Navratri is a Hindu festival and an auspicious time to begin new things, works, jobs etc. This is the time when we devote ourselves to Durga Maa. Its called NAVratri as NAV denotes the NINE and Ratri means Night. Also, Nine represents nine forms of Mata Rani. It comes twice a year and quite many devotees are on fast for all nine days. Fasting these days helps connect to God and in the process of detoxification as well.
The fast is a way for devotees to purify their body and mind, seeking the goddess's blessings for strength, prosperity, and well-being. Each of the nine days is devoted to a different form of Durga, such as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, and Chandraghanta
Different regions of India have different ways to celebrate it and eat differently too. This collection of Navratri Recipes is inspired by North India, Haryana, and UP regions.
Jump to:
What Can We Eat In Navratri Fast?
During this period, we avoid onion, garlic, certain grains and spices and stick to a specific diet. Navratri fasting recipes are made using ingredients like buckwheat flour (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and barnyard millet (sama ke chawal).
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are also popular choices for meals during this time. Instead of regular salt, rock salt (sendha namak) is used in most recipes.
These fasting recipes are simple, light, and nourishing, helping you stay energized throughout the day.
From filling meals like aloo ki sabzi with kuttu puri to lighter options like fruit salads and sabudana khichdi, Navratri recipes offer a variety of flavors without the usual spices.
Sweets like kheer made with sabudana or sama rice are also enjoyed.
Navratri Recipes
Find easy and delicious recipes that are simple to make and keep you energized during the fasting day. There can be a few ingredients that might not be used in your family, pls feel free to omit them.
Roasted Makhana
This elegant recipe of Roasted Makhana or Phool Makhana involves slow roasting of makhana dunked in desi ghee for a quick healthy snack! Made in two ways- salted and caramelized with sugar, these crunchy makhanas are going to be your favorite ones soon!
Sweet Potato/ Shakarkandi Chaat
A humble blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, this Sweet Potato Chaat is made by slowly roasting sweet potatoes on the stovetop and topping them with curd, black pepper, green chutney, saunth, coriander leaves, and pomegranate seeds!
Makhana Kheer
This humble grain-free milk creamy Indian pudding or Kheer made from lotus seeds- Foxnuts or Makhana, is addictive and amazingly delicious. Made mostly in Navratri Vrat, this Makahne ki kheer, flavored with cardamom and desi ghee, is a perfect dessert for kids!
Makhana Chaat
Makhana Chaat is a light and flavorful snack, perfect for Navratri. Made with roasted makhana (fox nuts or lotus seeds), this chaat is a delicious blend of crunchy makhana, Tamarind and green chutney, pomegranate seeds, rock salt, black pepper, and lemon juice! You won't believe it's a fasting food!
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi or Sago Khichdi is one of the popular recipes of India for the fasting season of Navratri, Ekadashi, or Shivratri in which people avoid taking any grains or cereals. They keep us full longer and are easy on the stomach, which is ideal for any fasting meal.
Kaddu Halwa
Pumpkin Halwa or Kaddu Ka Halwa is an traditional Indian Vrat sweet made with raw green Pumpkin, dry fruits and desi ghee by slowly cooking pumpkin. This easy recipe of kaddu halwa can be made on stove top or in pressure cooker and gathers in no time!
Coconut Nariyal Burfi
The perfect burfi is made with basic ingredients: dried coconut grated, whole milk, sugar, and ghee. Made without milk powder, heavy cream, sugar syrup, coconut milk, or condensed milk, this tastes superb with a simple yet amazing coconut flavor. The same recipe can be made with fresh coconut or desiccated coconut.
Samvat Pulao / Khichdi
A simple homemade easy recipe of Navratri Samvat Pulao flavored with peanuts and green chillies.
Sweet Potato Pan fried
These Easy Sautéed Sweet Potatoes are amazingly crispy from the outside and soft and mushy within!
Kacche Kele Ki Subji
Kacche Kele Ki Subji/ Raw Banana Subji is a popular south Indian poriyal dishes. Its a simple recipe and one can always adjust the ingredients and spices as per their beliefs.
For Durga Ashtami / Navmi Prasad
Poori Recipe
Made with just 3 main ingredients, this Simple Poori Recipe is perfected over the years and is an authentic Indian unleavened bread. Team it with Aloo Subji or Chickpea Curry for a hearty Indian Meal!
Suji Halwa with Mango
This melt-in mouth Mango Kesari Halwa is an Indian traditional delicacy that is flavored with fresh mango, ghee, saffron, and cardamom. (Pls skip mangoes for making Ram Navmi Prasad)