Why is it important to fast during Navratri?

Why is it important to fast during Navratri?   Navratri means “nine nights”, a Hindu festival specially celebrated for Goddess Durga. It is also called as Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratan or Nauratan. It occurs over nine days between the months of September and October (Hindu month of Ashvin). 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga are being worshiped during Navratri. The names of all the 9 manifestations are Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandmata, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kaalratri, Goddess Mahagauri, and Goddess Siddhidatri. It is celebrated in many different ways across India. After the nine days gets over, the tenth day is observed as Dusshera.     The day when Lord Rama won over Ravana and it is said that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before going to the war. Navratri is basically a festival full of colors and energy. There are dances, songs, and many traditions that people take part with lots of excitement and devotion. The most important component of Navratri is fasting which has several purposes and meanings to it.   There are certain rules that people follow during fasting. There are some foods people include during fasting and some foods that must be avoided. Some of the general fasting customs are that people avoid alcohol and limit to vegetarian foods. Other than that, there are specific foods that avoid. It includes garlic, onion, legumes, lentils, refined oils, white salt, wheat, rice, etc. Dairy-based and fruit based are consumed by people who fast. Sabudana are commonly used substitutes for rice and wheat. Liquid based foods are consumed to keep one hydrated. It includes coconut water, buttermilk, fresh fruit juice, milkshakes, etc.   Water is also to be consumed regularly. Coke, fried foods are usually avoided. Heat generating foods like garam masala, mustard, clove, coriander, etc. are also sometimes avoided. Sometimes people with certain medical conditions like are not encouraged to fast. It includes people who are elderly, diabetic, pregnant, unwell. People are also required to rest properly during fasting, as fasting will make people tired.       Benefits of fasting during Navratri:

1. Fasting is good for the heart as it controls blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Fasting can aid in weight loss and improves metabolism. It can also boost our cognitive abilities.

2. Fasting is basically a cleansing process, it gets out all of the toxins out of our body. It makes us more active and energetic. The detoxing will strengthen our bodily systems.

3. The consumption of fruits and water is generally high during fasting. Hence the antioxidants nourish our body and this promotes the skin’s health.

4. During fasting we actually help our digestive system by easing its process of digestion. Foods that are little hard to digest like meat, wheat, lentils are avoided and foods such as sabudana, fruits and other liquid-based foods makes the process of digestion easy.

5. Fasting boosts immunity and during this time we eat only when we are hungry which reduces overeating.

6. As heat producing foods are avoided, the body remains cool.

7. Spiritually, fasting does a lot to one’s soul. Usually, during Navratri, people meditate, pray. This soothes the soul and also the connection between body and mind is strengthened. It helps to reduce the restlessness of our soul and makes us mindful.

8. Fasting promotes self-control, self-restraint and self-discipline.

    5 Healthy Ways to Fast This Navratri This Navratri, fast for religious reason and also take it as an opportunity to detoxify your system. Here are some healthy ways to fast this festival season and eat right.            

1. Avoid Fried Snacks

During fasting many people end up eating oily snacks throughout the day, this will do more harm to your body than good. The fried snacks are loaded with salt, oil and can lead to further health issues.  

2. Do Not Starve

Fasting doesn’t mean staying hungry to death. It is best to eat healthy snacks, fruits throughout the day. The main rule is to avoid fasting for prolonged hours, use this as an opportunity to detoxify the system.  

3. Hydration

Staying well hydrated is very important throughout the day especially when you fast. Include water, low fat milk, buttermilk. vegetable juice, soups while you are fasting. This helps to maintain the body fluids and keep you active throughout the day even when you fast. The fruit and vegetable juice provides vitamins and mineral to your body which will also detoxify your system and nourishes.  

4. Plan the Meal

Sudden change can impact your body as well as mind which can harm your entire system. Eat the major meal before sunset and include grains, millets and avoid more oil.  Substitute oily food with healthy snacks and fruits.  

5. Avoid Sugar

Most of us end up eating more sweets and sugary stuff during Navratri. Excessive sugar can be harmful to your system. Avoid refined sugar and replace with healthy natural sugar like jaggery and honey to fulfil sugar craving. Avoid including empty sugar and calories.      

This festival season fast, stay healthy and happy. Make the most of this festival season by following the above mentioned tips and stay healthy.