Shardiya Navratri Fast Rules: Sharadiya Navratri, the grand festival of worshipping Shakti, begins this year on September 22, 2025. During this nine-day festival, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Millions of devotees observe fasts during these nine days to please the Goddess and seek her blessings.

However, the Navratri fast is not limited to fasting; it is a rigorous spiritual practice that emphasizes the purification of body, mind, and soul. According to the scriptures, the full and desired results of the fast are achieved only when it is observed with complete rituals and strict rules. If you are also observing a fast during this Navratri, be sure to follow these five important rules.
Following a Satvik Diet
The first and most important rule of the Navratri fast is to eat a Satvik diet. Consumption of Tamasic and Rajasic foods, such as meat, alcohol, eggs, garlic, and onions, is strictly prohibited during these nine days. During the fast, consume only fruits, milk, yogurt, and fasting grains like buckwheat and water chestnuts. Use rock salt instead of common salt in your food. Satvik food keeps the mind calm and pure, which is essential for spiritual practice.
Observe celibacy
Observing celibacy during the fast is considered essential. The purpose of this practice is to conserve your energy and channel it into spirituality, deepening your devotion.
Purity of conduct
The nine days of Navratri are for self-control and self-reflection. During this time, maintain complete purity in your conduct. Avoid lying, anger, gossip, or using abusive language. Maintain gentleness in your speech and behavior. Hurting someone's feelings diminishes the virtue of the fast, so maintain a feeling of love and harmony towards everyone.
Cleanliness and sleeping on the ground
Take special care of cleanliness during these nine days. Bathe daily, wear clean clothes, and keep the place of worship clean. According to beliefs, cutting hair or nails is also prohibited during these days. Additionally, many devotees, as a symbol of renunciation of ego and simplicity, sleep on the floor, spreading a clean sheet instead of a bed. This signifies devotion and sacrifice to the Goddess.

Daily Worship and Prayer for Forgiveness
The devotee observing the fast should worship the Goddess, chant mantras, and perform aarti (sacred prayer) both morning and evening. If possible, recite the Durga Saptashati. At the end of the puja, pray for forgiveness from the Goddess for any mistakes committed, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Only by following these rules with complete devotion will the fast be successful, and with the infinite grace of Goddess Durga, one attains the desired results.
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