What is Vasant Navaratri?
Navaratri is a Hindu festival which is popular in North India. It honors Goddess Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi. The Vasant Navaratri fast which starts in April continues for nine days and, during this time, the devotee needs to keep a fast and eat a restricted diet. Such food restrictions are good for health as the festival is celebrated in summer and appetite will be less. If the proper diet is not followed it can cause digestive problems.
Drink Milk
One should drink plenty of milk during this time. Milk is an entire meal in itself, which has many nutrients and is a good source of energy. If you don’t like to drink milk, you can make cottage cheese with it and eat it. It is possible to make cottage cheese at home. Boil milk and then add some lemon juice to it. This will make the milk curdle. The water that remains has health benefits and is good for stomach disorders.
Banana and curd
Banana and curd may be consumed together and is one of the best Navaratri foods. They provide calcium, potassium, fat and magnesium. One can have a bowl of curd and banana twice a day.
Eat Fruits
Fruits can be taken during the fast. They fill the stomach and also cleanse the body. Plenty of fruits can be taken throughout the day. Fruits are best with warm milk. However, one should avoid citrus fruits. Apple, mango, etc., can be consumed with milk.
Preventing acidity
Fasting can cause acidity problems. Having cold milk and cream together can help. The best Navaratri food to avoid acidity is to have cold milk and cream together. This brings relief for acidity instantly. 5. During fasting one needs to maintain the body heat. It is better to avoid fried foods as they increase body heat. Grilled, baked or roasted food is also good. Use olive oil instead of refined oil for frying.
Sabudana
Sabudana can be consumed. Being a rich source of carbohydrates, it’s a great source of energy. Other energy-rich foods are banana and cucumber. Eating these six Navaratri foods makes your fast healthy. The nine-day fasting during Vasant Navaratri cleanses your body and gives some much-needed rest for your liver. The healthy diet regulates the digestive system and detoxifies the body.