Can I eat yogurt in vrat? All you need to know about consuming dahi during fasting

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Hindu scriptures and Ayurvedic principles, fresh dairy products are considered sattvic, or pure, which is why the question of 'can I eat yogurt in vrat?' is often met with a positive answer. This article explores the guidelines, benefits, and best practices for consuming yogurt during fasts.

Quick Summary

Yes, yogurt is generally permissible during Hindu fasts. It is a sattvic food that provides energy, protein, and probiotics, aiding digestion. Understanding the type of yogurt and any specific family traditions is key to including it in your fasting diet correctly.

Key Points

Acceptable for Vrat: In most Hindu traditions, yogurt is a permitted food during fasting periods like Navratri and Ekadashi.
Sattvic and Pure: According to Ayurvedic principles, fresh dairy, including yogurt, is considered a pure or sattvic food suitable for spiritual fasting.
Protein and Probiotic Boost: Yogurt offers a valuable source of protein and probiotics, which helps maintain energy levels and supports digestive health during a fast.
Stick to Plain and Fresh: The best choice is plain, unsweetened yogurt, preferably homemade, to avoid any non-permissible added ingredients.
Hydrating Options: Yogurt can be consumed in drinks like lassi or buttermilk, which are excellent for staying hydrated and balanced during fasting.
Check Regional Traditions: While widely accepted, individual or regional customs can differ, so it's always wise to confirm with family traditions.
Vegan Alternatives are Available: For those avoiding dairy, plant-based yogurts from permissible sources like coconut or nuts can be used.
Combine with Vrat-friendly Foods: Yogurt pairs well with other fasting-approved items like fresh fruits, rock salt, and permissible flours.

Can I eat yogurt in vrat? Exploring the rules and benefits

For many who observe a vrat or fast in Hinduism, a key consideration is what foods are permissible to maintain energy while staying true to the spiritual purpose. Yogurt, or dahi, is a common food item that often comes into question. The good news is that in the majority of Hindu fasting traditions, dairy products including yogurt are not only allowed but often recommended for their nutritional value.

Why yogurt is acceptable during vrat

Historically, Hindu fasts have focused on abstaining from certain grains (ann) and processed foods, not on completely starving the body. The purpose of a vrat is to cleanse the body and mind, and fresh dairy products like yogurt are seen as pure, or sattvic, in nature, which aligns perfectly with this goal.

Sattvic Food: Yogurt is considered a sattvic food in Ayurveda, meaning it promotes purity, tranquility, and mental clarity. During a fast, which is a period of heightened spiritual awareness, consuming sattvic foods is encouraged.
Protein Source: When abstaining from pulses and grains, yogurt provides a crucial source of protein to help maintain strength and prevent weakness.
Digestive Aid: The live cultures in yogurt (probiotics) support a healthy digestive system, which is beneficial during a fast when your eating habits are altered.
Hydration: Combining yogurt with water to make chaas (buttermilk) or lassi is an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially during long fasts.

Types of yogurt for vrat

While fresh, homemade yogurt is ideal, certain considerations should be made regarding the type of yogurt, especially if buying store-bought.

Fresh, Plain Yogurt: This is the most traditional and safest option. It contains no additives or preservatives that might go against fasting rules.
Greek Yogurt: For those needing extra protein, unsweetened Greek yogurt is an excellent choice. It is thicker and more concentrated, providing a greater sense of fullness.
Vegan/Plant-based Yogurt: For those who do not consume dairy, plant-based yogurts made from permissible nuts like almonds or coconuts can be used, provided they are made with no grains like rice or soy.
Flavored Yogurt: Most commercially flavored yogurts contain added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives that should be avoided. If you want a flavored yogurt, it's best to add fresh fruit or a little honey at home.

How to incorporate yogurt into your fasting menu

There are numerous ways to include yogurt in your vrat-friendly meals. These recipes are both delicious and nourishing, helping you stay energized throughout the day.

