The festive season has begun and it’s finally one of my most awaited festivals, Navratri. It is that time of the year when the streets are filled with blingy lights and there are colourful twirls all around. Navratri is a festival celebrated in India, in which people worship Maa Durga and fast for nine days. Apart from the religious rituals, Navratri is also known for Garba Dance. People dressed in colourful outfits, with dandiya in hand and dancing to Graba songs, is what typical Navratri looks like. Even after moving to the UK, it is still one of my favourite festivals and I still get excited for it like I used to get back home in India. So, here I am going to talk about all things Navratri, from outfit ideas & Navratri songs to what to eat while fasting, keep reading. Checkout more festive content here.
Navratri Outfit Ideas
Navratri outfits are all about colours. Bright red, yellow, orange, green are all the shades that will look the best while you’re dancing your heart on your favourite songs. Here are some of the outfit ideas that’ll make you stand out in the crowd and rock this Navratri.
1. Chaniya Choli
Nothing screams Dandiya night like a lovely, flowy chaniya choli and it is without a doubt one of the most common attire among girls. You can opt for a basic chaniya choli or you if you want something with an oomph factor; you can go for one like Deepika wore in Ramleela. You can further glam up your looks by adding some silver jewellery and you are good to go.
2. Dhoti Pants with Kurti
If chaniya choli is not your calling then go for something like Alia is wearing. Just pair your dhoti pants with a Kurti and throw on a jacket on top and tada. You can even wear a crop top with dhoti pants, and it will look just as good. This look is fun, comfy and so easy to carry. Pair it with juttis and chunky earrings and you are ready.
3. Denim with ethnic top
If you are someone who loves their denim and doesn’t like to go all traditional, then this look is just for you. Take inspiration from Sara Ali Khan and pair your bright ethnic top with your favourite denim and be ready to rock the Garba night. This look is super chic, effortless and doesn’t require much investment. Complete your look with a pair of juttis and dance the night away.
4. Lehenga or long skirt with Shirt
I bet all the girls out there have a lehenga in their wardrobe that they have worn once and now it’s just lying there waiting to be rescued. Well, now is the best time to take out that lehenga and put it to use this Navratri. Pair your lehenga skirt with a shirt like Daisy Shah or crop top, add some chunky silver jewellery and you will be ready to take over the night.
5. Long ethnic dresses
Ethnic dresses are something that look super elegant and classy. They are so versatile and they look so good no matter what occasion you wear them on. For the Garba night, you can go for a floor-length dress like Athiya, add some silver jewellery, jutties and that’s it, your look is complete. If you want to dress it up more, you can add an ethnic Indian belt to accentuate the waist.
Top 10 Garba Songs
Now that your dandiya night outfit is sorted, it’s time to move to the next thing that is vital for Navratri are the songs that’ll get you grooving instantly. I still remember my college times when I used to dance for straight 2-3 hours just because I enjoyed the music so much. Here is a list of top 10 Garba songs that you should add to your garba playlist or here the one I have created for you.
- Nagada Sang Dhol Baaje – Ramleela
- Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
- Rangtaali – Jankee ft. Arpan Mahida
- Udi Udi Jaye – Raees
- Chhabilo – Jankee ft. Arpan Mahida
- Chogada – Loveyatri
- Shubhaarambh – Kai Po Che!
- Radhe Radhe – Dream Girl
- Odhani – Made in China
- Kamariya – Mitron
Heathy Foods during Fasting
Apart from all the fun, dance and colourful outfits, fasting is also an essential part of fasting and it is vital to do it in the right way as you don’t want it to take a toll on your health. There are many things that are restricted during the Navratri fast, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your health. In fact, there are a lot of healthy options out there and also I think these 9 days are the best time to give your body that much needed break and get rid of unhealthy toxins. Here are a few things that I like to have while fasting.
1. Roasted Makhanas/Lotus Seeds
Roasted Makhanas are the most common fasting food out there, thanks to their nutritional value. Just roast them for 10-15 mins until they get crunchy, add chilli powder, chaat masala and they are done. Makhanas are great for maintaining good heart health, removing toxins from the body and improving digestive health.
2. Fruit Salad
It is good to add fruits to your daily diet, but during fasting, it becomes even more important as they are the healthiest thing to consume while fasting. Fruits are great to provide your body with the much-needed energy and are a great source of vitamins. Just chop some fruits of your choice, sprinkle some chaat masala and enjoy.
3. Dry Fruits
Dry fruits are packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats and are perfect to get those extra health benefits during fasting and also help in improving the immune system. You can roast them in ghee for 10 mins or have them as it is. They are nutritional, wholesome and will keep you full for a long time.
4. Boiled/Roasted Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre, minerals & vitamins and therefore it’s nice to have them while fasting. Boil or roast the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes, cut them into small pieces, sprinkle chaat masala, drizzle some lemon juice if you like and enjoy your sweet-savoury chaat.
5. Lots of water
Consuming extra water during fasting is essential as it keeps you hydrated. 20% of your body water level comes from food and that’s why drinking lots of water compensates for the fluids lost due to fasting. Water will also keep you full and you’ll feel less hungry. You should drink at least 7-8 litres of water while fasting.
So, here it is your complete guide to kick-start Navratri. I am all ready to enjoy the festive season to the fullest and I am sure you are too. Let me know how you like this blog and also how you celebrate Navaratri in the comments below.
