The Verdict: Homemade Kaju Katli Is Safe for a Monday Fast
The simple answer is yes, you can eat kaju katli during a Monday fast, but with one critical condition: it must be homemade. The traditional ingredients of kaju katli—cashews, sugar, and water—are all permissible for consumption during a Somvar Vrat. Cashews provide sustained energy, while sugar offers a quick boost. Milk or ghee, often used in recipes, are also allowed as dairy products are part of the phalahar (fruit and milk-based diet) fasting rules.
The reason for the emphasis on 'homemade' is the lack of transparency in store-bought products. Commercial sweets often contain additives and ingredients that are strictly prohibited during a fast, making them unsuitable for religious observance. Preparing the sweet at home gives you complete control over every ingredient, ensuring it aligns with the principles of your fast.
Why You Must Avoid Store-bought Kaju Katli for Vrat
Store-bought kaju katli poses several risks for devout fasters. Manufacturers prioritize shelf life, appearance, and cost, which can compromise the sanctity of the sweet for vrat purposes. Here's what to look out for:
- Regular Table Salt: Many store-bought snacks and sweets contain regular iodized table salt. During a fast, only rock salt (
sendha namak) is permitted for seasoning. Unless you can verify the salt type, assume it's prohibited. - Liquid Glucose: This is a common and inexpensive additive used in commercial sweets to prevent crystallization and improve texture. It is a processed ingredient that is not considered
satvikand is a big no-no for fasting. - Non-Edible Silver Varak: The shimmering silver leaf (
varak) that adorns most commercial kaju katli can be problematic. While somevarakis edible, much of it is not and is only used for cosmetic purposes. To be safe, avoid any sweet withvarakduring your fast unless you are 100% certain of its edibility, which is almost impossible with store-bought items. - Adulteration and Fillers: To reduce costs, some manufacturers may add flour or other fillers to the cashew paste. These grains are forbidden during the fast and would instantly render the sweet unacceptable.
Permissible Foods for a Somvar Vrat
Observing a Monday fast for Lord Shiva, especially during the holy month of Sawan, involves a satvik diet, free from tamasic and rajasic foods. Here is a list of commonly permitted foods:
- Fruits: All types of fresh and dry fruits are allowed. Cashews, almonds, raisins, and dates are excellent choices.
- Dairy Products: Milk, curd, paneer, and buttermilk can be consumed freely.
- Nuts and Seeds: Cashews, almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are ideal for providing sustained energy.
- Fasting Flours: Alternatives to regular wheat flour include
kuttu ka atta(buckwheat flour),singhare ka atta(water chestnut flour), andrajgira atta(amaranth flour). - Specific Grains:
Sabudana(tapioca pearls) andsama ke chawal(barnyard millet) are widely used for preparing savory dishes likekhichdiandvada. - Spices:
Sendha namak, cumin seeds, black pepper, and green cardamom are usually permitted.
How to Make Vrat-Friendly Kaju Katli at Home
Making your own kaju katli is simple and ensures it's safe for your Monday fast. This recipe uses only permissible ingredients:
- Ingredients: 1 cup cashews, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, a few drops of ghee for greasing.
- Process Cashews: Grind the cashews in a dry blender or food processor until you get a fine powder. Be careful not to over-grind, or it will release oil and turn into a paste.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a non-stick pan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium flame, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil until it reaches a one-string consistency.
- Combine and Cook: Reduce the flame to low and add the cashew powder and cardamom. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture will start to thicken and form a ball that leaves the sides of the pan.
- Knead and Roll: Transfer the warm dough to a greased parchment paper. Knead gently until smooth. Place another piece of greased parchment on top and roll out the dough evenly to your desired thickness.
- Cut and Set: Use a knife to cut the rolled-out
katliinto diamond or square shapes. Allow it to cool and set completely before serving.
Homemade vs. Store-bought Kaju Katli: A Comparison
| Feature | Vrat-Friendly (Homemade) | Non-Vrat (Store-bought) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cashews, sugar, water, cardamom, pure ghee | Cashews, sugar, water, potentially liquid glucose, regular salt, fillers |
| Salt Type | Uses no salt or sendha namak |
Likely contains regular iodized table salt |
| Silver Varak | Optional; can be omitted for safety | Often uses non-edible or low-quality varak for presentation |
| Sweetener | Pure sugar, natural | May contain processed liquid glucose |
| Preparation | Controlled, hygienic environment | Mass-produced, unknown conditions |
| Purity for Vrat | Permitted | Prohibited |
Conclusion
While the sight of kaju katli is tempting during any festival or fast, observing a Monday fast for Lord Shiva requires careful attention to the ingredients. By choosing a homemade version, you can enjoy this delicious sweet while staying true to your spiritual practices. Store-bought options, with their potential for non-satvik additives, should be avoided entirely. Armed with the knowledge of permissible ingredients and a simple recipe, you can make your own vrat-friendly kaju katli and honor your fast with a pure heart and a sweet treat.
For more information on vrat traditions and permissible foods, consult respected resources like NDTV Food, which has previously covered fasting delicacies. Source: NDTV Food provides guidance on fasting sweets.
