friendly recipes for you to try. These can be easily made at home. We're sure you won't have to go hungry. We have listed these things to eat during Navratri Vrat / Fast.
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