Navratri is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. While it occurs four times a year, Chaitra and Sharad Navratri are most widely celebrated. According to the Hindu calendar, Sharad Navratri starts from the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. This year, it will start on Thursday, October 3, 2024 and continue till October 12, 2024. These nine days are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, with each day honoring one of her nine divine forms. During this time, devotees across the country observe fast with full devotion and sincerity. The festival ends with Vijayadashami, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great joy and celebration.
Read also: 5 flours which can be consumed during Navratri fast
Sharad Navratri 2024 Dates and Timings:
Sharad Navratri starts on October 3, 2024 and ends on October 12, 2024.
The ritual of Gatasthapana (installation of the sacred urn) takes place on Pratipada Tithi, which starts at 12:19 am on October 3 and ends at 2:58 am on October 4.
(According to drinksalmanac.com)
Why Sharad Navratri matters: Significance and rituals
Navratri has a special place in Hindu religion. Devotees believe that during these nine days, Mother Durga herself is present on earth, and they fast to seek her blessings. Most people give up meat and alcohol during this time and stick to a diet that symbolizes purity. Even people who do not fast usually become vegetarian. Some people take Nirjala Vrat a notch higher, where they don’t drink even a drop of water for the entire day, but keep in mind, that this is not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly or children.
During the fast, people eat things like potatoes, sweet potatoes, buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour. Sago, milk, curd, fruits and rock salt are also in the mixture. If you are planning to keep a fast, here are some delicious vrat-friendly dishes that you can try this Navratri.
5 Vrat-Friendly Dishes You Can Make:
buckwheat puri
Buckwheat is a must for the entire Navratri! Made of buckwheat flour, boiled potatoes and spices, you can replace buckwheat flour with rajgira or water chestnut flour. Mix these crispy puris with potato curry. Click here for the recipe.
Sabudana Khichdi
This is a Navratri favourite! Sabudana Khichdi is light and comforting, made with sago, chopped potatoes, peanuts, rock salt and mild spices. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to cook. Click here for the recipe.
pumpkin curry
This delicious pumpkin dish goes perfect with Kuttu ki Puri. Pumpkin curry is light, tasty and ideal for lunch or dinner during Navratri fasting. Click here for the recipe.
Low Fat Makhana Kheer
Craving something sweet? Makhana Kheer is your favorite sweet, made with milk, makhana, dry fruits and cardamom. It is very easy to make and is also good for offering in Prasad. Click here for the recipe.
Potato Juicy
Aloo Rasedaar is a gravy based potato curry made with rock salt, which is perfect for Navratri fast. It pairs well with buckwheat puri or samak rice. Click here for the recipe.
Best wishes to you on Sharad Navratri 2024!
