Navratri 2017: What Foods can you eat while Fasting (Vrat) ? Why is it forbidden to eat Onion and Garlic during fast?

Navratri 2017  has started on Thursday and from this day to 29th September, many Hindu households will denounce using onion and garlic while preparing meals. During the entire course of Navratri, Hindus refrain from eating onions, garlic and non-vegetarian. But do you know the reason why it is forbidden to have onion and garlic during fast? We will tell you in detail. 

In Hindu religion, food has been categorised into three parts, Raajasic food, Taamasic food and Saatvik food. Those who are seeking spiritual enlightenment are advised to stay away from Rajasic and Tamasic food as they evoke desires and increase mental lethargy. 

Saatvik food is advised for spiritual benefits. All vegetarian food items (Except few) fall under this category. Onion and garlic, on the other hand, are tamasic in nature. They create intense sexual energy. Hence, its consumption is avoided during Navratri, as it is the time when you try to inculcate mental discipline in life. 

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.