Can We Eat Dahi During Fasting? A Comprehensive Guide

January 12, 2026 •

2 min read

According to Ayurvedic principles, fresh dahi or curd is considered a sattvic food, which means it is pure and beneficial for the mind and body. This makes it a popular choice for inclusion during fasting periods, but its consumption depends on the specific type of fast being observed.

Quick Summary

Dahi can be consumed during many Hindu vrat fasts like Navratri and Ekadashi, and is often recommended for its nutritional benefits. It provides protein, hydration, and probiotics, aiding digestion and sustaining energy. Guidelines vary by fast type, so check specific rules.

Key Points

Dahi for Vrat Fasting: Dahi is generally permissible and encouraged during religious Hindu fasts like Navratri and Ekadashi, as it is considered a sattvic food that supports the body.
Dahi for Intermittent Fasting: Consuming dahi during the fasting window of intermittent fasting will break the fast due to its calorie content, but it is an excellent food to include during the eating window.
Health Benefits: Dahi offers hydration, protein, calcium, and probiotics, which aid digestion, control hunger, and boost immunity, making it a nutritious choice during restricted diets.
Combatting Acidity: Dahi can help soothe the stomach and reduce the chances of acidity or a burning sensation that can occur when fasting.
Check Fasting Rules: Always verify the specific rules of your fast, as variations exist. For example, some traditions prohibit certain spices or processed items that might be mixed with dahi.
Preparation Matters: During traditional fasts, ensure dahi dishes are prepared with compliant ingredients like sendha namak (rock salt) and kuttu or rajgira flour, avoiding regular table salt and other common additives.

Traditional Hindu Fasting and Dahi

In many Hindu fasting traditions, known as vrat or upvas, dairy products like milk and curd are considered permissible. The underlying principle is to consume sattvic foods, which are pure, wholesome, and easy to digest. Curd, made from milk, falls into this category and is widely consumed during fasts like Navratri, Janmashtami, and Sawan.

Benefits of dahi during vrat

Sattvic qualities: Believed to bring balance and energy.
Digestive aid: Probiotics promote a healthy gut.
Hydration and energy: Over 75% water and contains electrolytes.
Sustained fullness: Casein protein digests slowly.
Acidity control: Helps buffer excess gastric acid.

Ways to eat dahi during vrat

Plain fresh curd is a classic choice.
Mix with fruits and nuts for a raita.
Make a savory cucumber raita with rock salt.
Use in vrat-friendly kadhi with specific flours.
Prepare refreshing buttermilk (Chaas) with rock salt and mint.

Intermittent Fasting and Dahi

For intermittent fasting, any food with calories will break the fast. Dahi is a great post-fast food, but should be avoided during the fasting window.

Why dahi is a great post-fast food

Dahi is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it excellent for muscle recovery and nutrient replenishment during your eating window.

Ideas for including dahi in an intermittent fasting diet:

Blend into smoothies.
Top with berries and seeds.
Use as a base for healthy vegetable dips.

Comparison of Dahi for Religious Fasting vs. Intermittent Fasting


Feature	Religious Fasting (Vrat)	Intermittent Fasting
Permission	Generally permitted and often recommended.	Not allowed during the fasting window.
Timing	Depends on the specific fast, can often be consumed during the day.	Must be consumed within the eating window.
Purpose	Sustain energy, nourish body, promote spiritual clarity.	Break fast effectively, provide nutrients.
Preparation	Often with rock salt and specific flours (kuttu, rajgira).	In smoothies, dips, or bowls with various toppings.
Salt used	Rock salt (sendha namak) is mandatory.	Any salt can be used.

Potential Precautions While Eating Dahi During Fasting

Keep these points in mind when consuming dahi during fasting.

Excessive consumption

Some longer fasts recommend moderation to avoid bloating. Listen to your body.

Unsweetened is best

Plain, unsweetened dahi is ideal. Added sugars reduce sattvic quality and add calories. Use honey or jaggery for sweetness during vrat if needed.

Conclusion

Yes, we can eat dahi during fasting, but it depends on the type of fast. For religious fasts, it's a recommended sattvic food offering numerous benefits, provided specific fast rules are followed. For intermittent fasting, dahi is a great post-fast food but must be avoided during the fasting window to maintain the fasting state. Dahi is a beneficial food that supports the body and mind during restraint when guidelines are understood.

Key takeaways

Permissibility depends on the fast: Allowed in most Hindu vrats but breaks an intermittent fast.
Hydration is key: Helps with rehydration and electrolyte replenishment.
Aids digestion: Probiotics support gut health and prevent acidity.
Sustains energy: Slow-digesting protein promotes fullness.
Choose wisely: Opt for plain, fresh, unsweetened dahi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dahi is a widely accepted food for Navratri fasting. As a sattvic food and dairy product, it is permissible and recommended for providing protein, calcium, and energy while keeping you hydrated.

Yes, consuming dahi will break an intermittent fast. The goal of intermittent fasting is to abstain from all calories during the fasting window, and dahi contains calories from protein and fat.

Yes, fresh curd is considered a sattvic food in Ayurveda. It is believed to be pure, promote balance, and have a calming effect on the mind and body.

For traditional Hindu fasts, you must use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt. Sendha namak is considered pure and unrefined, making it compliant with fasting rules.

Dahi has a mildly acidic pH that helps buffer excess gastric acid. Its proteins also bind to stomach acids, providing a soothing and calming effect that helps prevent acidity.

For traditional fasts, flavored yogurts with sugar are generally avoided. Opt for plain, unsweetened dahi and add permitted fruits or honey if needed. For intermittent fasting, sweetened yogurt will break the fast during the fasting window.

Greek yogurt, a type of dahi, is an excellent high-protein food to include in your eating window during intermittent fasting. However, like other dairy products, it should be avoided during the actual fasting period. For vrat fasting, ensure it's plain and unsweetened and use rock salt.