Navratri is a nine-day period of fasting, devotion and prayer. The religious observance is commonly practiced in India and Nepal and falls in late September or early October. It commemorates the powerful Hindu goddess Durga and her victory over evil. During this time, people abstain from certain foods and drinks,including meat, alcohol and caffeine.
The traditional fast during Navratri specifically forbids the consumption of caffeine, but over the years, people have wondered whether it is still possible to drink coffee during a fast. Is it acceptable to drink coffee during a Navratri fast? Let’s take a look.
Background
Devout Hindu practitioners follow a set of dietary restrictions during Navratri. Only specially designated foods may be consumed, including dairy products, nuts, pulses and grains. Depending on your specific interpretation and the guidelines of your spiritual advisor, certain plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk may also be consumed.
In addition to abstaining from meat, alcohol and caffeine, most people do not eat onions and garlic during a Hindu fast. Onion and garlic are believed to be particularly fortifying foods during a period of spiritual practice and may thus be avoided altogether.
Coffee and Tea Explained
The rigidity of the guidelines is ultimately up to each individual practitioner and the advice they get from religious advisers. Caffeine is derived from natural products, either the kola nut or coffee bean. Some people believe that because caffeine is a natural product, it should not be avoided during a fast. They argue that consuming caffeine does not present any more of a challenge than consuming food with caffeine naturally. However, many religious advisers do not endorse this interpretation.
Tea consumption is somewhat more complicated. Most people agree that tea can be indulged in during a Navratri fast, as long as it is decaffeinated. Also, spiced and herbal teas are usually acceptable, as long as their ingredients does not include dairy, onion and garlic.
What Experts Say
Most religious leaders, scholars and practitioners advise against consuming coffee or any caffeinated beverages during a Navratri fast, arguing that it undermines the purpose and sanctity of the fast. Coffee is considered to be very stimulating and consuming it may prevent you from residing in a peaceful state of mind. The idea is to remain holistically focused while abstaining from certain indulgences, and caffeine can interfere with this frame of mind.
On the other hand, some religious scholars, including household names such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, approve of drinking coffee, as long as it is decaffeinated, during a fast.
Health Considerations
When it comes to coffee and health, evidence-based research is divided. Some agree that a moderate amount of coffee taken with precautions, such as no added sugar or milk, can be beneficial, while others think that all coffee should be avoided, as it can be taxing on your nervous system. As caffeine is a stimulant, it has the potential to disrupt sleep, and can cause headaches, stomach upset, and anxiety.
Summary
The consensus appears to be that, in the absence of definitive holy scriptures or clear religious guidelines on the matter, the decision to consume coffee (preferably decaffeinated coffee) is ultimately a matter of personal interpretation and conviction. Overall, the consensus seems to be that drinking a cup of coffee during a Navratri fast should be approached with caution.
How to Make the Right Choice
Because the interpretation of the guidelines can often be complicated, many people choose to abstain from coffee altogether. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re unsure, it is better and safer to abstain. Also, if you are trying to abstain from caffeine, you should find good alternatives like herbal or mellow teas, and even natural natural decaffeinated coffee.
In addition to abstaining from certain foods and drinks, it is important to ensure that your diet includes a good variety of foods. During a fast, try to fill up on nutrient-rich, fresh ingredients, like fruits, vegetables and nuts. Fruits like apples and oranges can provide a healthy boost, and many people add nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews to their diets. While nuts are generally allowed, however, some households forbid peanuts, so it’s best to check your local practice.
Finding Alternatives for Coffee
During a Navratrifast, it may be difficult to avoid the stimulating effects of coffee, but there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. For a more healing and calming experience, consider substituting coffee with relaxing herbal teas. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, but can still provide a robust flavour and energizing experience. Relaxing herbs like chamomile, catnip, and passionflower can be found in most health stores and may be beneficial to add to your diet during this period of fasting.
Research shows that fasting may be beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing. In addition to physical benefits, such as detoxification and improved digestion, fasting during Navratri also offers profound mental and spiritual benefits. Hindu scriptures emphasize the healing qualities of such fasts, and the daily rituals and practices associated with the fast can be beneficial for anyone who chooses to observe.
Since certain foods are not allowed on the fasting days, it is important to know how to cook their substitutes. Since onion and garlic are prohibited, some recipes may have to be altered a bit. The main goal should be to come up with magical recipes that will not only satisfy stomach and mind, but also give a spiritual experience. Some old recipes where herbal and other aromatic spices are used can offer a great deal of satisfaction. On the other hand, some traditional fast foods such as Kuttu ki Poori, Singhade ka Halwa, Sabudana Khichdi, Samak ke Chawal, Singhade ki Tikki, etc. should be kept in mind while fasting.
Caffeine can be a great support during work and study, but it is not recommended during a fast as it can actually interfere with the positive benefits of fasting. Instead, consider healthy sources of energy like matcha, kombucha or a cup ofadrakwala chai. These caffeine-free sources of energy can still help keep you alert and mentally active, without disrupting your digestive system.
During Navratri, most of the energy needs should be met through fasting foods. These foods should be both nutritious and sustaining, to help meet energy needs without adding unnecessary calories to the diet. Whole grains and nuts are great sources of sustenance and nutrition. A variety of fruits and vegetables should also be part of the weekly meal plan. These nutrient-rich foods can help keep the body healthy, energized and well-nourished during the fast.
