9 Days, 9 Dishes: Enhance Your 2024 Vrat With Delicious Navratri Fast Foods

Navratri, a vibrant festival celebrated across India, is not only a time for devotion and spiritual growth but also a period that brings together families and communities through rituals, prayers, and of course, food. The festival, which lasts for nine days, is dedicated to worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Observed with great enthusiasm, Navratri has deep cultural and spiritual significance, representing purification of the mind, body, and soul.

One of the essential aspects of Navratri is fasting. During this period, many people abstain from regular grains, meats, and certain spices, following a “vrat” or fasting diet. Fasting is believed to detoxify the body, both physically and spiritually, and help practitioners focus more on their prayers and inner peace. While fasting may sound like deprivation, it is quite the opposite. Over the years, Navratri fast food or “vrat ka khana” have evolved into delicious, nutrient-rich dishes that not only sustain you but also leave you feeling nourished and energized. A comprehensive navratri fasting food list includes a variety of delectable options. Not only Navratri is filled with lights, and colourful outfits, but there is vibrancy in food too. In this blog, we will explore nine flavorful and wholesome dishes you can enjoy during your Navratri fast in 2024.

9 Must-Try Navratri Fast Foods Dishes 

1. Sabudana Khichdi 

Sabudana Khichdi is a classic vrat food for navratri made from sago pearls, peanuts, and mild spices. Known for its light yet satisfying taste, Sabudana Khichdi is rich in carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy during your fast. The dish is easy to digest and is typically flavored with cumin seeds, green chilies, and a dash of lemon for tanginess. 

2. Buckwheat Khichdi

Buckwheat, also known as “kuttu,” is a common ingredient in fasting recipes. Buckwheat Khichdi is a hearty dish that combines buckwheat groats with mild spices and vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes. The earthy flavor of buckwheat, along with the spices used, makes this dish both comforting and nutritious. 

3. Makhana Kheer

Makhana Kheer is a sweet, creamy dessert made from puffed lotus seeds (makhana), milk, and sugar or jaggery. Lotus seeds are a popular fasting food as they are light, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and protein. 

4. Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a refreshing and creamy yogurt-based dessert flavored with saffron and cardamom.  This vrat food for navratri, is rich in protein and provides a cooling effect, especially in warmer climates. You can top it with chopped fruits like mango or pomegranate for added flavor and texture. 

5. Vratwale Aloo

Potatoes, or “vratwale aloo,” are a staple in Navratri vrat foods due to their versatility and satiating qualities. This simple yet delicious dish is prepared with boiled potatoes, mildly spiced with rock salt (sendha namak), cumin seeds, and green chilies. 

6. Kaddu Ki Sabzi

Pumpkin, or kaddu, is another vegetable commonly eaten during the Navratri fast. Kaddu Ki Sabzi is a mildly spiced pumpkin dish cooked with ghee, cumin, and rock salt. The natural sweetness of pumpkin is enhanced with a dash of jaggery and a squeeze of lemon juice. This flavorful and nutrient-dense dish provides a great balance of carbohydrates and fiber, making it a wonderful addition to your fasting menu.

7. Kuttu Ki Puri

Kuttu Ki Puri is a popular fasting dish made from buckwheat flour. These crispy, deep-fried puris are enjoyed with aloo ki sabzi or pumpkin sabzi. Buckwheat is gluten-free and provides a good amount of protein and fiber, which helps keep you full during your fast. 

8. Steamed Dhokla

If you’re looking for a light and fluffy snack during your fast, Steamed Dhokla made from barnyard millet or singhara (water chestnut) flour is a perfect choice. This steamed cake is soft, spongy, and lightly spiced with ginger and green chilies, making it both savory and satisfying. 

9. Singhara Atta Cheela

Singhara Atta Cheela is a savory pancake made from water chestnut flour, spiced with cumin seeds and green chilies. It is a great alternative to the typical dosa or paratha and can be served with a side of coconut chutney. 

Order Your Favorite Vrat Food For Navratri on Swiggy!

Craving some delicious dishes for Navratri fast but don’t have time to prepare them yourself? Don’t worry! You can now order all your favorite Navratri dishes online from Swiggy. Simply search for Navratri restaurants near me and discover fasting-friendly options available in your area. Celebrate Navratri without the hassle of cooking and get delicious, nutritious fasting foods delivered right to your doorstep!

Conclusion

The navratri fasting food list offers a wide array of choices. Navratri is not just a spiritual festival, but also an opportunity to enjoy the diversity of Indian fasting foods. Online, there are plenty of options to make your fast both enjoyable and nutritious. With a balance of flavors, textures, and health benefits, these dishes will keep you energized and focused throughout the nine auspicious days of Navratri.

FAQ

1. What can we include in Navratri vrat food or dishes for Navratri fast?

During Navratri fasts, you can eat dishes made from ingredients like buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, sago (sabudana), potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and fruits. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and paneer are also allowed.

2. What is not allowed in Navratri fast foods or dishes for Navratri fast?

Grains like wheat, rice, lentils, and regular salt are avoided during Navratri fasting. Non-vegetarian foods, onions, garlic, and certain spices like turmeric are also not allowed.

3. Can we eat potato chips in Navratri Vrat food or add potato in dishes for Navratri fast?

Yes, you can eat potato chips during your Navratri fast, but ensure that they are prepared with rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt. Homemade chips are often preferred to avoid additives or non-permissible ingredients.