Bhopal, Apr 12: 'Vrat' or fasting has its importance in our society. It represents our prayer and devotion towards the God. It helps to purify our body and mind alike. Food speciliasts suggest fasting at least one day in a week good for the body. But if you plan to keep away from regular food, something special should be taken in its place. During the 9 days of 'Navratra, the temples are crowded in the morning and evening. In day- time too, one can see people, mainly women and girls throng the temples.

During the 'Navratra' days, most of the people skip their regular food - in fact no food is consumed during these days. Some take fruits once a day. Some do not use footwear during these days. From the early morning, women and girls go to the temples and pray. During these nine days, the temples are opened at 4 in the morning and devotees are seen standing on the queue waiting for their turn to pray and offer pooja.

What to take during Navratra?

* Do not take or at least reduce the intake of fried food.

* Drink lot of water.

* Drink lot of fruit juices to get energy to the body.

* Drink a lot of lime juice so that the body make up the water evaporated in this summer.

* Eat fruits which have more juice.

Apart from the above, 'halwa' prepared of 'singhade ki aata', 'khichri' of 'sabudana', cooked potato etc can be taken as food during these days.

Preeti Rathore, housewife says she used to observe fast during the nine days of Navratra. At night, she eats 'khichri' prepared of 'sabudana' or 'kheer'. As I have all faith in the God, fasting is no problem for me during these days.

Pushpa Thakur, housewife, said she used to keep away from salt and salty food during the 'Navratra' days. I do take only fruits or fruit juices. I do take care of myself properly, she said. During the nine days I never felt any sort of weakness.

Ricky Soni, a student is also a god-fearing girl. She says she has good faith in god. The daily routine is changed during these nine days, she said. I eat items prepared by 'sabudana' and fruits on 'navratra' days. These nine days are not difficult to observe in any way, she said.

Kamla says she gets mental peace and happiness due to fasting during the nine days of 'Navratra'. We are getting only a few days in a year to observe fast. She eats only fruits during these days. She felt her will power becomes stronger due to the fasting.

Vandana Soni, housewife says that she does not eat anything on the first and last day of 'Navratra'. During these days, mind is filled with devotion to the goddess, she said.