Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival and during this time, many devotees observe a fast , abstaining from certain foods , including onion and garlic . While the primary reason for this avoidance is rooted in spiritual beliefs, there are also some scientific underpinnings that support this practice. Spiritual Beliefs Tamasic Nature: According to Hindu philosophy, onion, and garlic are considered "tamasic" foods, which are believed to induce lethargy, ignorance, and negative emotions.
Purity and Devotion: The fast is seen as a time for spiritual purification and increased devotion to the divine. Avoiding these foods is believed to help maintain a state of purity and focus. In Ayurveda, onion and garlic are classified as rajasic and tamasic foods, which means they can disrupt mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual well-being.
Rajasic foods are known to stimulate excessive energy and restlessness, while tamasic foods are believed to promote lethargy and confusion hence, as a result, onions and garlic are thought to increase carnal energy and produce heat within the body, which may make it difficult to prioritise tasks and focus on spiritual goals. This can lead to distractions, emotional imbalances, and even physical fatigue during Navratri, which is a sacred time dedicated to spiritual purity, mindfulness, and inner peace. Hence, many people choose to avoid these foods to maintain their "Sattva" or sense of purity and balance.
Scientific Perspectives In an interview.