Fruit and Yogurt Salad: A simple, refreshing option. Combine fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates with plain yogurt. Add a sprinkle of rock salt (sendha namak) for taste.
Curd with Vrat-Friendly Flours: Prepare pancakes (cheela) or puris using permissible flours like buckwheat (kuttu) or water chestnut (singhara) flour and serve with a side of plain curd.
Lassi or Buttermilk: Blend yogurt with water and a pinch of rock salt for a simple, hydrating buttermilk drink. For a sweet version, blend with a little honey and fresh fruit.
Curd Rice (Sama Rice): For longer fasts like Navratri, you can prepare a dish similar to curd rice using sama rice (barnyard millet) and yogurt.

Considerations and variations in practice

While yogurt is widely accepted, individual and regional traditions can vary. Some orthodox practitioners may follow stricter rules, or avoid certain foods on specific days. Always consult your family's traditions or a spiritual elder if you are unsure.

Yogurt in Vrat: Comparison of Forms


Feature	Homemade Curd (Dahi)	Store-Bought Plain Yogurt	Lassi / Buttermilk	Greek Yogurt (Unsweetened)
Purity (Sattvic)	Highest; free from all additives.	Can have stabilizers or preservatives.	Very high; a classic vrat drink.	High; ensure it has no additives.
Protein Content	Moderate.	Moderate.	Moderate.	Highest; keeps you full longer.
Probiotic Value	Excellent, especially when fresh.	Variable; depends on brand and processing.	Excellent, very soothing for the stomach.	Excellent; often contains more concentrated cultures.
Digestive Impact	Gentle and aids digestion.	Generally good, but check ingredients.	Very light and hydrating.	Can be slightly heavier due to higher protein.
Best for	A simple, pure food for any fast.	Convenience, but needs ingredient check.	Staying hydrated and balancing electrolytes.	Sustained energy and satisfying hunger.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Can I eat yogurt in vrat?" is a resounding yes for most Hindu fasting practices. As a wholesome, protein-rich, and sattvic food, yogurt provides essential nutrients and aids digestion during a period of reduced food intake. The key is to opt for plain, fresh varieties and to be mindful of any specific family traditions. Whether eaten plain, with fruit, or as a refreshing drink like lassi, yogurt is a valuable component of a nourishing vrat diet, helping you maintain physical strength while focusing on the spiritual aspects of your observance.

What you can learn from this article

Yes, yogurt is allowed during vrat: Most Hindu fasting traditions permit the consumption of yogurt and other dairy products.
Yogurt is sattvic and nutritious: Its pure nature makes it suitable for spiritual practices, and it provides protein and probiotics.
Choose plain, fresh varieties: Avoid flavored or pre-sweetened yogurts that contain non-permissible ingredients like sugar or stabilizers.
Stay hydrated with yogurt drinks: Lassi or buttermilk are excellent for hydration and electrolyte balance during a fast.
Consult your family traditions: Always double-check with your family or community, as specific fasting rules can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, yogurt (dahi) from cow's milk and other dairy derivatives are generally allowed during the Ekadashi fast in many traditions. Some very strict observers in certain regions may avoid it, but it is typically considered permissible.

Most store-bought fruit yogurts contain processed sugar, artificial flavors, and stabilizers that are not permitted during traditional fasts. It is best to use plain yogurt and add fresh, cut-up fruit at home.

Yes, buttermilk (chaas) is an excellent choice during a fast. It helps with hydration and provides a soothing effect on the digestive system. You can prepare it at home by blending plain yogurt with water and a pinch of rock salt.

Unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt is generally permissible during vrat. Its higher protein content can help you feel full and energized for longer. Just be sure to check the ingredients for any non-fasting-friendly additives.

Yogurt is considered sattvic in Ayurveda because it is a fresh, pure dairy product. Sattvic foods are thought to promote clarity, calmness, and balance in the body and mind, which is the desired state during spiritual fasting.

While yogurt is permitted, many traditions advise against consuming heavy, fried foods during a fast to allow the body to rest and detoxify. Stick to lighter preparations, or roasted snacks, with your yogurt.

Yes, yogurt is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for children who are observing a fast. It helps provide energy, protein, and calcium, supporting their needs while they follow the observance.