why are you not supposed to have onions and garlic during navratri blog banner The auspicious nine days of Shardiya Navratri and the festivities associated with it begins from 11th of October to 20th of October 2026. During the auspicious days of Navratri, devotees perform several spiritual activities and worship the nine, forms of Maa Durga, also called the NavDurga. Some observe complete fast while some takes satvik food and some avoid foods that contains onions and garlic.

It is believed that Goddess Durga blesses her devotees with strength, courage, prosperity, and protection from negative influences. As an act of devotion and spiritual discipline, many devotees observe Navratri fasts throughout the nine days. During this period, meals are prepared using ingredients that are traditionally permitted for vrat, such as kuttu flour, singhara flour, sabudana, fresh fruits, makhana, and sendha namak, while foods that are not considered suitable for fasting are avoided.

Why Avoid Onion and Garlic During Navratri Fasting?

If you’ve ever observed a Navratri fast, you’ve probably heard someone say, “No onions and garlic!” But have you ever wondered why? After all, both are vegetarian ingredients and are a part of everyday Indian cooking.

The answer lies in the traditional philosophy behind Navratri fasting. The purpose of the fast is not just to avoid certain foods—it is to cultivate self-discipline, simplicity, and a calm state of mind while focusing on prayer and spiritual practices. This is why devotees choose foods that are considered saatvik.

The Three Types of Food in Hindu Tradition

According to Ayurveda and traditional Hindu beliefs, foods are broadly classified into three categories based on the qualities they are believed to promote:
  • Saatvik food represents purity, balance, and freshness. It includes fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, nuts, seeds, and vrat-friendly ingredients that are considered light and nourishing.
  • Rajasic food is believed to stimulate activity and restlessness. It generally includes very spicy, oily, or heavily seasoned foods that excite the senses.
  • Tamasic food is associated with heaviness and lethargy. Stale, overly processed, fermented, or intoxicating foods are traditionally placed in this category.

So, Why Not Onion and Garlic?

Although onion and garlic are highly valued for their nutritional and medicinal benefits, many spiritual traditions classify them as rajasic or tamasic because they are believed to stimulate the senses rather than encourage a calm and meditative state of mind. Since Navratri is dedicated to devotion, self-restraint, and inner reflection, devotees avoid these ingredients to maintain a simple and saatvik diet throughout the fasting period.

There’s also a practical side to it. Navratri usually falls during a seasonal transition, when many people prefer lighter, easy-to-digest meals. Vrat foods made with fruits, milk, nuts, makhana, sabudana, kuttu, and singhara flour are gentle on the digestive system and align with the spirit of fasting.

It’s More Than Just a Food Rule

Think of it this way—avoiding onion and garlic during Navratri isn’t because they’re “bad.” If that were true, Indian kitchens would be in serious trouble for the rest of the year! Instead, it’s a temporary dietary discipline observed for nine days to support the spiritual intention of the festival. The focus shifts from satisfying cravings to practising mindfulness, devotion, and moderation.

So, the next time someone asks why there is no onion or garlic in your Navratri meal, you’ll know that it’s not just a recipe change—it’s a tradition rooted in spiritual symbolism, self-discipline, and mindful eating.