Can I eat besan in Monday fast? A Nutritional Guide for Somvar Vrat

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to traditional fasting guidelines, grains and pulses like besan (gram flour) are typically excluded from the strict saatvik diet observed during Monday fasts. This is a key point to consider when asking, can I eat besan in Monday fast? Instead, devotees rely on specialized fasting-approved alternatives to maintain their fast's integrity.

Quick Summary

This article explores why besan is not traditionally consumed during a Monday fast, explaining the dietary restrictions based on religious customs. It provides a comprehensive guide to suitable, nutritious flour alternatives like kuttu and singhara, offering insight into permitted foods and healthier fasting practices.

Key Points

Besan is not allowed in traditional Somvar Vrat: Besan, derived from chickpeas, is a pulse and therefore prohibited during a traditional Monday fast.
Opt for fasting-compliant flours: Use alternatives like kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth) flours for making rotis or snacks.
Emphasize saatvik foods: Your diet should consist of pure, clean, and light foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy.
Avoid grains and pulses: The rule against besan extends to other common grains like wheat and rice, as well as all other lentils and legumes.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Combine permitted foods like fruits and nuts with hydrating drinks like coconut water or buttermilk to maintain energy levels throughout the fast.
Use rock salt only: Remember to use rock salt (sendha namak) for seasoning, as regular table salt is not permitted during fasting.

The Spiritual and Nutritional Rules of Somvar Vrat

Observing a fast on Mondays, known as Somvar Vrat, is a traditional Hindu practice dedicated to Lord Shiva. The fast is undertaken for spiritual purity, peace, and prosperity, with a core component being the adherence to a specific dietary regimen. Devotees are expected to consume saatvik foods, which are considered pure, clean, and light on the digestive system, while avoiding tamasic foods that are believed to induce lethargy and distract from spiritual focus. This is where the question of whether besan, or gram flour, is suitable arises.

Why Besan is Not Traditionally Allowed During Fasting

The primary reason besan is typically avoided during a traditional Somvar Vrat is its origin. Besan is flour made from ground chickpeas (chana dal), which are classified as a pulse or legume. Traditional fasting rules generally prohibit the consumption of grains, cereals, and pulses. This practice is rooted in the belief that these items can be heavy to digest and divert the mind's energy away from spiritual meditation. While some modern interpretations of fasting may differ, devout practitioners adhere to these long-standing rules.

List of Common Food Restrictions

Regular Grains: Wheat, rice, and semolina (sooji).
Pulses and Lentils: Including chickpeas and all forms of lentils.
Common Salt: Replaced by rock salt (sendha namak).
Onion and Garlic: Considered tamasic foods.

Nutritional Alternatives to Besan for a Fasting Diet

For those observing a fast, several nutritious and delicious alternatives to besan are available, offering an excellent source of energy and flavor.

Flours Suitable for Vrat

Kuttu Ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour): A popular option, buckwheat is not a true grain but a fruit seed. It is rich in fiber and gluten-free, making it perfect for making puris and pakoras during a fast.
Singhara Ka Atta (Water Chestnut Flour): This flour is light and easy to digest, providing a good source of carbohydrates for energy. It is often used to make pancakes or halwa.
Rajgira Atta (Amaranth Flour): A complete protein, amaranth flour is highly nutritious and gluten-free. It can be used for rotis and ladoos.

Allowed Foods for a Balanced Vrat Diet

Beyond flours, a variety of wholesome foods can be incorporated into a Monday fast to ensure a balanced nutritional intake. These include:

Fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, apples, papayas, and boiled potatoes are common choices.
Dairy Products: Milk, curd, and paneer are excellent sources of protein and calcium.
Nuts and Dry Fruits: Almonds, cashews, and raisins provide a quick energy boost.
Sabudana: Tapioca pearls are versatile and used in dishes like khichdi and kheer.

Comparison of Besan and Fasting-Compliant Flours


Feature	Besan (Gram Flour)	Kuttu Ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour)	Singhara Ka Atta (Water Chestnut Flour)
Fasting Eligibility	Not Allowed (traditional fasts)	Allowed	Allowed
Origin	Chickpeas (Pulse/Legume)	Fruit Seed	Aquatic Plant Tuber
Nutritional Profile	High in protein and fiber, low glycemic index.	Rich in fiber, protein, and magnesium.	Good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Gluten Content	Naturally gluten-free.	Naturally gluten-free.	Naturally gluten-free.

Maintaining a Healthy Fast While Respecting Tradition

The goal of a Monday fast is to purify the body and mind, and this can be achieved without compromising nutrition. By understanding why certain foods like besan are restricted, you can make informed choices and find satisfying alternatives that align with both spiritual practice and dietary needs. Incorporating a variety of permitted foods like fruits, nuts, and dairy products, in addition to the allowed flours, ensures that your body remains energized and nourished throughout the day. Planning your meals in advance and staying hydrated with water, buttermilk, or coconut water are also crucial for a healthy fasting experience.

Conclusion: A Clear Path for Your Vrat

In conclusion, the answer to "can I eat besan in Monday fast?" is generally no, based on traditional dietary rules that exclude pulses and grains. However, this restriction opens up a world of nutritious and delicious alternatives that are fully compliant with the Somvar Vrat. By focusing on kuttu, singhara, and rajgira flours, along with fresh fruits, dairy, and nuts, you can observe a meaningful fast that supports both your spiritual devotion and physical well-being. By embracing these permitted ingredients, you can prepare a satisfying and healthy meal that honors the tradition while providing essential nutrition for your body.

NDTV Food provides many helpful recipes for traditional Indian fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Besan is not permitted because it is made from chickpeas, which are a pulse. Traditional Hindu fasting rules, like those for Somvar Vrat, typically prohibit the consumption of grains, cereals, and pulses.

You can use alternative flours like kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), singhara ka atta (water chestnut flour), or rajgira atta (amaranth flour) to prepare meals and snacks during the fast.

Yes, kuttu is rich in fiber and magnesium, while singhara is a good source of carbohydrates and minerals. Both are naturally gluten-free and easy to digest, making them suitable for the fasting diet.

No, according to traditional fasting guidelines, besan is not considered saatvik because it is a pulse. The fast emphasizes pure and light foods, which excludes items from the grain and pulse families.

No, besan chilla is not suitable for a fasting day. Instead, you can make a fasting-compliant version using kuttu or singhara flour, or enjoy other permitted foods like fruit chaat or sabudana khichdi.

The saatvik diet, which includes pure and clean foods, is intended to support the spiritual focus of the fast by keeping the body and mind light and free from lethargy. Foods like besan are avoided for this reason.

While traditional rules are strict, fasting practices can vary based on individual health, family traditions, and personal beliefs. Some people may observe a milder fast, but for those following tradition, the exclusion of besan is a key rule.