6 things you should AVOID doing during Navratri

Indian festivals are incomplete without the food, the festivities, and all that masti majaa. However, along with the fun, there are also a few things that most people say must be avoided during specific days and festivals.

With Navratri beginning today, here are a few things that you must refrain from doing these 9 days of festivities. While many of you might not agree with them, these are mostly avoided by people who do pooja every day and fast on all nine days.

1. Cut your hair/nails

While no one knows whether this has been scientifically proven or not, many traditional families still follow this ritual of not cutting your hair and nails during these nine auspicious days.

2. Telling lies or using foul language

While this is something that you must not be doing on other days as well, many people say that since Goddess Durga lies, deceit and foul language angers Goddess Durga, which is why you must not avoid doing the same during Navratri.

3. Eating Non-veg/eggs

While in Bengalis fish is a part of the bhog that is offered to Maa Durga (except in Ashtami), most traditional families belonging to the north of India refrain from eating non-vegetarian food and eggs during Navratri.

This is because these food items are not a part of the Satvik diet which is what most Indians follow during the nine days. The Satvik diet aims to detox the body and cleanse the soul which is why it is recommended during Navratri.

4. Consuming alcohol

Hindus believe that consuming alcohol during any holy ceremony or festival must be completely avoided and the same should be followed during Navratri as well.

5. Onions and Garlic

As they are Tamaasic in nature Ayurvedic texts say that onions and garlic should be avoided during a season change which is when Navratri falls. This is because they heat up the body from within and might result in an illness.

Besides, onions and garlic are not a part of the Satvik diet, which aims to spiritually heal you from inside.

6. Having sex

This is particularly applicable to those who read the Durga Saptashi and observe the nine days fast as it is said that having unholy thoughts in the mind dissolves the purity of the purpose.

Read: Why the Navratri diet is the best DETOX diet if done properly