Sharad Navratri 2025: The festive season has begun with the celebration of the worship of Goddess Durga. Navratri began on September 22nd and concludes with Vijayadashami on October 2nd. This festival honors the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. Devotees of the Mother Goddess observe fasts during these days. Confusion about what to eat and what not to eat during the fast persists. Therefore, here are some healthy options that can help you stay energized during the fast.
Remember that fasting rules vary by region, community, and personal beliefs. Therefore, you can choose dishes that suit your needs.
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Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a simple and filling dish made with sago, boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, cumin seeds, and green chilies. It is light, gluten-free, and easy to digest. Peanuts provide protein and crunch, while lemon juice is refreshing. Popular during fasting, it keeps you full for a long time.
Upma
Samak rice, or millet, is a nutritious alternative to grains during fasting. Upma is made with dry-roasted semolina, vegetables, mild spices, and sometimes nuts. It provides balanced nutrition and sustained energy. It is gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a must-have dish for Navratri fasting.
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Vegetable Moong Dal
Vegetable Moong Dal is a traditional dish made with roasted yellow moong lentils and fresh vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, beans, and peas. The lentils are cooked with turmeric and mild spices. Vegetables are sautéed and then added. Finally, a tempering of red chilies, bay leaves, and ghee enhances its aroma.
Basanti Pulao
Basanti Pulao, or Bengali sweet pulao, is a festive yellow rice dish from Bengal. It is sweet and fragrant, made with Govindabhog rice, ghee, turmeric, saffron, sugar, and whole spices. Cashews and raisins make it even more delicious.
Curd Rice
Curd rice, called Thayir Sadam in Tamil or Perugu Annam in Telugu, is a South Indian dish. Soft rice is mixed with fresh yogurt, salt, and sometimes milk for a creamy texture. It is tempered with spices, ginger, curry leaves, and coriander. Carrots or pomegranate seeds can also be added.
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Fruit Salad
A bowl of fresh fruit is a great choice for Navratri fasting. It provides vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. Eating apples, bananas, papayas, and pomegranates together provides natural sugars, fiber, and nutrients. Fruits boost energy, flush out toxins, and strengthen the immune system.
Chirer Polao
Chirer Polao is a light and delicious Bengali dish made with flattened rice (poha), vegetables, and spices. It’s cooked with potatoes, peas, carrots, cashews, and raisins. It’s flavored with bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and ghee. It’s quick to prepare, filling, and easy to digest, making it perfect for fasting during Navratri 2025.
Roasted Makhana
Roasted Makhana is a healthy, light snack rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports heart health, digestion, and bone strength while remaining low in calories. Its crunchiness and mild flavor make it perfect for fasting dishes.
Coconut Laddoo
Coconut ladoo are made fresh at home with grated coconut and sugar (or jaggery). They are sometimes also made with nuts or seeds. These ladoo are fasting-friendly and healthy. Rich in fiber and good fats, they provide energy and make a delicious end to a fasting meal.