Chaitra Navratri 2026: The festival of Navratri is associated with faith and devotion. This year Chaitra Navratri is starting from 19th March. In this festival which lasts for 9 days, devotees keep fast and are seen engrossed in the worship of Goddess Durga. But often during fasting, due to lack of correct information about food, people compromise on nutrition. Many times people eat fried or starchy things just to fill their stomach, due to which the body does not get the necessary vitamins, minerals and energy.
Actually, fasting does not only mean giving up food, but also detoxifying the body through proper and balanced diet. In such a situation, it is important to include such things in the fasting plate, which not only provide energy but also provide nutrition to the body. If you are also thinking of fasting this year, then this article is for you. Here we will tell you what things you must keep in your plate during Navratri fast.
Also read: Chaitra Navratri starts on this day, make these 5 tasty things from sago for fasting.
Rajgira (Amaranth) Laddus or Roti
Rajgira is rich in protein, calcium and iron, which acts as a superfood during fasting. Eating its laddus or rotis keeps the stomach full for a long time and gives full strength to the body.
Roasted makhana is also beneficial
According to Healthline, Makhana is light, low-calorie and rich in nutrition. By lightly frying it in ghee and eating it, it becomes a healthy snack, which also quenches hunger and helps in keeping weight under control. This is a good option to eat during fasting.
Shakrakand (Sweet Potato) Chaat
Sweet potato is rich in fiber and complex carbs. There is a tradition of eating it during fasting. You can eat sweet potatoes by boiling or roasting them and making chaat by adding rock salt and lemon. It tastes delicious and also gives instant energy after eating.
Samak Rice (Fasting Rice)
Samak rice is gluten-free and easily digested. This is the reason why it is advised to eat it during fasting. You can also decorate these in the fasting thali. Khichdi or pulao can be prepared from it and eaten, which is considered a healthy and light option during the fast.
Peanut Curd Chaat
Some people eat peanuts like this during fast. But if you want to make it more tasty and healthy, then you can also add curd with it. Mix roasted peanuts in curd and add some spices and prepare chaat. This is a protein rich food, eating which keeps the stomach full for a long time and does not cause lethargy in the body.
Keep these things in mind also
Priya Paliwal, Chief Dietitian of Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, says, During the fast, special attention needs to be paid not only to diet but also to exercise. According to him, one should eat light and nutritious food during the fast, in which fruits, dry fruits, makhana, and milk are beneficial. These things provide energy to the body and are also helpful in keeping the stomach full for a long time. Apart from this, doing yoga or light exercise during fasting is also beneficial. Due to this the body does not become sluggish and concentration does not deteriorate.