Many people fast during Navratri, either for all nine days or on the first and last day. Rules vary from family to family, so follow your own household's tradition. Below are the practices most homes follow.
What is usually eaten
Buckwheat flour (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhara), amaranth (rajgira), barnyard millet (samak) and sago (sabudana) take the place of grains. Vegetables such as potato, sweet potato, colocasia, pumpkin and bottle gourd, all fruits, milk, curd, paneer, makhana, peanuts and dry fruits are eaten. Rock salt (sendha namak) is used in place of regular salt.
What is usually avoided
Wheat, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, regular salt, meat and alcohol are avoided. Some families also skip turmeric and certain spices.
Look after your health
Eating a lot of fried food at once after a full day without food can upset your stomach. Have fruit, coconut water and buttermilk through the day. If you have diabetes, blood pressure or any other condition, or if you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before fasting.