Fasting during Navaratri is seen as a season for both psychological and physical renewal. While what one consumes varies across regions and communities, several food groups such as meat, eggs, onion, and garlic are commonly abstained from. “A vegan or plant-based diet, free of eggs, meat, and other animal-based foods, is comparably better during this period.  One of the important principles behind the nine-day religious festival is that animal cruelty-free consumption should be practised,” says dietician, and founder of Fisico Diet Clinic, Vidhi Chawla.

While sabudana is popular among fasting devotees, there are a number of other foods one can try. Chawla recommends including green leafy vegetables which are strong in zinc, calcium, iron, or nuts and fruits high in vitamins and minerals in your fasting diet. Below, she shares three simple vegan recipes that will leave you satiated.