Navratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga’s nine divine forms. This year, the auspicious nine-day Navratri festivities will begin on 30 March and conclude on 7 April 2025. Many people observe fasting during Navratri, abstaining from non-vegetarian food, whole wheat rotis, rice, and dals, and consuming only vrat-friendly foods. Grocery stores-both offline and online-are well-stocked with fasting essentials ahead of the festival. However, ensuring that the ingredients you purchase are pure and unadulterated is crucial. Before you buy kuttu ka atta or sendha namak, here are some key tips to help you select high-quality products.
Here Are 5 Tips To Purchase Quality Food Products For Navratri Fasting:
1. Flour Varieties
Ingredients like kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) are staples during Navratri fasting. To ensure their purity, keep these points in mind:
- Buy From Reputable Sources: Always purchase flours from trusted vendors or well-known brands.
- Check For Certification: Look for FSSAI certification on packaging to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Inspect Packaging: Ensure the flour is sealed properly and free from signs of moisture or contamination.
2. Spices
Spices enhance the flavour of Navratri dishes, but they are often prone to adulteration. Here is how you can check for quality:
- Prefer Whole Spices: Whole spices are less likely to be adulterated than powdered ones. Grind them at home for added freshness.
- Examine Appearance: Choose spices that are uniform in colour, size, and shape.
- Opt For Certified Products: Buy from brands that provide quality assurance and clear labelling.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy items like milk, paneer, ghee, and yoghurt are widely consumed during Navratri fasting. Here are some key pointers to check for purity:
- Select Pasteurised Milk: Always opt for pasteurised milk from reputable brands to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Check Texture And Smell: Paneer should have a fresh aroma, white colour, and firm texture. Avoid any that appear slimy or smell sour.
- Buy From Trusted Stores: Purchase dairy products from sources that maintain hygiene standards. If a new vendor offers products at a significantly lower price, check thoroughly before buying.
4. Fruits And Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential during Navratri fasting. Keep these three points in mind while shopping:
- Inspect Physical Appearance: Avoid produce that is discoloured, bruised, or shows signs of insect infestation.
- Wash Thoroughly: Rinse all fruits and vegetables under running water to remove dirt and pesticide residues.
- Consider Organic Produce: If possible, opt for organic fruits and vegetables to minimise exposure to harmful chemicals.
Also Read: When Is Chaitra Navratri? Enjoy These 5 Recipes While Fasting
5. Packaged Foods
When purchasing vrat-friendly snacks such as laddoo, namkeen, and chips, consider these essential checks:
- Read Labels Carefully: Ensure the ingredient list contains only fasting-approved items and no prohibited additives.
- Check Expiry Dates: Always check the shelf life to avoid consuming stale or expired products.
- Avoid Artificial Additives: Stay away from items with synthetic colours, artificial flavours, or preservatives.
Also Read: 6 Easy Navratri Recipes For First-Time Fasting
By following these simple yet effective checks while shopping, you can ensure that your Navratri meals are made with safe and high-quality ingredients. This will allow you to observe the festival and fasting rituals with complete peace of mind, without compromising on health.
