Can I Drink Lassi on Monday Fast? Understanding Somvar Vrat Guidelines

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

For centuries, dairy products like milk and curd have been considered permissible for consumption during many Hindu fasts, particularly those associated with a 'phalhari' diet. This tradition extends to the popular Monday fast, or Somvar Vrat, leading many to ask: can I drink lassi on Monday fast? The answer is generally yes, but with important considerations for ingredients and preparation.

Quick Summary

Lassi is generally permissible on Monday fasts (Somvar Vrat), as dairy products are considered 'sattvic' and acceptable for many observers. The key is to use fasting-approved ingredients, avoiding table salt, processed sugar, and artificial flavors.

Key Points

Lassi is generally allowed on Monday fasts: For those observing a 'phalhari' or 'sattvic' fast, lassi made from dairy products like curd is considered permissible.
Choose the right ingredients: Avoid regular table salt and refined sugar. Use rock salt (sendha namak) and natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, or fruits.
Opt for natural flavorings: Stick to traditional and fasting-approved flavorings such as roasted cumin (bhuna jeera) powder, cardamom, or mint leaves.
Stay hydrated and energized: Lassi provides essential hydration, probiotics, and nutrients, which are particularly beneficial during a fast to maintain energy levels and aid digestion.
Simple preparation is key: Making a simple, fasting-compliant lassi at home is easy and ensures all ingredients adhere to the vrat rules, unlike many store-bought versions that may contain prohibited additives.
Adjust for different lassi types: Both sweet and salty versions can be made appropriate for fasting by using the correct, permissible ingredients.

The Significance of Somvar Vrat and Fasting Rules

Observing a Monday fast, or Somvar Vrat, is a sacred practice dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees fast to seek blessings for a prosperous and happy life, with many unmarried women observing the fast to find a good life partner. The fast's duration and stringency vary among individuals, but for those who do not observe a strict water-only fast, the consumption of 'phalhari' or 'sattvic' foods is common. Sattvic foods are pure and light, with a calming influence on the mind and body, and include fruits, milk, curd, and specific flours. This is where lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, fits into the dietary regimen.

Lassi and the Sattvic Diet

Lassi, when prepared with pure and fresh ingredients, aligns perfectly with the principles of a sattvic diet. The base ingredient, curd, or yogurt, is a dairy product explicitly mentioned as acceptable for fasting. Lassi's cooling and hydrating properties make it an excellent choice for sustaining energy levels throughout the day without breaking the spiritual sanctity of the fast. However, the permissibility of lassi hinges entirely on the ingredients used to prepare it. Standard lassi recipes often include ingredients that are prohibited during a Somvar Vrat, so careful modification is required.

Fasting-Approved Lassi Ingredients

To ensure your lassi is appropriate for a Monday fast, you must make a few substitutions. The most crucial is replacing regular table salt with sendha namak, or rock salt, as sea salt is not permitted. For sweet lassi, refined sugar should be avoided. Natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, or fresh fruits are preferred alternatives. Flavorings should also come from natural sources. Cumin powder, mint leaves, and cardamom powder are traditionally used and safe for consumption during a fast. For a fruit lassi, ensure the fruits themselves are allowed, such as mango, banana, or strawberries.

Here are some examples of fasting-friendly lassi recipes:

Simple Sweet Lassi: Blend fresh curd with water or milk and a natural sweetener like jaggery or honey.
Salted Cumin Lassi (Chaas): Blend curd with chilled water, roasted cumin (bhuna jeera) powder, and a pinch of rock salt (sendha namak).
Banana Walnut Lassi: A satiating lassi made with curd, banana, walnuts, and honey.
Mango Lassi: Blend ripe mango pulp with fresh curd and a touch of cardamom powder.

The Health Benefits of Lassi During a Fast

Beyond its religious permissibility, lassi offers several health benefits that are especially valuable during fasting. It is a fantastic way to stay hydrated, which is crucial during periods of reduced food intake. The probiotics in yogurt aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system, combating issues like bloating and constipation that can sometimes occur during a fast. Additionally, lassi provides a much-needed energy boost from its natural sugars and nutrients, helping devotees stay active and focused throughout the day. For bone health, the calcium and Vitamin D in dairy-based lassi are highly beneficial.

Comparison of Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Lassi Ingredients


Ingredient Category	Fasting-Approved (Vrat)	Standard (Non-Fasting)
Salt	Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)	Regular Table Salt
Sweetener	Honey, Jaggery, Fruits	Refined Sugar
Flavoring	Cardamom, Cumin Powder, Mint	Artificial Flavors, Syrups
Thickener	Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt)	Cream, Thickening Agents
Liquids	Water, Milk	Water, Milk
Fruits	Mango, Banana, Apple	Any Fruit (including those with seeds)

How to Prepare a Simple Fasting Lassi

Preparing a delicious and fasting-approved lassi at home is a simple process. Start with fresh, plain curd. Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts, as they often contain refined sugar or non-fasting ingredients. For a refreshing, sattvic sweet lassi, blend one cup of chilled plain yogurt with half a cup of cold water or milk and a tablespoon of honey or jaggery powder. Add a pinch of cardamom powder for flavor. Blend until smooth and frothy, then serve chilled. If you prefer a savory option, replace the sweetener and cardamom with roasted cumin powder and a pinch of rock salt. For a more substantial version, add half a ripe banana or a handful of soaked nuts. You can learn more about Hindu fasting dietary guidelines from religious resources such as Eshwar Bhakti.

Conclusion: Lassi is a Safe and Satisfying Fasting Choice

In summary, drinking lassi on a Monday fast is not only permitted for many devotees but can also be a healthy and fulfilling way to observe the vrat. By carefully selecting your ingredients and preparing it with fasting guidelines in mind, you can enjoy this refreshing beverage while maintaining the sanctity of your fast. Prioritizing fresh dairy products, natural sweeteners, and fasting-specific flavorings ensures that your lassi remains a pure and sattvic addition to your spiritual practice, providing hydration, energy, and nourishment throughout the day. The key is mindful preparation to align with the sacred rules of Somvar Vrat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lassi is generally permissible during a Somvar Vrat. It is considered a sattvic food, but you must ensure all ingredients used are also fasting-approved, such as using rock salt instead of table salt and natural sweeteners.

Yes, curd is allowed and is a common part of the fasting diet for many devotees who observe a 'phalhari' fast. It is often used as a base for dishes and drinks like lassi.

You should use rock salt, or sendha namak, instead of regular table salt. Rock salt is considered pure and is traditionally used for cooking during fasts.

It is best to avoid refined sugar during a fast. Use natural alternatives like honey, jaggery, or fruits to sweeten your lassi instead.

Flavored lassis are allowed as long as they are made at home with fasting-approved ingredients. Store-bought versions often contain processed sugar and other additives. You can make a fasting-safe mango lassi using fresh mango pulp.

Yes, lassi can be very helpful during a fast. It helps keep you hydrated, provides energy, and supports digestion with its probiotic content.

Yes, a fruit lassi is a great option for Sawan Somvar. Just be sure to use allowed fruits like mango, banana, or apple, and sweeten it with honey or jaggery.

Buttermilk (chaas) is also permissible during fasting, provided it is made with appropriate ingredients. A salty buttermilk can be made with curd, water, roasted cumin, and rock salt.