Stay Energized During Navratri: Top Fasting Tips and Drinks

As the Navratri festival approaches, devotees are preparing to honor Maa Durga with a nine-day period of fasting and spiritual rejuvenation. This vibrant celebration not only involves rituals and prayers but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper hydration and nutrition during fasting. For many participants, fasting includes abstaining from grains, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol, while focusing on fruits, dairy, and specific grains like buckwheat or water chestnut flour.

The festival, which begins on March 15, 2024, calls for a delicate balance between spiritual practices and physical well-being. Experts stress that adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day, particularly for those who limit their food intake. To support this, nutritious beverages can play a vital role, providing essential nourishment while keeping participants active during the festivities.

Essential Beverages for Fasting

During the nine-day fast, the right drinks can help maintain electrolyte balance and provide necessary nutrients. Many devotees consume just one meal a day, making beverages like milkshakes and lassis critical for hydration and energy.

Chef Nikita Varma, a culinary consultant from Delhi, emphasizes the importance of these drinks: “Many drinks hydrate, nourish, and satisfy the taste buds. Milkshakes made with fruits like mango, strawberries, and bananas are filling. Adding dry fruits like soaked almonds, figs, and dates to your Navratri drinks provides energy.” Traditional beverages such as lassi and fresh fruit punch serve as wholesome choices, offering hydration and a boost of energy.

Fasting is not just a spiritual experience but also a detoxifying process. According to Chef Ishita Shah, Sous Chef at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, modern dietary trends have made fasting more accessible. “Lactose-free diets are now a lifestyle choice, with plant-based options like almond, soy, and coconut milk gaining popularity. These beverages are nutritious and support a natural detox for the body,” she says.

Regional Varieties to Explore

India’s diverse culinary landscape offers a plethora of invigorating fasting drinks. Regional specialties vary significantly, enhancing the experience of Navratri. “In the North, it’s badam milk and thandai; in the South, options like Nannari sherbet and Panakam are popular,” Chef Shah adds.

These drinks not only reflect tradition but also provide vital nutrients. For instance, coconut water with Sabja seeds, bottle gourd juice, and refreshing aam panha can help maintain hydration levels. Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior Clinical Nutritionist at Aster RV Hospital, advises avoiding highly sweetened drinks and tetra pack juices, which often contain preservatives. Instead, she suggests consuming hydrating fruits like watermelon and oranges.

Restaurants and cafes are also adapting to the festive season by offering fasting-friendly beverages. Executive Chef Ashok Singh Tanwar from Fairfield By Marriott in Jaipur highlights the use of natural sweeteners like jaggery and date syrup. “These innovations cater to fasting rituals while aligning with the growing preference for wellness-focused menus,” he explains.

Maintaining hydration is essential to avoid fatigue or dizziness during fasting days. Aditi Prasad Apte emphasizes the importance of drinking water, especially infused options like mint or lemon water. To support sustained energy during the festival, she recommends limiting coffee and tea intake to two cups per day to prevent bloating and dehydration.

For those embracing the Navratri fast, focusing on hydration and essential nutrients is key to a fulfilling spiritual experience. Here are a few suggested recipes for nutritious drinks that align with fasting traditions.

Golden Latte
(Courtesy Chef Ishita Shah, Sous Chef at Jio World Convention Centre)
– 1 cup full-fat milk (or almond/coconut milk)
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– A pinch of black pepper powder
– 3 Medjool dates
– A pinch of cardamom powder
– Dash of vanilla and rock salt

Instructions:
1. Heat the milk on low flame. Add turmeric and black pepper, stirring well. Simmer for 3 minutes.
2. Turn off the flame, cool slightly, then blend with dates, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add ice cubes, sprinkle cardamom, and serve.

Satvik Watermelon Basil Chia Cooler
(Courtesy: Executive Chef Ashok Singh Tanwar)
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh watermelon cubes (de-seeded)
– 8 fresh basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1/2 cup chilled water
– 1 teaspoon honey or jaggery (optional)
– Ice cubes as needed

Instructions:
1. Rinse and soak chia seeds in water for about 20 minutes.
2. In a blender, add watermelon cubes and basil leaves. Strain if a smoother texture is preferred.
3. Add honey/jaggery if desired. In serving glasses, add soaked chia seeds at the bottom, pour the juice over, and add ice cubes.

Coconut Lassi
(Courtesy Chef Nikita Varma)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup curd
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh coconut
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 5 soaked peeled almonds
– Chopped nuts

Instructions:
1. Blend curd, coconut milk, grated coconut, honey, cardamom powder, and almonds until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass, garnish with fresh coconut and nuts, and serve chilled.

As devotees prepare for this enriching festival, focusing on nutrition and hydration will allow them to fully engage in both the spiritual and social aspects of Navratri.