Fasting for Navratri? A list of things to do, and not do for 9 days

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Garba and Dandiya parties, Navratri is all about manifesting our devotion to Devi Durga, the most powerful form of Goddess Shakti. So, many believers undertake a fast as a sign of their devotion to the deity, as well as to purge their minds and souls from impurity.
There are many ways believers change their diets during the Navratri season. Some maintain Sattvic or a vegan diet, eschewing all forms of non-vegetarian fare, even onions and garlic, while some go on a fast daily, for nine days, only breaking the fast after worshipping the Goddess.

If you are fasting for Navratri, here are some do’s and don’ts to follow:

Stick To A Sattvic Diet

In Sanskrit, the term ‘Sattvick’ means that which is pure. Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu sacred text, ascribed diet/food habits to three different energies or Gunas — Sattvic (meaning pure, harmonious),Rajasic (meaning dynamic and restless), and Tamasic (this denotes lethargy).
The Sattvic diet is supposed to make you feel at peace and bring down stress levels. It consists of vegetarian fare like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, pulses, dried nuts, honey as well as dairy products. These also help detox your system.
If you are following a Sattvic diet, make sure to skip garlic and onions. Although technically these are vegetables, as per the Ayurveda, these fall into the Rajasic category, which may bring us momentary pleasure, but ultimately disrupts the mind-body equilibrium and contributes to stress.
Avoid processed foods such as chips, as well as meat, alcohol, and tobacco. These fall in the category of Tamasic foods and will render you sleepy, and lethargic and hinder your productivity.

Don’t Shave Or Cut Nails

In Hindu beliefs, both of these activities are said to