Navratri, dedicated to the 9 forms of Goddess Durga, will begin Sep 26, 2022, & end on Oct 5, with Dussehra. Devotees of Maa Durga observe fasts during this 9-day festival. Here are the dos & don'ts to follow during the festival.

Avoid tamasic food, non-vegetarian food and alcohol

Do not cut your hair or shave during Navratri celebrations

Use sendha namak or rock salt instead of table salt for preparing dishes

Use pure ghee or peanut oil instead of seed based or refined oil for preparing food

Garlic and onion are strictly avoided in the preparation of dishes

Avoid eating wheat and rice and go for alternatives such as Kuttu ka atta, Singhade ka atta, amaranth flour, Bajra and Sabu dana

Use of food items such as phaliyaan, rice flour, all-purpose flour, cornflour, lentils, and semolina are also restricted during the festival

Keep the house and surroundings clean. Shower daily before you start the day, prepare prasad and offer food to Goddess Durga.

Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana is an extremely significant ritual & should be done on day 1 when the Pratipada is prevailing

A diya has to be kept in front of the deity every day while girls are served food & worshipped on the last day as they considered Navdurga. Also chant Durga aartis, mantras and shlokas.