Every year, as spring paves the way for summer, Hindus across the country begin preparations for one of the biggest religious festivals – Navratri. While there are a total of four Navratri in a period of one year, two of them – Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri are mainly celebrated in the country. According to the Gregorian calendar, Chaitra Navratri falls in the first month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, called Chaitra. It is a nine-day festival, and this year, it will start from 2nd April 2022 and will last till 11th April 2022, followed by Ashtami on the last day. The 9th day is celebrated as Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Rama.
Worship Timings:
Muhurta time (kalash installation): April 2, 2022 (Saturday) – from 6.22 am to 8.29 am
Total Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes
Abhijeet Muhurta of Ghatasthapana: April 2, 2022 – from 12.08 pm to 12.57 pm
Significance of Chaitra Navratri:
The nine days of Chaitra Navratri are dedicated to the worship of the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. Many people also observe fast on the first and last day or on all nine days. One must follow a sattvik diet, which restricts the consumption of onions, garlic, eggs, meat and alcohol. Many devotees also observe a fuller fast, forcing them to abstain from eating grains, cereals and legumes as well.
(Also Read: Chaitra Navratri: Here are 15 fasting-friendly recipes to try in this healthy Navratri meal plan,
Navratri 2022: During Navratri devotees observe fast and consume special food items.
Vrat-Special Diet for Chaitra Navratri:
Although there may be some limits on the foods that you can eat during the festival, you can still find many options that will satiate your hunger and appetite. Since there is a sharp change in the weather, it is advisable to eat light and easily digestible foods.
Here are the most popular fasting-friendly foods to be consumed during Navratri:
Fasting Potatoes:
Potatoes are cooked in a simple tomato gravy, in which mild spices and rock salt are added instead of table salt. Click here to see recipe.
Buckwheat Puri:
Buckwheat flour is famously eaten during Navratri. This dough has a distinct nutty flavor and is quite filling too. It is best paired with fasting potatoes. Click here for the recipe,
Sago Porridge:
Rice is replaced with sabudana to make this amazingly delicious khichdi. This khichdi is also topped with peanuts for that extra kick of flavor and nutrition. Click here for the recipe.
Samak Dosa:
This low-calorie dosa vrat-special samak is made with rice and singhara flour, and stuffed with a light yet delicious potato stuffing. Click here for the recipe.
Makhane Kheer:
Again, in this originally rice-based dessert, regular rice is omitted, and replaced with makhane (fox nuts). The soft and spongy makhane, cooked in a milk pan filled with sweet and dry fruits, is loved by everyone during Navratri, even if they are not fasting. Click here for the recipe.
Here it is – everything you need to know about Chaitra Navratri and how to celebrate this holy festival.
Happy Chaitra Navratri 2022!