Navratri is a widely celebrated festival, eagerly waiting by the Hindu community. The word “Navratri” means “nine nights”, which are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This festival is seen with great enthusiasm all over India. In 2025, Chaiti Navratri will begin on 30 March and end on 6 April. On the ninth day, Navami is also celebrated as Rama Navami. During this time, devotees of Goddess Durga inspect fasting with full devotion for all nine days, consuming only specific foods. Some people fasting only in the first and last days, but still follow a true (pure) diet. During Navratri, grains, pulses, garlic and onion are usually avoided.
Read: When is Chaiti Navratri? Enjoy these 5 dishes while fasting
Foods allowed during Navratri include sago, a type of grain, water chestnut flour and dairy products. Additionally, people replace salt regularly with rock salt (deserted salt) in their food. When it comes to vegetables, potatoes are most consumed during Navratri, as they can be used to prepare various dishes. However, potatoes are not the only option!
Here, we bring you a list of six special vegetables, which can be enjoyed during the Navratri fast. These simple vegetables can be converted into delicious curry or snacks with a slight twist. let’s take a look!
6 vegetables you can try this Navratri
1. Lauki vegetable (bottle gourd curry)
This fast-friendly lauki vegetable is a healthy option for deeply fried potatoes. Luki is cooked with simple ingredients and fresh coconut, it gives a fresh bend.
[Click here for the recipe.]
2. Kadu vegetable (pumpkin curry)
Tender pumpkin pieces are cooked in a mixture of flavored spices. This Kadu vegetable is perfect for Navratri and the pairs are surprisingly added with Kuttu Puri for fabulous food.
[Click here for the recipe.]
3. Sweet potato
A touch and delicious chaat made with roasted sweet potato cubes, chili and lime juice. Sprinkle some chaat masala for extra zing!
[Click here for the recipe.]
4. Elu’s Kadhi (Aloo Curry in Dahi Gravy)
It is a comfortable dish made with Aloo Kadhi Aloo, Chilli and Leo Ata (water chestnut flour). Serve it with steamed equivalent rice for a complete meal.
[Click here for the recipe.]
5. Arbi Vegetable (Taro Route Curry)
After potatoes, Arbi (Taro Route) is one of the most commonly used vegetables during Navratri. This year, try to make Arbi Kofa, which adds well with tea, or Arbi Kadhi for a flavored twist.
[Click here for the recipe.]
6. Kebab-e-Kela (raw banana kebab)
Raw banana is a versatile vegetable used to make both curry and snacks. These Navratri-particular kebabs, also known as Kebab-e-Kela, are made with raw bananas, kuttu etah (a type of grain flour), and spices.
[Click here for the recipe.]
More vegetables to try during Navratri
These are not just six vegetables that you can enjoy while fasting. Route vegetables such as carrots and radishes are also allowed. Additionally, cucumber can be used to make raita, pakorus or chili.
It goes beyond Navratri, Aloo and find out these delicious vegetable-based dishes to keep your food interesting and nutritious!
