Overview

• Navratri runs from September 22 to October 2, with outlets rolling out practical, vrat-friendly meal plans and recipe roundups as the festival opens.
• Nutritionists recommend steady hydration, balanced plates with dairy and paneer for protein, and complex carbs like rajgira and samak, alongside moderate activity.
• Common fasting mistakes flagged include overreliance on sabudana and potatoes, skipping protein, leaning on packaged ‘vrat-safe’ snacks, and not rotating ingredients.
• Chefs and cafés are offering fast-friendly beverages that use natural sweeteners, with guidance to favor water, coconut water, herbal infusions, or lassi over frequent tea or coffee.
• Healthy-prep advice highlights steaming or boiling instead of deep frying, air-fryer snack ideas, portion control, and medical disclaimers for people with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.