How to Do Navratri Fast at Home

Navratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, celebrated for nine days to honor Mata Durga and her nine divine forms. During Navratri, devotees observe fasts, pray daily, and live a disciplined life to receive Mata Rani’s blessings.

Fasting during Navratri is not only a religious practice but also a way to purify the body, mind, and soul. Anyone can observe Navratri fast at home with devotion and sincerity.

Why Do People Fast During Navratri?

Devotees observe Navratri fast to:

• Show devotion to Mata Rani

• Cleanse the body and mind

• Gain spiritual strength

• Seek blessings for family and health

Fasting helps reduce negative thoughts and increases focus on prayers and positive energy.

Types of Navratri Fasts

There is no single strict rule. Devotees choose according to their health and faith.

Common types of fasts:

1. Full Fast

   • Only water, fruits, milk, and coconut water

2. Fruit Fast (Phalahar)

   • Fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts

3. One Meal a Day

   • Simple vrat food once daily

Choose a fast that suits your body. Mata Rani values devotion, not suffering.

How to Do Navratri Fast at Home

Step 1: Morning Preparation

• Wake up early

• Take a bath

• Wear clean clothes (light colors preferred)

• Clean the prayer area

Step 2: Set Up the Prayer Space

• Place Mata Rani’s photo or idol

• Light a diya (lamp)

• Offer flowers and incense

• Keep water and fruits as prasad

Step 3: Kalash Sthapana (Optional but Auspicious)

On the first day of Navratri:

• Place a pot (kalash) filled with water

• Put mango leaves and coconut on top

• Light a diya near the kalash
  This symbolizes the presence of Mata Durga in your home.

Step 4: Daily Prayers

Every day:

• Chant “Jai Mata Di”

• Read Durga Chalisa or listen to bhajans

• Meditate for a few minutes

Even short prayers done with faith are enough.

What Foods Are Allowed During Navratri Fast?

Food items which we can eat during our Navratri Fasts:

• Fruits (apple, banana, papaya, pomegranate)

• Milk, yogurt, paneer

• Nuts and dry fruits

• Buckwheat flour (kuttu)

• Water chestnut flour (singhara)

• Rock salt (sendha namak)

Drinking Water During Fast

You can drink:

• Plain water

• Coconut water

• Milk

• Herbal tea (without sugar)

Stay hydrated. Health comes first.

Mental Discipline During Navratri

Navratri fast is also about behavior:

• Speak politely

• Avoid anger and negativity

• Avoid alcohol and smoking

• Think positive and stay calm

This pleases Mata Rani more than strict food rules.

How to Break the Navratri Fast (Kanya Pujan)

On the 8th or 9th day:

• Perform Kanya Pujan (worship young girls)

• Offer food, gifts, and respect

• Then break the fast gently with light food

This completes the Navratri vrat.

Who Should Avoid Strict Fasting?

• Elderly people

• Pregnant women

• People with medical conditions

They can still pray and eat simple vegetarian food. Mata Rani understands everyone’s situation.

Doing Navratri fast at home is a beautiful way to connect with Mata Rani. The key is faith, cleanliness, simplicity, and sincerity. Even small efforts made with a pure heart bring divine blessings.

May Mata Rani bless your home with peace, health, and happiness.

Jai Mata Di 🙏