Can we eat Farali Chiwda in Navratri fast?: A Comprehensive Guide

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to tradition, Farali Chiwda is a specially formulated snack made with ingredients like potatoes, nuts, and rock salt, confirming that yes, we can we eat Farali Chiwda in Navratri fast?, provided its components adhere to the specific fasting guidelines. It is a popular and widely consumed snack for those observing 'vrat' or 'upvas' during this auspicious festival.

Quick Summary

Farali chiwda is a traditional snack permitted during Navratri fasts when made with fasting-approved ingredients. It provides energy and flavor, but checking the ingredient list of packaged versions is crucial to ensure it adheres to all fasting rules.

Key Points

Permitted Snack: Farali Chiwda is traditionally a permissible snack during Navratri, made with fasting-friendly ingredients like potatoes, nuts, and rock salt.
Read the Label: When buying packaged farali chiwda, it is crucial to check the ingredient list for non-permissible items like regular salt, certain spices, or common vegetable oils.
Healthy Homemade Option: For a healthier and safer choice, prepare your own farali chiwda at home using methods like air-frying or roasting, which reduces the overall fat content.
Variety of Bases: The snack can be made with different fast-approved bases, including fried potato sticks (aloo lachha), tapioca pearls (sabudana), or fox nuts (makhana).
Nutritional Benefits: It provides a good source of energy from carbohydrates and healthy fats from nuts, which is important during fasting periods.
Sattvik Compliance: True farali chiwda aligns with the sattvik diet, avoiding tamasic foods like onion, garlic, and processed ingredients.

Understanding Farali Chiwda and Navratri Fasting

Navratri fasting, or vrat, is a period of devotion and self-control where observers follow a special dietary regimen known as the falahari or farali diet. The term “Farali” specifically refers to foods that are permissible during these fasts. While regular grains like rice and wheat are prohibited, certain other ingredients are allowed, providing sustenance and variety during the nine-day period. Farali chiwda, a beloved Indian snack, perfectly fits this category by substituting regular grains and spices with fasting-approved alternatives. The typical base of this savory mixture is made from thinly sliced, fried potatoes, and it is seasoned with a blend of specific spices. Its popularity stems from its ability to provide a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour that regular fasting food often lacks. However, the permissibility of this snack hinges entirely on its ingredients, especially when opting for store-bought versions.

The Anatomy of a Vrat-Approved Chiwda

The composition of farali chiwda is what makes it suitable for consumption during Navratri. A standard version, whether homemade or packaged, contains a medley of ingredients that are traditionally accepted during fasting.

Base Ingredients: Instead of flattened rice (poha), the foundation of farali chiwda typically consists of fried potato sticks (aloo lachha or batata sev). Some variations also incorporate sabudana (tapioca pearls) or puffed amaranth (rajgira).
Nuts and Dried Fruits: To add flavour, texture, and nutritional value, farali chiwda often includes nuts like peanuts (moongphali), cashews (kaju), and almonds (badam). Dried fruits like raisins (kishmish) can also be added for a touch of sweetness.
Seasoning: The snack is seasoned with permissible spices and ingredients. Instead of regular table salt, rock salt (sendha namak) is used. Other spices can include cumin powder, black pepper powder, and dried ginger powder. Some versions may also include sugar or sugar candy for a sweet and salty taste profile.
Oil: The ingredients are fried or roasted in edible vegetable oil, though healthier homemade versions might use groundnut oil or desi ghee.

The Importance of Scrutinizing Packaged Versions

While the market is flooded with products labeled 'Farali Chiwda' during festivals, not all adhere strictly to the traditional dietary restrictions. Certain brands may use non-permissible ingredients or processing methods that violate fasting rules. Therefore, exercising caution and reading the ingredient list on the packaging is vital before consumption. Some crucial points to check for include:

Type of Salt: Ensure that the product specifies the use of rock salt (sendha namak) rather than regular iodized salt, which is typically avoided during fasts.
Prohibited Spices: Some varieties might contain spices not traditionally consumed during vrat, such as turmeric, onion, or garlic powder. While some traditions allow more flexibility, it is safer to opt for products seasoned with simpler spices.
Processing: Many packaged versions are deep-fried in common vegetable oils, making them less healthy than homemade alternatives. Some brands might also mention allergens or potential cross-contamination with non-farali ingredients in their manufacturing facilities.
Additives: Check for any artificial flavourings, preservatives, or colors that are not considered 'satvik' and should be avoided during fasting.

