Foods to avoid during Chaitra Navratri: From sweets to spicy dishes

Chaitra Navratri is an important Hindu festival that lasts for nine days. Navratri, meaning "nine nights," is celebrated to honour the divine feminine energy, embodied by various forms of Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and marks the onset of the spring season.

During this time devotees offer prayer, observe fast and meditate for 9 days. Many people organise community gatherings, cultural events, and performances.

While you prepare to fast, here are some foods one should avoid during Navratri.

Foods to avoid during Navratri

Avoid bottled juices

If you need something refreshing, make sure to have fresh juice instead of the bottled options. Many bottled juices contain high levels of added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and various metabolic issues.

Tea and Coffee

If you have the habit of drinking tea on empty stomach, stop now! When fasting, avoid having tea on empty stomach as you can develop a headache. Replace tea with healthier drinks like coconut water. Drinking less tea and coffee will also save you from dehydration.

Avoid having too many sweets

Avoid consuming too many sweets during fasting as it can cause a sudden blood sugar spike. Make sure to not include any sweets, especially in the morning.

Spicy foods

Avoid eating spicy food during the fast. Eating spicy food can cause stomach irritation and acidity.

The Hindu New Year begins in the month of Chaitra

According to Bani Singh Chadha the nine days starting from the ninth of April are extremely auspicious and here's why while the world celebrates New Year on the first of January, the Hindu New Year begins in the month of Chaitra and this year the first day of the new year is the ninth of April. She also mentions that according to the Brahma Puran, this is the day that Lord Brahma began creating the universe.

Also watch: Hindu New Year 2024: Significance of this day and what you can do to seek blessings