Navratri 2018: Why is it forbidden to eat Onion, Garlic during fast? What Foods can you consume instead?
During the entire course of Navratri, Hindus refrain from eating onions, garlic and non-vegetarian. Do you know why?
The auspicious nine days of Navratri has begun and many Hindu households have already get rid of onions and garlic from their homes. Even if it is there in the house, people denounce using these two vegetables while preparing meals till the last day of Navratri, which is 19th October (this year). During the entire course of Navratri, Hindus refrain from eating onions, garlic and non-vegetarian because from the very beginning, these things have been forbidden. But do you know the reason behind not eating onions and garlic during fast? We will tell you in detail.
As per Hindu religion, food has been categorized into three parts-
- Raajasic Food
- Taamasic Food
- Saatvik Food.
Those who are seeking spiritual enlightenment are advised to stay away from Rajasic and Tamasic food as they evoke carnal desires and increase mental lethargy. Onions are also said to produce heat in the body. Therefore, they are avoided during the Navratri fasts. Onion along with garlic is also known as 'Rajogini' that refers to substances that make one lose grip over their instincts, making it difficult to distinguish between your desires and priorities.
On the other hand, there is a scientific reason for avoiding onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food as well. Sharad Navratri falls around the months of October-November which usually mark the transition period from autumn to winter. It is said that during this time of seasonal change, our immunity tends to decline and switching to light saatvik food that does not burden your digestive system helps. Eating saatvik food may also help in keeping away from toxins that may result in greasy, heavy or unhealthy food, and eventually cleanses our body of all impurities.
Food You can eat during Navratri fast
Flours and Grains
Buckwheat flour (Kuttu Ka Atta)
Water chestnut flour (Singhade Ka Atta)
Amaranth flour (Rajgira Ka Atta)
Barnyard millet flour (Sama Ke Chawal Ka Atta)
Barnyard millet (Sama Ke Chawal)
Arrowroot flour
Spices and Herbs you can use during Navratri
Cumin
Black pepper
Rock salt
Green cardamom
Cloves
Black peppercorns
Nutmeg
Dried pomegranate seeds
Ginger
Green chilli
Lemons
Carom seeds
Dry mango powder
Red chilli powder
Coriander and mint leaves
Curry leaves
Vegetables during Navratri
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Sweet potato
Colocasia
Yam
Raw banana
Raw or semi-ripe papaya
Tomatoes
Apart from these, you can also eat fruits, lotus seeds, dry fruits, sabudana, dairy products, sugar, honey, jaggery, tamarind, coconut milk and oil, melon seeds, peanuts and groundnut oil.