Sharad Navratri 2023: The air is buzzing with pleasure and spirituality as Sharad Navratri, considered one of India’s most awaited festivals, is simply across the nook. This nine-day competition is well known with plenty of zeal in numerous areas, together with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra. In the jap components of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, Durga Puja coincides with this grand celebration, although with some regional twists in rituals. During this competition, also called Shardiya Navratri or Maha Navratri, devotees pay their respects to Goddess Durga and her 9 incarnations, collectively often called ‘Navdurga’. The tenth day is well known as ‘Dashmi’. It’s price noting that there are 4 Navratris in a yr, however Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri are essentially the most broadly noticed.
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Sharad Navratri 2023 Date and Timings:

This yr, Sharad Navratri is ready to kick off on October 15, 2023, and can wrap up on October 24, 2023, concluding with Dashmi, in keeping with drikpanchang.com.

Kalash Sthapana, the ceremonial set up of the sacred pot, will happen on October 15, 2023, ranging from 11:44 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.

Sharad Navratri 2023: Significance And Rituals:

Sharad Navratri carries deep non secular significance, because it’s believed that in these first 9 days, Goddess Durga descends to Earth to be along with her devotees. Many followers keep away from consuming non-vegetarian meals and alcohol throughout this era, symbolising purity and devotion. Some devotees observe ritualistic Navratri fasts or vrat, which contain a strict vegetarian weight-reduction plan. A extra intense model, often called nirjala vrat, forbids even a single drop of water all through the day. However, please observe that this stage of fasting is just not beneficial for pregnant ladies, the aged, or youngsters.

Navratri is not nearly fasting; it is also a time for joyous celebrations. People have interaction in folks dances and singing, with Gujarat’s well-known garba dancing being a spotlight. Dressed in conventional apparel, mates and households come collectively to carry out these vibrant dances as an providing to the goddess.
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Navratri fasting weight-reduction plan contains some particular meals.
Image Credit: iStock

What To Eat During Navratri Fasting?

Navratri fasting comes with its set of dietary pointers. Grains, cereals, and non-vegetarian meals are prevented, however you’ve got a wide selection of different choices to select from – greens, fruits, dairy merchandise, and sweets. Pseudo-grains and pseudo-cereals like sabudana (tapioca pearls) and buckwheat are additionally permitted, making your fasting journey flavoursome and nutritious. Don’t neglect to incorporate makhana (fox nuts) in your vrat preparations; they seem to be a widespread ingredient recognized for his or her crunch and flexibility.

Navratri Fasting: How To Plan Your Fasting Diet

Devotees comply with these pointers to watch a quick in the course of the Navratri competition:

– Skipping conventional Flours, Cereals, and Grains:

Instead of standard flour, go for kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), and rajgira ka atta (amaranth flour). Replace common rice with samak ke chawal (barnyard millet), and embrace meals like sabudana (tapioca) and makhanas (fox nuts) in your meals.

– Replacing Table Salt With Rock Salt:

Rock salt (sendha namak) is a much less processed different to desk salt and is often used throughout fasting. It not solely lightens your meals but additionally affords cooling properties.

– Choosing Specific Cooking Oils:

Regular oils like refined oils are prevented, and seed-based oils like peanut oil and desi ghee for cooking are most well-liked.

– Incorporating Milk Products:

Milk, cheese, curd, and different dairy-based products are included in the Navratri diet to replenish your power and nutrient ranges.

– Avoiding Onion, Garlic, and Dal:

During fasting, onion, garlic, rice, dal (lentils), and sooji (semolina) are additionally prevented.

Additionally, alcohol and non-vegetarian meals are strictly off-limits throughout this sacred interval.

Wishing you a joyful and spiritually enriching Sharad Navratri 2023!