Navratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is marked by nine nights of reverence, fasting, and various cultural practices.
Observing certain dos and don'ts during this sacred period is believed to enhance the spiritual experience and show respect to the divine.
While many are aware of the rituals to perform, it's equally important to know the things to avoid. Here's a list of 13 activities to steer clear of during Navratri to maintain the sanctity of the festival.
Key Takeaways
- Adherents should avoid sleeping on beds, engaging in negative behavior such as lying or getting angry, and participating in conflicts.
- Consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, and garlic is prohibited to maintain a pure and satvik diet.
- Personal grooming activities like cutting hair and nails are discouraged, as they are believed to displease the Goddess.
- Wearing black clothes, leather items, and using lemons are considered inauspicious and should be avoided during the festival.
- The purchase of sharp objects is not recommended as it goes against the festival's ethos of peace and reverence.
1) Sleeping on the Bed
During the auspicious days of Navratri, it is advised to embrace humility and simplicity. Sleeping on the ground rather than on a bed is a practice followed by many devotees. This act is seen as a form of penance and a way to connect with the earth's natural energy.
Emulating the ascetic lifestyle for these nine nights can be a profound experience, fostering spiritual growth and self-discipline.
While this may seem like a daunting change, it can be made comfortable with the use of simple mats or bedding. The key is to maintain a humble posture during the period of fasting and prayer.
2) Consuming Onion and Garlic
During Navratri, many devotees follow a strict diet that excludes certain foods believed to distract from spiritual practices. Onion and garlic are avoided as they are considered rajasic and tamasic, which can stimulate aggression and lethargy, respectively. These foods are thought to hinder the body's purification process that is central to the festival's observance.
Instead of these pungent ingredients, devotees are encouraged to use alternative flavorings such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom to season their meals. This practice not only aligns with the spiritual goals of Navratri but also supports a lighter, more sattvic diet.
Embracing a sattvic diet during Navratri can lead to a more focused and serene state of mind, which is conducive to meditation and prayer.
It's important to note that the dietary restrictions extend beyond personal nourishment, reflecting a broader commitment to purity and discipline during the holy period.
3) Eating Meat
During Navratri, many devotees adhere to a vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat as a form of respect and purification. Eating meat is considered inauspicious and contrary to the festival's emphasis on purity and spiritual growth.
While fasting or observing dietary restrictions, it's important to maintain a balanced diet. Here are some high-protein vegetarian alternatives to consider:
- Cottage cheese (Paneer)
- Legumes and pulses
- Nuts and seeds
- Dairy products like yogurt and milk
Ensure that you eat a major meal before sunset with alternate grains and minimum oil. This helps in maintaining energy levels and aligns with the traditional practices of the festival.
Staying hydrated is crucial, and one should avoid overindulging in fried snacks, as they can be counterproductive to the fast. Including fiber-rich vegetables like sweet potato and pumpkin can help keep you full and support your fast effectively.
4) Drinking Wine and Liquor
During Navratri, abstaining from alcohol is a common practice among devotees. Alcohol consumption is considered to detract from the spiritual and purifying aspects of the festival. It's a time for introspection and devotion, and maintaining a clear mind is essential for the spiritual activities involved.
Alcohol can disrupt the calm and focused state required for the rituals and prayers of Navratri.
Additionally, alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on the body, which is counterproductive when fasting is also a part of the observance. Instead, devotees are encouraged to consume hydrating beverages that support the body's needs during this period.
5) Wearing Leather Items
During the auspicious days of Navratri, it is advised to refrain from using items made of leather. Leather is derived from animal skin, and its use is considered disrespectful during this time of spiritual purity and devotion.
- Avoid purchasing new leather goods.
- Refrain from wearing leather accessories such as belts, shoes, and bags.
- Consider alternatives like cloth or synthetic materials.
The practice of abstaining from leather symbolizes a respect for all forms of life and aligns with the festival's emphasis on non-violence and reverence for nature.
6) Buying Sharp Objects
During Navratri, it is traditionally advised to refrain from purchasing sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and needles. These items are associated with the negative energy of violence and aggression, which contradicts the festival's focus on positivity and spirituality.
Avoiding the acquisition of sharp tools during this period is believed to help maintain the sanctity and peaceful atmosphere of the home.
- Sharp objects symbolize cutting or piercing, which can be seen as disruptive to the harmonious energy sought during Navratri.
- It is also thought that buying such items during the festival may bring bad luck or negative consequences.
The practice of not buying sharp objects is one of the many customs observed to ensure that the spiritual and purifying aspects of Navratri are upheld.
7) Engaging in Conflicts
Navratri is a time of spiritual reflection and inner peace, making it crucial to avoid engaging in conflicts. This period is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, and maintaining harmony is seen as an offering to the divine.
- Reflect on personal relationships and strive for resolution.
- Practice patience and understanding with others.
- Use the time to focus on positive interactions and community bonding.
During Navratri, it is especially important to foster a peaceful environment, as it reflects the sanctity of the occasion. Engaging in disputes or arguments can disrupt the spiritual atmosphere and is considered disrespectful.
Remember that Navratri celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga with special pujas and offerings. It's a time to incorporate music, dance, fasting, and feasting at home, and to engage children with educational activities. Concluding with Vijayadashami rituals signifies the triumph of good over evil, and maintaining peace throughout the festival is a testament to this victory.
