The month of Chaitra, is the first month of the Hindu Calendar which is usually the cusp of the days falling between March and April. It starts after the Amavasya or the New Moon. This year the month of Chaitra began on March 8, 2023 for those in North, East and Central India. In Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana, this auspicious month will commence on March 22, 2023. The day will also be celebrated as Gudi Padwa or the Hindu New Year among Maharashtrians and some Konkani communities. It is also the New Year for the Sindhis, who celebrate it as Cheti Chand and as Yugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Ugadi in Karnataka respectively.
The month of Chaitra is an auspicious period and some very important Hindu festivals fall during this time. One such is the Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasanta Panchami is on March 22, The first of the four Navratri’s that fall in a year and an important one, the other being the Shardiya Navratri or Sharadotsav. Also, after 110 years this year, the planetary positions and constellations are unique this Navratri, making it an even more auspicious event.
What makes this Chaitra Navratri important, is the arrival of the Divine Shakti in a boat. The Goddess’s arrival in a boat is believed to bring good rains and hence a good harvest. This signifies a time of prosperity among the farmers and those professions related or dependent on the farming ecosystem. For the devotees of the Divine Goddess or the Shakti, the Chaitra Navratri assumes even more importance as a combination of four yogas is taking place this year.
Especially in Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri is another occasion to hold a small haldi-kumkum function for ladies after the one in Sankranti which falls in January each year. The period also means the end of winter and the official start of summers. So, now you know when precisely the summer season is starting.
Considering the auspiciousness this year particularly, most would like to fast with utmost devotion. While some new devotees would want to fast on this particular day, it is ideal to know what kind of foods are permissible on these days.
Here is a list of Dos and Don’ts which the devotees may want to follow if they are fasting for Chaitra Navratri.
It should be noted that, some of the foods allowed in some communities may be disallowed in other communities.
Flours and grains
Wheat/rice/refined flours and semolina should be avoided. Basically, your daily food preparations should be avoided.
Instead, having Samo or vrat ke chawal and kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) and their preparations can be had. Some other foods that can be had are, rajgira (amaranth seeds), sabudana (sago pearls) and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).
Vegetables
Most are familiar with the vegetables that are allowed for fasts. These include, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, and in some communities yam, tomatoes, taro, bottle gourd and even carrots are allowed.
Some recipes you can try are, Yam and Sabudana Wada, and Shakarkand ki Kheer.
Onions, garlic, mushrooms, brinjal are definitely to be avoided during fasts.
Fruits
Most times of the year, there is always a wide variety of options in fruits. Banana is one such fruit that is easily available, inexpensive and filling too. Also, coconut water is a great option and one must have it as it has a soothing effect and is light on the stomach. Watermelons and muskmelons are available this time of the year and are the perfect option for foods to have during Chaitra Navratri. Besides, the water content keeps one hydrated too.
Lemon, kokum and such fruits are good too.
Dried Fruits
Just like fruits, dried figs, apricots, cashew, almonds, walnuts and raisins are a great option or snack idea when fasting. Not only are they recommended for fasts, but they also give an instant boost of energy.
Dairy
Milk and milk products such as, curd, lassi, paneer, khoya, butter, cream have been considered ideal for fasts. In fact, to give energy throughout the day of fasting, a glass of milk or rose-flavoured milk or badam milk is an ideal meal to have.
Herbs and Spices
Most would use only the bare minimum spices/spice powders during fasting. This would include cumin, rock salt, green cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. Depending on the region, some devotees also consume black pepper, cloves and carom seeds.
However, some spice powders such as, coriander powder, turmeric, asafoetida, mustard and fenugreek and other whole spices should be strictly avoided.
MUST AVOID FOODS
During such an auspicious time, it is recommended that one completely avoids meat, poultry, alcohol, smoking and aerated drinks. This also includes legumes, lentils, and cornflour. One must also avoid canned food, fast food and regular foods.
An advice for all, when having foods like potatoes or sweet potatoes, it is advisable to have them steamed and only lightly shallow fried as this makes one feel bloated. Also, avoid adding extra sugar. One must try to eat foods in their natural form to the extent possible as that is the idea of fast, viz. eating less and uncooked foods and drinks so as to give rest to the system and giving more time to devotion.
Now that we have shared the foods that one can and cannot have, we hope that this Chaitra Navratri, Maa Durga blesses you with prosperity, health, well and happiness and fulfills all your wishes!
Shubh Chaitra Navratri!