Can we eat curd during Monday fast? Understanding Somvar Vrat Rules

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Hindu tradition, many devotees observing a Somvar vrat wonder, can we eat curd during Monday fast? Yes, dairy products like curd are widely considered permissible and are a popular food choice for those who observe a partial or falahar fast.

Quick Summary

Devotees can consume curd on a Monday fast, as it's a sattvic food that provides energy and aids digestion. This is suitable for those observing a partial vrat.

Key Points

Permissible for Fasting: Curd is generally allowed during a Monday (Somvar) fast, especially for those observing a partial or falahar fast.
Sattvic in Nature: In Ayurvedic tradition, curd is considered a sattvic food that promotes mental clarity and tranquility, aligning with the spiritual purpose of fasting.
Part of Rituals: Curd is a key ingredient in Panchamrit, the sacred mixture used to perform abhishek on the Shivling during puja.
Provides Sustained Energy: The casein protein in curd digests slowly, helping to control hunger and provide steady energy throughout the fasting day.
Aids Digestion: The probiotics found in curd are beneficial for gut health and can help prevent acidity and other digestive issues that may arise during fasting.
Appropriate Preparation: When preparing curd-based dishes for a fast, one should use rock salt (sendha namak) and avoid ingredients like onion and garlic.

Is Curd Permitted During the Somvar Vrat?

For those observing a Somvar vrat, or Monday fast, for Lord Shiva, it is a common practice to consume specific foods while abstaining from others. The consumption of curd, also known as dahi, is generally allowed and even encouraged in many Hindu traditions. This is because it falls under the category of dairy products, which are considered pure and sattvic in nature. However, the exact practice depends on the type of fast being observed by the devotee.

Types of Fasting and Curd Consumption

Partial Fast (Falahar Vrat): In this common form of fasting, devotees eat a single meal after the evening prayers or consume specific foods throughout the day, known as falahar. Curd, fruits, milk, nuts, and specific flours like kuttu and rajgira are all acceptable. For most people, this is the standard Monday fast and curd is a staple part of the diet.
Strict Fast (Nirjala Vrat): A Nirjala fast is observed without consuming any food or water for the entire day, from sunrise to sunset. In this case, no curd or any other food item is consumed. This is a very strict form of fasting and is not practiced by everyone.

The Spiritual and Ayurvedic Significance of Curd

Curd's acceptance during religious fasting stems from its sattvic qualities as defined by Ayurveda. A sattvic diet emphasizes purity, clarity, and tranquility, which perfectly aligns with the spiritual goals of a fast. Unlike heavier foods, curd is light and nourishing, helping to maintain a peaceful and focused state of mind without causing lethargy.

Furthermore, curd holds a significant place in the rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a key ingredient in the Panchamrit—a sacred mixture of five foods: milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. This Panchamrit is used to perform the ritual bathing (abhishek) of the Shivling, signifying its sanctity and purity. The inclusion of curd in this holy offering reinforces its spiritual importance and appropriateness for the Somvar vrat.

Health Benefits of Curd During Fasting

For those observing a partial fast, including curd offers several health benefits that help sustain the body and mind throughout the day.

Sustained Energy: Curd contains slow-digesting protein (casein), which provides a steady release of amino acids into the body. This helps control hunger pangs and maintains energy levels, preventing weakness or exhaustion during the fast.
Improved Digestion: The probiotics in curd promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for nutrient absorption. It is particularly gentle on the digestive system and helps maintain gut health during a dietary shift.
Balancing Acidity: Fasting can sometimes lead to an increase in stomach acid, causing discomfort or acidity. Curd's mild acidity and protein content help buffer excess gastric acid, providing a soothing and calming effect.
Electrolyte Balance: As the body can lose electrolytes through normal processes, especially during a fast, curd's composition of over 75% water, along with essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, helps in rehydration and prevents muscle cramps and fatigue.

How to Incorporate Curd into Your Monday Fast

There are many delicious and fasting-friendly ways to enjoy curd during your Somvar vrat. Remember to use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt and avoid onions and garlic in any preparations.

Curd-based Vrat Recipes

Simple Dahi: A plain bowl of fresh curd can be eaten on its own for a quick, nutritious boost.
Sweet Lassi: Blend curd with water or milk and a natural sweetener like honey or jaggery. You can add a pinch of cardamom for flavour.
Fruit Salad with Curd: Top a bowl of fresh, seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, or papaya with curd for a filling and refreshing meal.
Dahi Aloo: A simple potato curry made with a light yogurt-based gravy, seasoned with rock salt and mild spices, pairs well with fasting-friendly flatbreads.
Sabudana Kadi: A tangy and light curry made from curd and peanuts can be a delicious accompaniment to sabudana khichdi.

Partial vs. Strict Fasting: A Comparison Table


Feature	Partial Fast (Falahar Vrat)	Strict Fast (Nirjala Vrat)
Curd (Dahi) Allowed?	Yes, it is a key component of the fast.	No, no food or water is consumed.
Other Food/Drinks	Fruits, milk, buttermilk, nuts, sabudana, specific flours, sendha namak.	Only water in some traditions, or nothing at all.
Duration	Typically from sunrise to sunset, with a single meal or light intake throughout the day.	From sunrise on Monday to sunrise on Tuesday.
Flexibility	More flexible, accommodating those with health concerns or dietary needs.	Extremely strict and requires strong willpower.
Spiritual Goal	To purify the body and mind through a sattvic diet and devotion.	To attain a higher state of spiritual focus through severe asceticism.

Conclusion

In summary, consuming curd during a Monday fast is not only acceptable but is a traditional and highly beneficial practice for those observing a partial fast. Its status as a sattvic food and its role in sacred rituals make it a spiritually aligned choice for devotees. The health benefits of curd, such as sustained energy and improved digestion, also make it a practical and nourishing option. While fasting practices vary, curd remains a pure and wholesome food that supports both the physical and spiritual aspects of a Somvar vrat.

For more detailed information on the sattvic properties of curd, one can refer to Ayurvedic principles described by resources like Nepal Ayurveda Home.

This content is intended for informational purposes based on traditional and cultural practices and is not a substitute for professional health advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, curd and other dairy products like milk and buttermilk are generally allowed during a Monday or Somvar fast, particularly for those who do not observe a very strict, waterless fast.

Yes, lassi and buttermilk, both made from curd, are considered permissible drinks during a Monday fast, as they are dairy-based and help keep the body hydrated.

A partial fast, often referred to as falahar vrat, allows for the consumption of specific foods like curd, fruits, and nuts. A strict, waterless (Nirjala) fast does not permit any food or drink.

Curd is considered appropriate for fasting because it is viewed as a sattvic food in Ayurveda, meaning it promotes purity and mental clarity, which are important aspects of spiritual observance.

Yes, curd provides sustained energy, aids digestion with probiotics, helps reduce acidity, and restores electrolyte balance, all of which are beneficial while fasting.

When consuming curd during a fast, you should avoid pairing it with non-permissible items like regular grains, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic. Rock salt (sendha namak) should be used instead of regular table salt.

Yes, curd is a sacred ingredient and is part of the Panchamrit, a five-item mixture used in the ceremonial bathing (abhishek) of the Shivling during puja.