Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11th October, and runs through to Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20th October. For nine nights, households across Melbourne will be observing vrat, worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and keeping their kitchens stocked with the special ingredients that fasting calls for.
Vrat food isn't about going hungry — it's about eating differently, with sattvic, energising ingredients that keep you nourished through the fast. Here's what to stock up on before Navratri begins, so you're not scrambling mid-festival.
1. Sabudana — The Vrat Kitchen's MVP
No fasting pantry is complete without sabudana (sago pearls). Light, energising, and endlessly versatile, it's the base for khichdi, vada, and papad — some of the most-loved vrat dishes across Indian households.
👉 Stock up on TSF Sabudana/Sego Seeds 1Kg (also available in a 500gm pack) for all nine days of khichdi, vada, and everything in between.
2. Kuttu Atta — For Puri, Paratha, and Roti
Buckwheat flour, or kuttu atta, is one of the most widely used vrat flours — gluten-free, high in fibre, and perfect for rolling out a soft puri or paratha when regular wheat flour is off the table.
👉 TSF Kuttu Atta (Buckwheat) 500gm is a pantry essential for the full nine nights of fasting.
3. Sendha Namak — The Only Salt You'll Need
Regular table salt is off-limits during vrat, and sendha namak (Himalayan rock salt) takes its place in every dish — from khichdi to potato curry. Its milder, more mineral-rich flavour has made it the go-to salt for fasting for generations.
👉 Keep TSF Sendha Salt / Himalayan Salt 500Gm on hand — it's the one ingredient every vrat recipe calls for.
4. Ready-Made Sabudana Khichdi — For the Busy Days
Not every day of Navratri allows for slow cooking, especially with work and family commitments in the mix. A ready-to-eat option means you never have to compromise on a proper vrat meal, even on your busiest day.
👉 Delhi 6 Sabudana Khichdi 150gm is made with sabudana, sendha namak, and peanuts — ready in minutes, no compromise on taste.
5. Sabudana Chiwda for Snacking Between Meals
Fasting doesn't mean giving up on snacking — it just means snacking differently. A light, crunchy chiwda made with vrat-friendly ingredients is perfect for the hours between meals.
👉 Try Delhi 6 Sabudana Chiwda 150gm for a satisfying, festival-friendly snack that won't break your fast.
6. Masala Potato Sticks — A Crunchy Vrat Treat
Craving something crispy in the evening? Masala-coated potato sticks made with sendha namak give you all the crunch without stepping outside vrat rules.
👉 Delhi 6 Potato Sticks Masala (Salli) 150gm makes for an easy, energising snack through the nine nights.
7. Sabudana Papad — For a Crispy Side
A few papads fried or roasted on the side turn a simple vrat thali into something a little more special — light, crunchy, and completely fasting-friendly.
👉 TSF Sabudana/Sego Coin Papad 200gm is a quick way to add texture and variety to your daily vrat meals.
A Simple Navratri Pantry Checklist
- Sabudana (for khichdi, vada, papad)
- Kuttu atta (for puri, paratha, roti)
- Sendha namak (your only salt for nine days)
- Peanuts and potatoes (staples in almost every vrat recipe)
- A ready-to-eat option or two, for the days you're short on time
Nine Nights, Nourished
Navratri fasting has always been as much about discipline and devotion as it is about the food — and having the right ingredients on hand makes it far easier to stay consistent through all nine nights. Whether you're cooking a full vrat thali each evening or reaching for a quick ready-made option, India At Home has everything you need to fast well this Navratri.
Shop the complete range of vrat-friendly essentials at India At Home — delivered across Melbourne, ready before Navratri begins on 11th October.
