Navratri Fasting Rules 2024: Do’s and Don’ts for First-Timers

Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals spanning nine days, is celebrated to honour Goddess Durga through various puja rituals. While there are four Navratris throughout the year, the most prominent ones are Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri, celebrated with great enthusiasm. This year, Shardiya Navratri will commence with Ghatasthapana on Thursday, October 3, and culminate in Dussehra on Saturday, October 12.

Navratri is celebrated with great fervour by devotees all over the country, many of whom observe full-day fasts during the celebration. One of the most significant aspects of the ceremony is fasting, which is done to appease Goddess Durga.

Navratri 2024: Significance of Fasting

The fasting for Navratri begins on the first day, and on the last day, after completing Kanya Pujan, devotees break their fast. It is important to note that discipline and adherence to the correct principles are necessary when fasting.

Here’s everything that’s needed to know by devotees who are practicing fast for the first time:

Navratri Fasting Rules 2024: Dos And Don’ts

1. During the nine-day festivities, devotees are expected to wake up early and bathe in holy water.
2. It is recommended that throughout the nine-day fast, devotees abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food.
3. During Navratri fasting, it is recommended that one refrain from shaving their beard, getting a haircut, or trimming their nails.
4. Devotees can eat potatoes, fruits, kuttu, singhara, sama, milk, sabudana, and other foods to increase their energy during the fast.
5. Sesame and mustard oil must be avoided during the Navratri fast. Ghee or peanut oil can be used as a substitute, though.
6. While you can use rock salt or sendha namak for your Navratri recipes, processed salt consumption should be avoided.
7. Devotees need to remember not to nap during the day when keeping fasts.
8. Devotees doing the puja or observing the fast should always wear clean clothes when performing the rites of the festival and should not sport apparel or accessories made of leather. They should also avoid dressing in dark clothing.
9. Pregnant women, children, and those suffering from serious ailments shouldn’t observe the fast.
10. During the nine days of Navratri, pray to the nine various forms of Maa Durga while remaining compassionate and gentle.
11. If a devotee accidentally breaks the fast, they should visit a temple, offer charity to Brahmins as a form of penance, and recite the Kshama Prarthana Stotra 11 times.

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Other Dos and Don’ts

• Avoid physical companionship during Navratri.
• On the final day, conduct Kanya Puja by feeding little girls.
• Practice self-restraint, humility, and charity throughout the nine days.