Grains: Regular grains like wheat, rice, oats, and barley are not allowed. Instead, alternatives like buckwheat (kuttu) or water chestnut flour (singhara) are consumed.
Legumes and Lentils: Lentils, pulses, and beans are generally avoided during Navratri fasting. This includes chickpeas, kidney beans, and other legumes.
Onion and Garlic: These are considered "tamasik" (producing negative energy) and are avoided during fasting as they are thought to affect one's spiritual practice.
Non-Vegetarian Food: Meat, fish, eggs, and any animal-derived products are strictly forbidden during Navratri fasts to maintain spiritual purity.
Regular Salt: Instead of regular salt, sendha namak (rock salt) is used, as it is considered pure and suitable for fasting.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks are avoided to maintain mental clarity and spiritual focus.