Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This is a nine-night festive celebration which is observed twice in a year, one in the month of Chaitra and another in the month of Ashwin. There is a significant importance of Navratri fast because of which many people observe fasting. It is believed that it helps in purifying the body, mind and soul. There are various Navratri fasting benefits because of which the feast and celebrations go hand in hand with upvas for nine days.
In this post, we will discuss in full detail about Navratri fasting. Read on find out the Navratri fasting dates along with do’s and don’ts in Navratri vrat, when to break Navratri fast and various benefits associated with it.
Dates of Navratri Upvas 2018
As we know that Navratri comes twice in a year. Here are the Navratri dates for both of these for hassle Navratri Upvas 2018:
Chaitra Navratri 2018: March 18th, 2018 to March 25th, 2018
Sharad Navratri 2018: October 10th, 2018 to October 18th, 2018
Some people fast on all the nine days while some fast on the first and last day. Navratri fast dates or days are very much subjective to an individual and castes.
When to Break Navratri Fast?
The fast must be broken after the sunset and that is when the devotee must have his only meal of the day. Make sure that this meal is simple and satvik in nature and you have done pooja before having the meal.
Navratri Fasting Rules to Keep in Mind
We have come up with some very important Navratri fasting rules which have been designed in synch with Navratri fast reasons. Here are some rules to keep in mind:
- Old and infirm, very young, pregnant women and nursing mother should not go for 9 days of fasting
- You can choose on the number of days when you can comfortably fast. There is no restriction on fasting for 9 days
- Consume one meal a day and that too after the sun has set. It can be a simple diet or simply fruits and milk
- Charity must be performed during fasting
- Use saindha namak over common salt
- Eat less and eat light. Avoid heavy to digest food and fried food
- Stay vegetarian during fasting.
Benefits/Advantages of Navratri Fasting
There is very high importance of Navratri fast. We have come up with some of the Navratri fasting benefits which will definitely motivate you to observe the Navratri upvas with more happiness:
- Navratri is the transition time for season. Change in season results in change in mental, physical and spiritual well being. Fasting helps in detoxing and purifying the system and connect with Maa Durga with a clean mind, body and soul.
- Fasting appeases Maa Durga and when she is happy, she blesses her devotees with prosperity and success.
- It is believed that fasting rules of Navratri were explained by Maa Durga to one of her devotees and when one follows these rules, Maa Durga always blesses the person.
Dos and Don’ts to Follow in Navratri Vrat
We have come up with a list of Dos and Don’ts for Navratri Vrat that must be followed seriously:
Do’s of Navratri Fasting:
- Take bath every day before 9 a.m. Wear clean clothes.
- Perform pooja every morning and evening and light a lamp.
- Offer bhog to deities every day, it can be just fruits and milk.
- Follow the Satvik Diet which includes dairy products, fruits, selected flours and spices, nuts etc.
- Wear happy colours like pink, orange, yellow, red and green. Avoid black, white, blue.
- Have light food when you end your fast to feel light and have it digested with ease
Don’ts of Navratri Fasting:
- Avoid consuming meat, egg, fish, onion, garlic etc.
- Alcohol and smoking are also not allowed.
- Cutting hair, shaving, cutting nails is not allowed.
This is comprehensive detail about Navratri fasting to make sure that you follow everything right and don’t do things that you are not suppose to be doing. Keep these points in mind and enjoy Navratri fasting benefits along with Navratri fast food that is allowed in this time!!!