Navratri 2024: India is a land of festivals, and one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations is the nine-day celebration of Sharad Navratri. Starting on October 3, 2024, and ending on October 12, Navratri 2024 promises to be a vibrant and spiritually significant event. This festival dedicated to the nine forms of the goddess marks the time when devotees across India fast, pray and follow a strict vegetarian diet, also known as vrat bhojan. In many households, onion and garlic are not included in this diet, with emphasis on pure and sattvik cuisine.
Navratri fasting and food:
During Navratri fasting, followers consume a variety of ingredients, including fruits, potatoes, sago, water chestnut flour, buckwheat flour, milk, curd, cheese and milk products. Rock salt replaces regular salt in these recipes. Despite limited ingredients, traditional Indian dishes can be prepared to ensure that you do not have to go hungry during the fast.
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Let’s explore one such special thali that offers a delicious array of vrat foods, reminiscent of everyday Indian cuisine, but with sattvic flavours, free from grains and pulses.
Navratri Thali – 7 Traditional Indian Dishes You Must Try
1. Kuttu Puri:
Crispy buckwheat puri is made from a mixture of buckwheat flour, mashed boiled potatoes and aromatic spices. It goes very well with potato curry or can be made with rajgira (water chestnut flour) for variety. Click here for the recipe
2. Rajgira Kadhi:
North India’s favorite kadhi has been given a fast-friendly makeover with rajgira flour, curd, ginger, green chillies, cumin and a little sugar. Unlike regular kadhi, this version does not include turmeric. Click here for the recipe
3. Fast Potatoes Juicy:
This traditional Indian potato curry is a main dish of Navratri. Made with cumin, curd, ginger and rock salt, it is perfect for lunch or dinner, best enjoyed with kuttu ki puri or roti. Click here for the recipe
4. Sabudana Khichdi:
Hailing from Western India, especially Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan, Sabudana Khichdi is a light and delicious dish made from sago, mixed with mild spices and can be served with curd. Click here for the recipe
5. Fast-Friendly Pumpkin Curry:
Add variety to your fasting meal with this pumpkin-based dish. Mix pumpkin pieces with spicy spice mixture and relish this delicious recipe for lunch or dinner during Navratri fasting. Click here for the recipe
6. Kebab e Banana:
These vrat-special kebabs made from raw bananas offer a delicious taste experience. These are prepared by mixing raw banana with buckwheat flour, green chilli, red chilli, ginger and rock salt. Click here for the recipe
7. Vratwale Paneer Roll:
Paneer, a rich source of protein, takes center stage in this vrat paneer roll. Prepare these rolls by mixing grated cheese with potatoes, rock salt and spices, then pan-fry or deep-fry them for a filling and delicious snack. Click here for the recipe
Embrace the spirit of Navratri 2024 by savoring these delicious traditional Indian dishes prepared for your Navratri fasting days. Share your favorite Indian recipes with us in the comments below, and enjoy the festivities with delicious, sattvik flavours. Happy Sharad Navratri 2024!