Homemade vs. Packaged Farali Chiwda: A Comparison

Choosing between a homemade version and a store-bought packet involves weighing convenience against control and health benefits. Here is a comparative table to help you decide:


Feature	Homemade Farali Chiwda	Packaged Farali Chiwda
Control over Ingredients	Complete control over every ingredient, from the base to the seasonings.	Limited control; relies on the manufacturer's ingredient list.
Cooking Method	Can opt for healthier methods like roasting or air-frying, minimizing oil use.	Often deep-fried, leading to higher fat content.
Salt Type	Can guarantee the use of pure rock salt (sendha namak).	Requires careful checking to ensure sendha namak is used.
Freshness	Prepared fresh for consumption, ensuring maximum flavour and crunch.	May contain preservatives to extend shelf life.
Cost	Typically more cost-effective in the long run.	More expensive per serving due to packaging and processing.
Time & Effort	Requires time and effort for preparation, frying, and seasoning.	Instant and convenient for quick consumption.

Healthier Farali Chiwda Alternatives

For those looking for a healthier take on the traditional snack, several modifications can be made without compromising its farali status. Substituting deep-fried potatoes with roasted or air-fried makhana (fox nuts) or puffed amaranth is an excellent option. You can also use minimal ghee or groundnut oil for seasoning roasted nuts and add rock salt, black pepper, and curry leaves for flavour. This approach significantly reduces the fat content, making it a lighter, guilt-free snack that still provides energy and flavour. Homemade preparations also allow you to control the sugar content, a beneficial factor for those with specific dietary needs.

Making an Informed Choice

At its core, farali chiwda is a permissible and satisfying snack for Navratri. The decision to eat it depends on whether its ingredients align with your specific fasting rules. For complete peace of mind and nutritional control, preparing a homemade version is the ideal choice. If you opt for a packaged product, a quick scan of the ingredient list will confirm its suitability. By understanding what makes a true farali snack, you can enjoy your fast without compromising on your beliefs or health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Farali Chiwda is generally permitted during the Navratri fast as long as it contains only farali-approved ingredients such as potatoes, peanuts, rock salt, and specified spices. While it offers a tasty and energizing snack option, consumers must be vigilant, especially with store-bought versions, which might contain non-fasting ingredients like regular salt or non-satvik spices. Homemade farali chiwda provides the safest and healthiest alternative, allowing for control over the cooking method and ingredients. Ultimately, enjoying this traditional snack during Navratri is possible and fulfilling when done with careful consideration of its composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Farali Chiwda is considered suitable because it is made using only ingredients that are traditionally permissible during Hindu fasts, such as potatoes, peanuts, rock salt (sendha namak), and certain spices, while excluding forbidden items like grains, legumes, onion, and garlic.

You should check for the presence of rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt, and confirm that the spices used are fast-approved, such as cumin and black pepper, rather than non-permissible spices like turmeric or onion powder. Also, be mindful of potential allergens.

Yes, some packaged versions may be deep-fried in non-specific or less healthy oils, leading to high fat and calorie content. They might also contain additives, preservatives, or non-permissible spices. It's best to opt for homemade or verify the ingredients.

Absolutely. A healthier version can be made by air-frying or roasting the ingredients instead of deep-frying. You can also replace potato sticks with nutrient-rich fox nuts (makhana) or puffed amaranth (rajgira).

Besides fried potatoes, common alternatives include tapioca pearls (sabudana), puffed amaranth (rajgira), and fox nuts (makhana). These can be mixed with fasting-approved nuts and spices for variety.

While the traditional ingredients are often gluten-free, some packaged varieties might be manufactured in facilities that process gluten-containing products, leading to cross-contamination. Always check the allergen information on the label for reassurance.

The main difference lies in the ingredients. Regular chiwda uses flattened rice (poha) and regular salt and spices, while farali chiwda replaces these with fast-approved components like fried potato sticks, rock salt, and a specific blend of permissible spices.