Can We Eat Besan in Fast? A Definitive Guide

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to ancient Hindu scriptures and widespread traditions, many religious fasts involve abstaining from grains, legumes, and pulses. This is why the question 'can we eat besan in fast' is so common, and the answer is that it is typically not permitted because besan is a flour derived from chickpeas, a type of legume.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies why besan, or gram flour, is generally forbidden during Hindu religious fasts like Navratri and Ekadashi. It explains the scriptural and traditional reasoning behind abstaining from legumes and provides a clear overview of the acceptable, 'satvik' flour alternatives and other permitted foods.

Key Points

Besan is Forbidden: Besan, derived from chickpeas, is a legume and pulse, making it prohibited during most Hindu fasts like Navratri and Ekadashi.
Satvik Diet Principles: Fasting rules are based on consuming satvik foods for purity and avoiding tamasic foods like pulses and grains.
Permitted Alternatives: Allowed flours include kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth).
Legumes and Grains are Excluded: A wide range of grains and pulses, including wheat, rice, and lentils, are also restricted.
Embrace Diverse Alternatives: Sabudana, dairy products, fruits, and select vegetables are all safe and popular options for vrat meals.
Regional Variations Exist: While the general rule holds, some family or regional traditions may have slightly different fasting protocols.

Understanding the 'No' to Besan During Fasting

For many devotees observing a religious fast, particularly during festivals like Navratri or the bi-monthly Ekadashi, the dietary rules are guided by ancient traditions and scriptural interpretations. The primary reason besan is disallowed is because it is derived from chickpeas or chana dal, which are legumes and pulses. The fast's purpose is to purify the body and mind by consuming only 'satvik' foods, which are considered pure, light, and easy to digest, while avoiding 'tamasic' foods like grains, pulses, and onion or garlic.

The prohibition extends to all forms of legumes and lentils, not just besan. This includes moong dal, kidney beans, and all flours derived from pulses. The belief is that these foods can produce a 'heaviness' that is counter-productive to the spiritual clarity and focus sought during a fast.

The Importance of Satvik Foods

During a fast, the focus is on consuming foods that are sattvic in nature. The Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic texts categorize foods into three types: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. Sattvic foods are thought to increase purity, strength, health, and peace of mind. They are generally fresh, seasonal, and easy to digest. Rajasic foods, which are overly spicy, salty, or bitter, are believed to increase passion and restlessness. Tamasic foods are those that are heavy and dulling, which includes most grains, legumes, and even garlic and onion.

By avoiding besan and other legume-based flours, fasters adhere to this philosophical principle, choosing lighter alternatives that support the spiritual intention of the fast.

Safe and Delicious Alternatives to Besan

Just because besan is off the menu doesn't mean you can't enjoy a variety of delicious and satisfying foods while fasting. Several flours and food items are widely considered acceptable for vrat or upvas meals.

Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour): This is a popular alternative for making pooris and rotis during Navratri. Despite its name, buckwheat is not a cereal grain but a pseudo-cereal, making it compliant with fasting rules.
Singhare ka Atta (Water Chestnut Flour): Another common vrat-friendly flour, it is often used for making fried items like pakoras and tikkis.
Rajgira ka Atta (Amaranth Flour): Amaranth is a powerhouse pseudo-cereal rich in protein and is used to make rotis and other baked goods suitable for fasting.
Samak ke Chawal (Barnyard Millet): This is a millet that serves as an excellent substitute for rice and can be used to make khichdi or pulao.
Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): A staple during many fasts, sabudana is used for making khichdi, vadas, and kheer.
Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, paneer, and ghee are all permitted and are a great source of protein and energy.
Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and bottle gourd are widely accepted.
Fruits and Nuts: All fresh and dried fruits are allowed, along with nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts.

Besan vs. Vrat-Friendly Flours: A Comparison


Feature	Besan (Gram Flour)	Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour)	Singhare ka Atta (Water Chestnut Flour)
Source	Chickpeas (legume/pulse)	Buckwheat (pseudo-cereal)	Water Chestnut (fruit)
Fasting Status	Not Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
Taste Profile	Nutty, earthy flavor	Earthy and slightly bitter	Mild, neutral flavor
Texture	Very fine powder	Slightly grainy	Smooth and fine
Common Uses	Pakoras, kadhi, dhokla	Rotis, pooris, parathas	Pakoras, tikkis, halwa
Nutritional Profile	High in protein and fiber	Good source of fiber and magnesium	Rich in carbohydrates and minerals
Preparation	Needs thorough cooking to remove raw taste	Relatively easy to cook	Versatile for various preparations

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "can we eat besan in fast?" is a clear no for the vast majority of Hindu fasting traditions, including Navratri and Ekadashi. The prohibition stems from besan's origin as a legume, which is considered a non-satvik food. Adherence to these dietary rules is a way of purifying the body and mind in line with the spiritual goals of the fast. Thankfully, plenty of delicious and nutritious alternatives exist, such as kuttu, singhara, and rajgira flours, ensuring that one can observe their religious duties without compromising on taste or nourishment. For further reading on this topic, consult the relevant religious texts or sources cited like Medanta for detailed dietary guidance during fasting periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, besan (gram flour) is not allowed during Navratri fasting. This is because it is made from chickpeas, a legume, which is one of the food categories restricted during these nine days.

Besan is not eaten during fasts because it is a pulse. Many Hindu fasting traditions, particularly those that focus on consuming 'satvik' foods, prohibit the consumption of grains, legumes, and pulses for purification of the body and mind.

You can use flours like kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), or rajgira ka atta (amaranth flour) as excellent alternatives to besan for making chapatis, puris, or pakoras during your fast.

Yes, generally all pulses and legumes are banned during strict fasts like Navratri and Ekadashi. This includes chickpeas, lentils (dal), and beans.

No, even if fried in pure ghee or peanut oil (which may be permissible), any food made with besan itself is still forbidden due to its origin as a legume.

While it is not common, some regional or family traditions might be more lenient. However, for most mainstream Hindu fasts, besan and other legumes are considered non-compliant. It is best to stick to traditional vrat-approved flours.

In the context of fasting, they are treated the same. Both besan (made from brown chickpeas or chana dal) and standard chickpea flour (from white chickpeas) are derived from legumes and are therefore prohibited.