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5 Navratri Fasting Myths and Facts | The Art of Living India

Navratri is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It brings us together, inculcates spirituality, and evokes cultural values in us. Devotees observe strict fasting during Navratri as onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, and junk food are frowned upon. However, a lot of what people believe and consider as Navratri fasting rules is their interpretation of the tradition. While some consider stocking up on fruits during this period as the norm, some say a Satwic diet is good for the mind and soul. As religious credence is associated with people’s beliefs, we will bust some Navratri fasting myths and look at the associated facts.

Fasting Myths and Facts

Myth 1

You should only drink lemon water or be on a liquid diet while fasting during Navratri.

Fact 1

Navratri festival is a great opportunity to bring balance to our lives through prayers, meditation, good food and service. Staying hungry does no good to the body and disturbs the mind. Also, lemon water or other liquid food  in an empty stomach may cause gastric problems. Hence, eating fruits and  Sattvic food such as Sabudana Khichdi, halwa, etc. is preferable. 

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Myth 2

You need to live only on fruits during Navratri.

Fact 2

While fruits can be good in moderation, a diverse range of Satwic food must be taken for adequate nutrition. The fasting/Upavaas implies giving up worldly luxuries and moving closer to self-realization. This festival also signifies the transition of season (from monsoon to winter) where moderation is the key. A simple diet helps us increase our energies and keeps us calm. Sattvic food such as sabudana khichdi, nuts, kuttu pooris, sundal, etc. can make for an enriching diet during this period.

Myth 3

While fasting, it is ok to consume as much Sattvic food as you want.

Fact 3

The fasting ideology during Navaratri is that it raises our consciousness, taking us closer to the higher reality.  It is necessary to follow a Sattvic diet and in moderation. Anything in excess including Sattvic food can take away the significance of fasting.  Although there are many Navratri recipes that you can offer the Goddess each day during the festival, you need to still keep a balance over your food intake while fasting.  And, time spent in prayer, meditation, and self-reflection reaps more benefits than keeping the entire focus on preparing different food items.

Myth 4

You should have only one meal per day while fasting during the Navratri festival.

Fact 4

A good balance is eating two-three meals a day, even when you fast. The only criteria is that you consume sattvic food, and avoid rajasic and tamasic food. Some take to the other extreme, consume very little during fasting and become weak, making it difficult for the fast to sustain during the subsequent days of Navaratri.  

Myth 5

Fasting starves you

Fact 5

Well, contrary to the common belief, fasting is an opportunity to retain the body balance by moving onto light food such as fruits, a Satwic diet and a lot of fluids. So, it’s important how you fast. Are you starving yourself or eating too much? Time to embrace moderation!

Join us this Navratri season and celebrate with a host of cultural events to feel the holiday vibrations. Feel the joy and peace within through yoga and meditation.

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