Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival and one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. During Navratri, people observe certain restrictions in keeping with religious beliefs such as fasting, abstaining from non-vegetarian foods, and abstaining from drinking coffee. But can we drink coffee during Navratri?
When the festival of Navratri begins, celebrations are marked by devotion to Goddess Durga, who stands for good in the battle between good and evil, and who is worshipped in each of the nine days of Navratri. During the Navratri, many people fast or observe other religious restrictions as a way of showing their devotion to the Goddess.
It is considered wrong to consume anything that may be considered an indulgence during this period of abstinence, including coffee. Hence, the majority of observant Hindus do not drink coffee during the festival. But coffee is seen as a staple beverage all over India, and many believe that it should be allowed to be consumed during Navratri. Government officials in Gujarat, India’s largest coffee-consuming state, have recently ruled that coffee is indeed allowed to be consumed during Navratri.
The argument in favour of coffee drinking is that it does not interfere with the religious customs of Navratri and that it should be considered as a social beverage. Some supporters even go as far as to argue that consuming coffee during Navratri actually improves your devotion to the Goddess. Coffee, they say, is a stimulant and can help keep the mind alert to further meditate on the divine power of the Goddess.
Herbal Tea as an Alternative to Coffee
If you are worried about whether it is right to drink coffee during Navratri, there is an alternative that is fully acceptable during festivals – herbal tea. Black tea, green tea and other herbal teas are appropriate for the duration of Navratri and are a good way to get your daily dose of caffeine.
Herbal teas are caffeine free and also offer other health benefits. They can help with digestion, detoxification, relaxation, weight loss and improving the immune system. Herbal teas made with herbs like holy basil, peppermint, rosemary and ginger are especially good for Navratri. They help energize your body, fight fatigue and provide essential nutrients.
Herbal teas can also be a great way to enjoy the different flavours of seasonal fruits, flowers and herbs. Many people also choose to make cold beverages using seasonal fruits and herbs like mango, mint and basil, which are sure to quench your thirst during these hot summer days.
If you do not want to consume coffee or herbal teas, there are several caffeine-free alternatives that can help keep your energy levels up and carry you through the day. Instead of relying on cups of coffee or tea, opt for fruits and nuts such as banana, almonds and hazelnut, as a way to get some energy.
Also, there are a variety of herbal concoctions that can help to give you energy during the course of the day. Some of the most popular ones are amla juice, aloe vera juice and jaljeera. These herbal drinks are available in bottled form or can also be made at home with ingredients like mint, ginger, black pepper, honey and lemon.
Apart from these, there are a number of other energy-enhancing foods that can be consumed during Navratri. These include fruits such as papayas and oranges, low-fat dairy products, oats and whole grains, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, garlic and ginger.
Navratri is also a time to focus on your spiritual wellbeing and cultivate self-awareness. A great way to do this is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of living that focuses on being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and emotions without judgment.
Practicing mindfulness during Navratri can help clear your mind, reduce stress and help you stay mindful and connected with your faith. It can also be a way to show your respect to the Goddess and deepen your spiritual practice.
Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, such as through yoga, meditation, journaling, spending time in nature and engaging in activities that provide you with joy and peace. Taking time out to connect with yourself can help you come back with clarity to the divine and experience a transformative journey during the nine days of Navratri.
Conclusion
It is up to you to decide whether or not you wish to consume coffee during Navratri. But whatever you decide, it is important to remember that the main point of Navratri is to pay homage to the Divine and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness. Whether or not you consume coffee or other caffeine-containing drinks, make sure to practice mindfulness and commemorate the festival of Navratri with peace and joy.
