Navratri 2025: 9 foods to avoid during festival

Onions and garlic are prohibited as they are believed to enhance tamas and interfere with spiritual discipline.

Coffee in some fasting traditions is prohibited since it is considered heavy and difficult to digest during Navratri.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited as it interferes with spiritual discipline and fasting rules.

In some fasting traditions, pulses, including lentils and chickpeas, can be prohibited during Navratri.

In fasting traditions, white sugar and sweets made from sugar can be restricted.

Grains like rice, wheat, or corn are avoided unless mentioned in fasting recipes.

Meats such as chicken, fish, and eggs are prohibited during the nine days of fasting.

Fermented foods like curd pickles and vinegar are avoided to maintain a sattvic diet and digestive balance.

Processed and junk foods are prohibited as they are heavy and may destroy the purity of the fast.