Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated over a period of nine nights and ten days, typically occurring in the autumn season. The word "Navratri" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Nav" meaning nine and "Ratri" meaning night. During Navratri, Hindus worship the various forms of the goddess Durga, also known as Shakti or Devi, who symbolizes divine feminine energy and power.      

Navratri is observed with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and in many other parts of the world where Hindu communities reside. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different manifestation of Goddess Durga, and different regions of India have their unique ways of celebrating the festival.

Navratri fasting, or Navratri vrat, is a significant aspect of the festival for many devotees. During this period, individuals observe certain dietary restrictions and abstain from consuming certain foods as a mark of reverence, penance, and purification.              

        

Here are some popular Navratri recipes that are typically consumed during the fasting period:

1. Sabudana Khichdi: Made from tapioca pearls (sago), Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting dish. It's prepared with soaked sabudana, peanuts, potatoes, and seasoned with cumin seeds, green chilies, and lemon juice.

2. Kuttu Ki Puri: Kuttu (buckwheat) flour is commonly consumed during Navratri. Kuttu ki puri is a deep-fried bread made from buckwheat flour, water, and sometimes mashed potatoes. It's served with yogurt or potato curry.

3. Singhare Atte Ka Halwa: Singhare (water chestnut) flour is another staple during Navratri fasting. Singhare atte ka halwa is a sweet dish made from water chestnut flour, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.

4. Aloo Jeera: This simple yet delicious dish consists of boiled potatoes sautéed with cumin seeds (jeera), green chilies, and other spices. It's a common side dish during Navratri fasts.

5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing and healthy option for Navratri fasting is a fruit salad made with a variety of fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, pomegranates, and grapes. It can be garnished with lemon juice and a sprinkle of rock salt.          

6. Makhana (Fox Nut) Snacks: Makhana, or fox nuts, are commonly consumed during fasting periods. They are roasted or fried until crispy and seasoned with rock salt, black pepper, and other spices.

7. Samak Rice Khichdi: Samak rice, also known as barnyard millet, is another popular grain consumed during Navratri fasting. Samak rice khichdi is prepared similar to regular khichdi, with the addition of cubed potatoes, peanuts, and minimal spices.

8. Kesar Elaichi Lassi: A refreshing drink made from yogurt, saffron (kesar), cardamom (elaichi), and sugar. It's a soothing beverage to accompany the fasting meals.