8) Cutting Hair and Nails
During Navratri, many devotees adhere to the practice of not cutting their hair and nails. This tradition is rooted in the belief that hair and nails are extensions of the body, and maintaining them as they are helps to stabilize energy during this sacred period.
The act of refraining from such common activities is seen as a form of devotion to Maa Durga. It's a conscious choice to exercise restraint, fostering discipline and focus that are essential for spiritual growth.
Another reason often cited is the avoidance of negative energies. It is believed that cutting hair and nails during Navratri could invite negative influences and Maa Durga's wrath, contradicting the festival's essence of positivity and spiritual renewal.
By observing this practice, individuals reflect on the significance of self-control and the pursuit of inner change, aligning with the spiritual objectives of Navratri.
9) Wearing Black Clothes
During Navratri, it is customary to avoid wearing black clothes. This period is marked by vibrant festivities and the color black is often associated with negativity and inauspiciousness. Wearing bright and festive colors is encouraged as it reflects the celebratory nature of the occasion.
In addition to clothing, it is advised to refrain from using items made of leather. Leather, being a product of animal skin, is considered disrespectful during this sacred time. Devotees opt for alternatives that align with the spirit of reverence and non-violence inherent in the festival.
Navratri is a time of spiritual reflection and purification. Abstaining from black clothes and leather items is a way to honor the divine and embrace the positive energies of the season.
10) Using Lemon
During Navratri, it is advised to avoid the use of lemon in rituals or consumption. Lemons are believed to harbor goddess Lakshmi's presence, and their misuse could lead to financial setbacks or negative energy.
- Lemons are integral to many cleansing rituals.
- They are often used in 'puja' or worship as an offering.
- It's important to handle lemons with respect during this time.
While lemons are commonly used in daily life, during Navratri, their use is restricted to maintain the sanctity of the festival.
11) Lying
During the sacred period of Navratri, it is crucial to adhere to a path of truthfulness. Lying is considered a significant transgression that can tarnish the spiritual purity of this time. The festival emphasizes virtues and the purification of one's thoughts and actions.
Honesty is not just a moral choice but also a form of respect towards the Goddess and the sanctity of the festival.
Avoiding falsehoods is not only about refraining from telling lies but also about being genuine in your intentions and interactions with others. This practice helps in cultivating a transparent and positive atmosphere, which is in harmony with the festival's spirit.
12) Getting Angry
During the auspicious days of Navratri, it is advised to maintain a calm and peaceful demeanor. Getting angry is considered inauspicious and is believed to disrupt the spiritual harmony of the festival. Navratri is a time for positivity and spiritual growth, and anger can negate the efforts put into fasting and prayers.
Emotions play a crucial role in the observance of Navratri. It is a period when devotees seek to align themselves with the divine energy of Maa Durga. Anger, being a negative emotion, is thought to distance one from the Goddess's grace.
To help manage anger during Navratri, consider the following steps:
- Practice deep breathing or meditation.
- Engage in devotional activities, such as singing bhajans.
- Reflect on the stories of Maa Durga's compassion and patience.
- Avoid situations that may provoke frustration or irritation.
13) Insulting Women
Navratri is a time to honor the divine feminine energy, and insulting women during this period is considered highly disrespectful. This act not only goes against the spirit of the festival but also invites negative karma.
- Respect for women should be upheld at all times, especially during Navratri.
- Acknowledge the contributions of women in your life and society.
- Practice kindness and understanding towards all women.
Upholding the dignity of women aligns with the festival's emphasis on the Goddess's virtues. It is essential to create a positive environment that celebrates and reveres the feminine principle.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the things to avoid during Navratri, it's clear that this auspicious period calls for mindfulness and reverence in our actions, choices, and behaviors.
From abstaining from non-vegetarian food and alcohol to respecting the sanctity of the festival by not engaging in negative behaviors such as lying or getting angry, each point serves as a reminder to honor the divine essence of Navratri.
It's a time to embrace positivity, purity, and devotion, reflecting the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you're observing the festival through fasting, prayer, or simply being more conscious of your actions, let these guidelines help you cultivate a more meaningful and spiritually enriching Navratri experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we not sleep on the bed during Navratri?
During Navratri, it is believed that those who fast for nine days should avoid sleeping on the bed as a form of austerity and penance. Instead, they should sleep on the ground to show humility and devotion to Maa Durga.
What foods are prohibited during Navratri?
Onion, garlic, meat, wine, liquor, and other non-satvik foods are considered prohibited during Navratri. Devotees maintain a pure vegetarian diet and avoid these foods to honor the sanctity of the festival.
Is it okay to wear leather items during Navratri?
No, wearing or buying leather items is discouraged during Navratri because they are made from animal skin, and the festival promotes non-violence and respect for all forms of life.
Why should we avoid cutting hair and nails during Navratri?
Cutting hair and nails during Navratri is traditionally avoided as it is believed to offend Maa Durga. It is a time for purity and cleanliness, both internally and externally, and such acts are deferred until after the festival.
Can we wear black clothes during Navratri?
It is advised to avoid wearing black clothes during Navratri as black is often associated with negativity. The festival is a time for positivity and vibrant colors that reflect the joyous spirit of the celebrations.
Why is it important not to lie or get angry during Navratri?
Navratri is a time for self-reflection, positivity, and devotion. Lying and getting angry go against the virtues of honesty and peace that are emphasized during the festival. It is a period to improve oneself and maintain harmonious relationships.