It is known that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has observed a fast during Navratri since his younger days. Every year, during both Chaitra and Sharad Navratri, he observes a strict nine-day fast, consuming only water, sometimes with lemon drops. Despite his busy schedule, he remains committed to this practice as a form of devotion and personal discipline.
There have been instances where it was challenging to maintain the fast, but his strong willpower has always helped him persevere. During a Gujarat public meeting in 2022, PM Modi in a lighter vein expressed his regret for not being able to enjoy the famed ‘Surat nu jaman’ and Bhavnagari gathiya while on his Gujarat tour during Navratri. The two-day visit was also hectic as usual, packed with events across districts, from laying foundation stones for projects worth ₹29,000 crore to riding the Vande Bharat Express and Ahmedabad Metro. He launched the National Games, inaugurated Ahmedabad Metro and Dream City in Surat, laid the foundation for the world’s first CNG terminal in Bhavnagar, and attended Navratri festivities.
Here are some similar instances when his demanding schedule did not stop him from observing the Navratri fast.
President Obama’s Dinner
PM Modi’s first visit to the United States in September 2014 coincided with Navratri. President Obama hosted a private dinner in honour of the Indian Prime Minister. However, PM Modi maintained his discipline—despite a delicious Indian menu, he adhered to his fast and had only water, much to President Obama’s surprise.
BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, who was then serving as a bureaucrat in the PMO, recalls, “We were in the US for about five days, and throughout the visit, PM Modi consumed nothing but water. The daily schedule was packed, starting with 8 AM meetings and continuing until 9 or 10 PM, including meetings with the US officials, Indian diaspora and other engagements. His stamina and dedication left not only us but also US officials in awe, especially given the demanding schedule.”
Madison Square Garden Event and 700 Selfies
During the 2014 visit to the US, PM Modi addressed the diaspora at Madison Square Garden and Central Park—all maintaining his fast. After the historic public meeting, a group of nearly 700 NRIs gathered to meet him at a special reception. Dr Bharat Barai, one of the event’s organisers, recalls, “We knew Modi Ji was fasting and weren’t sure if he would even meet us. However, despite fasting, right after the Madison Square Garden event, he took the time to pose for photos with nearly 700 guests from the Indian diaspora in the US.”
Ram Rath Yatra of 1991
The historic Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra led by LK Advani in 1991 took place during Navratri. Narendra Modi, then BJP General Secretary of Gujarat, was responsible for coordinating the Gujarat leg of the Yatra while observing his Navratri fast. The Gujarat leg, starting from Somnath, was one of the most extensively organised, with the Yatra passing through 600 villages. Modi travelled across the state, managing all the arrangements, without consuming a morsel of food.
Funeral of Shinzo Abe
Former Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe, whom PM Modi considered a close friend, was killed in September 2022. Abe’s funeral was held on September 27, during Sharad Navratri. Despite his fast, PM Modi travelled to Japan to pay his last respects.
Lok Sabha Election Campaigns
All three Lok Sabha elections—2014, 2019, and 2024—fell during Chaitra Navratri. Despite the peak of election campaigning with multiple rallies across the country, Narendra Modi continued his fast during these crucial elections.
The Royal Lunch
Pullela Gopichand, the ace badminton player, narrates an instance when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were visiting India, and he was invited to a lunch at Hyderabad House in Delhi, hosted by PM Modi. “I sat at the table with the Prime Minister and several British dignitaries. There were about seven to eight of us, and it happened to be Navratri. While we were all eating, the Prime Minister quietly sipped warm water, not touching a single grain or fruit. His discipline and self-control, especially given his demanding schedule and the temptations around him, truly surprised the guests.”
Post-Kutch Earthquake
Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in September 2001. Shortly after taking office, his immediate focus was the rehabilitation of Kutch following the earthquake. During Sharad Navratri in September 2001, CM Modi observed his fast, consuming only water. Amrutbhai Patel, a member of the Chief Minister’s team, recalls, “Our schedule was packed from early morning until late at night, visiting various parts of Kutch. Despite the demanding workload, CM Modi continued his Navratri fast. We kept a flask filled with water and lemon juice, and I often added a few spoons of honey to it. During lunch breaks, while everyone else ate, CM Modi would sit by himself.”
His childhood friend Trilok Nayak recalls that Narendra Modi has been observing the Navratri fast since his early twenties. “Modi had a spiritual fervour from childhood, which deepened after his time in the Himalayas and other spiritual centres in his late teens. Since then, he has strictly observed the Navratri fast.”
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