Sharad Navratri 2023: Date, timings, significance and fasting tips
Sharad Navratri 2023: Sharad Navratri is a highly anticipated festival in India, celebrated with immense zeal and devotion. This nine-day festival is observed in regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. It coincides with Durga Puja in parts of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, each having its unique rituals. Devotees pay homage to Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations, known as 'Navdurga,' during Sharad Navratri.
Significance and Timings
Sharad Navratri holds deep spiritual significance, signifying the descent of Goddess Durga to Earth. It commences on October 15, 2023, and concludes on October 24, 2023, culminating with Dashmi. The ceremonial Kalash Sthapana takes place on October 15, 2023, between 11:44 am and 12:30 pm.
Rituals and Fasting
Many followers abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol during Sharad Navratri, symbolising purity and devotion. Devotees often observe ritualistic Navratri fasts (vrat), which entail a strict vegetarian diet.
An intense version, known as 'nirjala vrat', prohibits even a drop of water throughout the day, though it's not recommended for certain individuals. Navratri is a time for joyous celebrations, with people engaging in folk dances and singing.
The famous garba dance from Gujarat is a highlight, where friends and families dressed in traditional attire come together to pay homage to the goddess.
Navratri Fasting Diet
During fasting, grains, cereals, and non-vegetarian foods are avoided, but there are plenty of other options available.
Devotees can consume vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and sweets. Pseudo-grains such as sabudana (tapioca pearls) and buckwheat are allowed, as well as makhana (fox nuts), known for their crunch and versatility.
Planning Your Fasting Diet
Use 'kuttu ka atta' (buckwheat flour), 'singhare ka atta' (water chestnut flour), and 'rajgira ka atta' (amaranth flour) instead of regular flour.
Replace table salt with rock salt (sendha namak), which is less processed and offers cooling properties. Prefer seed-based oils such as peanut oil and desi ghee over regular refined oils.
Include milk, cheese, curd, and other dairy-based products in your Navratri diet for energy and nutrients. During fasting, onion, garlic, rice, lentils (dal), and semolina (sooji) are also avoided.
Strict No-Nos
Devotees must refrain from consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian foods during this sacred period.
Wishing everyone a joyful and spiritually enriching Sharad Navratri 2023!
- With inputs from agencies
