WHY FAST IN NAVRATRA
Why is that wheat, millet, bajra and other food grains and even alcohol and meat is banned during the Navratris? Is it only the religious belief or is there any scientific logic behind it as well. We tried to find out, and this is what we found. First, the religious belief.
As per many religions shunning regular food items is a way to practice abstinence and move closer to God. Many cultures are of the belief that abstinence will lead to purification of the spirits and thus yield more willpower.
There are many people who even abstain from no food-no water the whole nine days. Such fasts are called Nirjala Vrat.
And now the Scientific Fact
Navratri, comes twice in a year and if you pay attention, every time it falls during change of season (April and October). From Ayurvedic perspective, consumption of meat, alcohol, grains, onion, garlic attract negative energies and so should be avoided. The reason is that our bodies immunity levels are at the lowest during this time around and so we are more susceptible to become sick.
The food that takes center stage
Fasting is considered to be a way to detox your body and is a welcome break from the regular dietary routine. Since breads are an inevitable part of the Indian diet, so instead of the regular flours like millet, bajra and wheat, the choice is buckwheat (Kuttu), water caltrop (Singhada) and tapioca pearls (sabudana). Buckwheat is gluten free and also nutritious as it is enriched with fiber, protein, magnesium and phosphorous. Then another super fasting food is Amaranth, also known as ramdana, is gluten free, low on glycemic index, and contains many essential vitamins and minerals. The most common form it is consumed during fasts is laddoos and chikkis.
All these facts startled us and hope that the same happened with you. This Navratri therefore turns out to be special. Happy Navratri and Happy Fasting!
