Actress Sandeepa Dhar is embracing the sacred time of Navratri by observing a fast for all nine days of the festival. As a Kashmiri Pandit, she feels a deep connection to her cultural heritage during this period, describing the fasting as a detoxifying experience.
“I’ve been fasting since childhood,” Sandeepa shares. “I only consume fruits, juices, and water. The first three days are the most challenging as my body adjusts, but it becomes easier afterward. My routine becomes more mindful and centered, offering a beautiful detox not just physically, but mentally and spiritually too.”
A devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi, Sandeepa finds that fasting during Navratri does not impede her daily activities. She explains, “Fasting during Navratri is a deeply spiritual practice for me, so it never feels like a burden. While there’s fatigue initially, the spiritual significance carries me through. Our ancestors designed this nine-day system scientifically; a true detox begins after three days, perfectly cleansing the body and mind. It makes me calmer, more present, and more aware.”
Sandeepa also cherishes her childhood memories of Kanjak Puja, describing it as a cherished experience. She recalls being part of a group of girls who were worshipped and treated to delicious food like halwa, puri, and chana. The gifts, from bangles to pencil boxes, fascinated her as a child.
Now, Sandeepa has come full circle, hosting Kanjak Pujas at her home with her mother. Seeing the joy on the faces of the young girls mirrors her own childhood experience, creating a moving and beautiful continuation of tradition. “It’s beautiful to continue this tradition and be on the other side of it now, giving that same joy to the next generation,” she concludes with emotion.