Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, and concludes with Dussehra on October 20. These nine days are dedicated to the nine forms of Maa Durga and are observed through prayer, fasting, temple visits and family traditions.

Navratri food practices vary widely. Some people observe a fast on selected days, while others follow vrat food rules for all nine days. Ingredients accepted during the fast also differ between homes, so always follow your family’s customary practice.

Prepare Your Navratri Pantry in Advance

Festival cooking becomes much easier when basic ingredients are organised before Navratri begins. Check your stock of samak rice, sabudana, makhana, rajgira atta, sendha namak, peanuts, ghee and dry fruits.

Store vrat ingredients separately if that is part of your household practice. Clean containers and clearly labelled packs prevent confusion during busy festival days.

Easy Navratri Vrat Food Ideas

1. Samak Rice Pulao

Cook samak rice with potato, peanuts, jeera, green chilli and sendha namak. Finish with coriander and lemon according to your family’s vrat rules.

2. Sabudana Khichdi

Soak sabudana carefully so the pearls remain separate. Cook with roasted peanuts, potato, jeera and sendha namak. The soaking step decides everything. Sabudana remembers every mistake.

3. Roasted Makhana

Roast makhana slowly in ghee and season lightly with sendha namak and black pepper if permitted in your household. It can also be combined with chopped kaju and badam.

4. Rajgira Atta Poori

Rajgira atta can be combined with boiled potato to prepare a workable dough. Roll carefully and fry in hot oil or ghee.

5. Makhana Kheer

Roast makhana in ghee, crush it lightly and simmer it with milk. Add sugar or mishri, elaichi and chopped dry fruits.

6. Sabudana Kheer

Cook soaked sabudana in milk and add elaichi, kaju and badam. Serve it warm or chilled according to preference.

A Simple Navratri Meal Plan

Rotate a few dependable dishes instead of preparing something complicated every day:

• Samak rice pulao
• Sabudana khichdi
• Rajgira poori with potato curry
• Roasted makhana
• Makhana or sabudana kheer
• Fruit and dry fruit platter

This keeps the menu varied without turning the kitchen into a nine-day cooking competition.

Navratri Essentials from Dinesh Flour Mills

Explore Dinesh Flour Mills Samak Rice, Sabudana, Makhana, Rajgira or Amaranth Atta, Sendha Namak, Peanuts, A2 Gir Cow Ghee, Kaju, Badam, Mishri and Elaichi for your Navratri preparations.

Always check the individual product label and follow the fasting customs observed by your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Navratri begin in 2026?

Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Is regular rice used during Navratri fasting?

Regular rice is avoided in many vrat traditions. Samak rice, also known as barnyard millet, is commonly used instead. Practices may vary.

Which salt is commonly used in Navratri food?

Sendha namak is traditionally used in many Navratri vrat preparations.

Can makhana be used during Navratri?

Makhana is commonly included in Navratri fasting menus, but household traditions should always be followed.