Navratri Fasting: Rules, Traditions & Goddess Worship in Punjab and Gujarat
Introduction
Navratri, a festival of divine devotion and spiritual purification, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It signifies the victory of good over evil and honors Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms. From Punjab to Gujarat, it brings together people in prayers, fasting, and vibrant festivities. In Punjab, the festival starts on March 30th, 2025, marking nine days of devotion to Goddess Durga and her various avatars. Gujarat, on the other hand, is famous for its grand Garba nights and traditional fasting rituals, dedicated to Goddess Amba (Ambe Maa).
Significance of Navratri in Punjab & Gujarat
Punjab: Worship & Community Feasts
Navratri in Punjab is deeply spiritual, with devotees worshipping Goddess Durga by observing fasts, reciting the Durga Saptashati, and performing Durga Path at home and temples.
Each day is dedicated to a different form of Maa Durga, from Shailputri on the first day to Siddhidatri on the ninth.
On Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day), Kanjak Pooja is performed, where young girls (symbolizing Goddess Durga) are worshipped and served a traditional meal of puri, chana, and halwa.
The festival concludes with a langar (community meal) in temples, feeding the underprivileged as an act of devotion.
Navratri in Punjab is deeply spiritual, with devotees worshipping Goddess Durga by observing fasts, reciting the Durga Saptashati, and performing Durga Path at home and temples.
Each day is dedicated to a different form of Maa Durga, from Shailputri on the first day to Siddhidatri on the ninth.
On Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day), Kanjak Pooja is performed, where young girls (symbolizing Goddess Durga) are worshipped and served a traditional meal of puri, chana, and halwa.
The festival concludes with a langar (community meal) in temples, feeding the underprivileged as an act of devotion.
Gujarat: Dance, Devotion & Fasting
Gujarat celebrates Navratri with Garba and Dandiya Raas, making it one of the most vibrant Navratri destinations.
Devotees worship Goddess Amba (Ambe Maa) with grand aartis and offer coconut, sweets, and flowers.
Fasting in Gujarat includes Sabudana Khichdi, Rajgira Puris, and Samo Rice Kheer.
People dress in colorful chaniya cholis and kediyus and perform Garba to devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Amba.
Gujarat celebrates Navratri with Garba and Dandiya Raas, making it one of the most vibrant Navratri destinations.
Devotees worship Goddess Amba (Ambe Maa) with grand aartis and offer coconut, sweets, and flowers.
Fasting in Gujarat includes Sabudana Khichdi, Rajgira Puris, and Samo Rice Kheer.
People dress in colorful chaniya cholis and kediyus and perform Garba to devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Amba.
Navratri Fasting Rules
No Grains – Wheat, rice, and lentils are avoided. Instead, people consume buckwheat (kuttu), amaranth (rajgira), and water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta).
No Onion & Garlic – Food is prepared using simple spices like sendha namak (rock salt), cumin, and black pepper.
No Processed Sugar – Natural sweeteners like jaggery and honey are preferred.
No Alcohol & Meat – Strict vegetarian meals are followed, avoiding alcohol and non-vegetarian foods.
Dairy is Allowed – Milk, paneer, and yogurt are consumed in various forms.
No Grains – Wheat, rice, and lentils are avoided. Instead, people consume buckwheat (kuttu), amaranth (rajgira), and water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta).
No Onion & Garlic – Food is prepared using simple spices like sendha namak (rock salt), cumin, and black pepper.
No Processed Sugar – Natural sweeteners like jaggery and honey are preferred.
No Alcohol & Meat – Strict vegetarian meals are followed, avoiding alcohol and non-vegetarian foods.
Dairy is Allowed – Milk, paneer, and yogurt are consumed in various forms.
Navratri Special Fasting Recipes
1. Sabudana Khichdi (Sago Pilaf)
Ingredients (Per Serving):
1/2 cup sabudana (sago)
1/2 boiled potato (diced)
1 tbsp peanuts (roasted and crushed)
1/2 green chili (chopped)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tbsp ghee
Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
Chopped coriander for garnish
Nutritional Value (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Method:
Soak sabudana in water for 4-5 hours or until soft.
Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté green chilies.
Add diced potatoes and cook until golden brown.
Add soaked sabudana, crushed peanuts, and rock salt.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with coriander and serve hot.
2. Kuttu Ki Puri (Buckwheat Flour Bread)
Ingredients (Per Serving):
1/2 cup kuttu flour (buckwheat flour)
1/2 boiled potato (mashed)
Rock salt to taste
Water (as needed)
Oil for frying
Nutritional Value (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Method:
Mix kuttu flour, mashed potato, and rock salt to form a dough.
Roll out small puris and deep fry until crispy.
Serve hot with curd or potato curry.
3. Sama Rice Kheer (Barnyard Millet Pudding)
Ingredients (Per Serving):
1/4 cup sama rice (barnyard millet)
1/2 liter milk
2 tbsp sugar or jaggery
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
4-5 almonds (chopped)
4-5 cashews (chopped)
Nutritional Value (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Method:
Rinse sama rice and cook it in boiling milk until soft.
Add sugar, cardamom powder, and nuts.
Simmer until the kheer thickens.
Serve warm or chilled.
FAQs About Navratri Fasting
Q1: Can we drink tea or coffee during Navratri fast? A: Yes, tea and coffee are allowed, but avoid excessive sugar.
Q2: What can I eat if I feel weak while fasting? A: Opt for energy-boosting foods like bananas, makhana, and milk-based drinks.
Q3: Can I consume chocolate during fasting? A: Only if it’s made with fasting-allowed ingredients. Avoid chocolates with emulsifiers.
Q4: Is lemon water allowed during fasting? A: Yes, lemon water helps with hydration and digestion.
Q5: Can diabetic patients fast during Navratri? A: Yes, but they should consult a doctor and consume low-GI foods like nuts and paneer.
Final Thoughts
Navratri is a time of spiritual upliftment and self-discipline, and fasting plays a major role in cleansing the body. Whether you’re in Punjab, celebrating with Kanjak Pooja, or in Gujarat, dancing to Garba beats, the essence of Navratri remains the same – devotion and celebration.
Try these Navratri-special recipes at home! Share this blog with your friends, follow me on my blog madhusavaraskitchen.blogspot.com, and let me know in the comments which festive recipe you want next! 🙏🎉
Happy Navratri!
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