Explore all important Navratri puja rituals, tithis, timings and rules for fasting

Navratri is an auspicious and vibrant festival that is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. During the festivities, while we love wearing colorful clothes, playing garba, fasting, and engaging in puja ceremonies, there are various lesser-known facts and rituals that we tend to forget. Hence, to enhance the devotional experience during this nine-day festival, here is the list of ‘5 interesting things about Navratri that you did not know’ straight from the desk of Sri Mandir, India’s leading devotional tech platform, providing users with access and convenience to all devotional requirements.

1. The Power of SankalpWhy One Small Step Transforms Worship Ever wonder why taking Sankalp before fasting or prayer is emphasized in ancient scriptures? It’s more than a ritual. By consciously pledging yourself and recognizing the deity, you strengthen a mystical bond that elevates your spiritual journey, turning a simple act into a powerful connection.
2. Fasting Rules You Never Knew Could Unlock Spiritual GrowthFasting isn’t just about skipping meals—it’s a profound spiritual discipline. The secret lies in mastering virtues like forgiveness, truthfulness, and compassion. Combine this with cleansing rituals, charity, and a mind firmly rooted in contentment, and you’re embracing the true essence of fasting, according to ancient wisdom.
3. Ever Wondered Why Navratri Colors Change Daily? There’s a Deeper Meaning Each day of Navratri is bathed in a unique color, but it’s not just for aesthetics. From the joy-filled yellow of day one to the powerful red of the final days, these colors represent the different energies of the goddess. Wearing them connects you to her divine attributes like harmony, power, and prosperity.
4. Navratri and the Harvest: A Forgotten Celebration of Nature’s BountyWhile Navratri is known for its devotion and dance, its roots also lie in celebrating the harvest. As fields flourish, this festival becomes a tribute to nature’s gifts—a beautiful reminder of the goddess’s role in nourishing both earth and spirit.
5. Ayudha Puja: Why Navratri’s Final Day Honors Everything from Tools to TechOn the ninth day, did you know people honor their work tools? In South India, Ayudha Puja isn’t limited to traditional items like plows and vehicles—today, computers and even software books are revered! It’s a symbolic gesture of gratitude towards the things that help us thrive.With the help of a platform like Sri Mandir app, accessing pujas and offering Chadhava has become more convenient than ever. Featuring a wide range of over 50 temples, it allows devotees to participate in rituals and make offerings from the comfort of their homes.

During the holy festival of Navratri, the devotees observe a fast to seek blessings and purify not only one’s body but also one’s soul. The emphasis is on sattvic foods that are pure, wholesome, and have natural ingredients to satisfy both the body and soul. During this period, people consume less processed ingredients, and here is why:

1. Naturally Sourced & Pure Salt is one of the key ingredients that balances taste in any dish. Since, many choose Sendha Namak/Pink Salt during this period, Aashirvaad Himalayan Pink Salt can be a great choice. It’s naturally pink, contains calcium and magnesium, and is free from any added colours. The salt’s minimal processing enhances flavour and ensures purity, while its multi-layer packaging keeps it fresh and visible through a transparent strip.
2. Improved DigestionNavratri fasting encourages the intake of foods that help digestion and keep the gut healthy. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables form a significant part of the fibre content in the Navratri diet. Since such food is minimally processed, digestion remains smooth. Besides, they tend to make you feel full and avoid cravings for longer during the fast.
3. Avoidance of Preservatives and AdditivesNavratri is the time for cleaning both spiritually and physically. Many devotees try to avoid exposure to preservatives, artificial colours, and additives. By using only minimally processed ingredients, they are aligning their diet with purity to ensure a clean and wholesome experience.
4. Increased Flavour and FreshnessNatural ingredients in their near-natural state promise much more vibrant flavours, scents, and textures. Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices create flavour profiles for Navratri meals making it not just healthier but also more delicious, supporting both one’s diet and spiritual mindfulness during this sacred period.

Incorporating these into one’s regimen of fasting food would make the process not only healthier but also more palatable; therefore, absolutely striking a balance between spiritual consciousness and the joy of eating. These minimum elements of processing make the followers of Navratri maintain their physical and spiritual being so that every meal is healthy, connected to the deeper meaning of the festival.