Can We Eat Samo Rice in Ekadashi Fast? The Complete Guide

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Hindu tradition, the consumption of regular grains like wheat and rice is strictly prohibited during the sacred Ekadashi fast. However, devotees often seek alternative, fast-compliant food options like samo rice to sustain their energy while adhering to the vrat's principles.

Quick Summary

Yes, samo rice (barnyard millet) is permitted during the Ekadashi fast because it is a pseudo-grain, not a regular cereal grain. This article explains the rules, nutritional benefits, and how to properly prepare samo rice while fasting.

Key Points

Permissible for Fasting: Samo rice is a millet, or pseudo-grain, that is allowed during the Ekadashi fast, unlike regular rice.
Nutritionally Dense: It provides sustained energy, high fiber, and is gluten-free, making it a healthy vrat option.
Versatile Cooking: Samo rice can be used to prepare a variety of dishes such as pulao, khichdi, and kheer.
Avoid Forbidden Items: When cooking samo rice for a fast, ensure you use only permitted ingredients like rock salt and avoid onion and garlic.
Low Glycemic Index: Its low-to-moderate glycemic index helps manage blood sugar levels during the fasting period.
Easy to Digest: Being light on the stomach, it prevents bloating and discomfort associated with heavier foods.
Spiritual Focus: Remember that the act of fasting is for spiritual purification, and the food should remain simple and sattvic.

The Spiritual Significance of the Ekadashi Fast

Ekadashi is a holy day in the Hindu calendar, observed twice a month on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning lunar phases. The fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is undertaken to purify the body, mind, and soul. The core principle of the fast involves abstaining from regular grains, pulses, and beans, as ancient scriptures suggest they carry negative energy on this auspicious day. By consuming only sattvic foods, devotees aim to reduce distraction and focus on spiritual practices like meditation and chanting. This shift from heavy, tamasic foods to lighter, purer alternatives is the essence of the Ekadashi vrat.

Why Samo Rice is a Permissible Fasting Food

Samo rice, also known as barnyard millet or samak chawal, is often misunderstood due to its 'rice' label. The key distinction is that samo rice is not a cereal grain but a pseudo-grain, and botanically, a type of millet. This botanical difference is why it is considered a permissible food during most Hindu fasts, including Ekadashi. It's a gluten-free grain that provides sustained energy and is easy on the digestive system, which aligns perfectly with the fasting intention of keeping the body light. Its mild, nutty flavour allows it to absorb the tastes of other fasting-friendly ingredients beautifully, making it a versatile option for various dishes.

Preparing Samo Rice for a Fast

To ensure your samo rice dish is suitable for the Ekadashi vrat, follow these preparation tips:

Rinsing and Soaking: Rinse the samo rice thoroughly under running water. Soaking it for 20-30 minutes before cooking reduces cooking time and improves its texture.
Fasting-Friendly Seasonings: Use only permitted spices. Cumin seeds (jeera), green chilies, and black pepper are excellent choices. Sendha namak (rock salt) must be used instead of regular table salt, as it is considered purer for fasting purposes.
Vrat-Compliant Fats: Cook in ghee or peanut oil, avoiding sunflower oil or other oils that may be contaminated with grain-based products.
Mindful Additions: For extra flavour and texture, add chopped potatoes, carrots, or peanuts. Some traditions allow for specific vegetables, so always check with your family customs.

Samo Rice vs. Other Fasting Foods: A Nutritional Comparison

To help you decide what to eat during your fast, here is a comparison of some popular vrat-friendly foods:


Feature	Samo Rice (Barnyard Millet)	Sabudana (Tapioca)	Kuttu Atta (Buckwheat)
Origin	Millet (Pseudo-grain)	Starch from cassava root	Pseudo-cereal grain
Nutritional Profile	High fiber, good protein	High carb, low protein	Good protein, high fiber
Glycemic Index	Low-to-moderate	High	Low
Energy Release	Sustained	Quick burst	Sustained
Digestibility	Easy to digest	Light on the stomach	Easy to digest

Versatile Samo Rice Recipes for Ekadashi

Samo rice is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of delicious and fulfilling dishes for your fast. Here are a few ideas:

Samo Rice Khichdi: A simple and comforting dish cooked with peanuts, potatoes, green chilies, and seasoned with rock salt. It's a wholesome meal that provides sustained energy.
Samo Rice Pulao: A more festive option, this dish is prepared with vegetables like chopped carrots and green beans (if permitted in your tradition), and garnished with fresh coriander.
Samo Rice Kheer: For a sweet treat, samo rice can be cooked with milk, sugar (or jaggery), and dry fruits to make a creamy pudding.
Samo Rice Dosa or Idli: The rice can also be ground into a batter to make soft idlis or crispy dosas, offering a unique and satisfying meal.

The Health Benefits of Including Samo Rice

Beyond its religious permissibility, samo rice offers numerous health benefits, making it an excellent addition to a fasting diet:

Sustained Energy Release: The high fiber content in samo rice ensures a slow release of energy, preventing energy crashes and keeping you full for longer.
Supports Digestive Health: Its easy digestibility makes it gentle on the stomach, which is beneficial during a fast when your digestive system is resting.
Gluten-Free: As a naturally gluten-free grain, it's a safe and nutritious option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Rich in Micronutrients: Samo rice is a good source of important minerals like iron and zinc, which are crucial for maintaining good health.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In summary, you can confidently and mindfully eat samo rice in Ekadashi fast. This pseudo-grain is not only compliant with traditional fasting rules but is also a nutritious choice that offers sustained energy and is easy to digest. While following the dietary guidelines is important, it is also essential to remember the true spirit of the vrat: spiritual cleansing, increased devotion, and detachment from worldly comforts. By preparing your samo rice with the right intentions and ingredients, you can honour both tradition and your well-being during this sacred time. For more information on fasting practices and guidelines, you may consult resources like the Iskcon Dwarka website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Samo rice is a millet, also known as barnyard millet or samak chawal, and is considered a pseudo-grain, not a true cereal grain like wheat or rice. It is therefore suitable for consumption during fasts like Ekadashi.

According to religious beliefs, a demon named Mura is said to reside in regular rice on Ekadashi, and consuming it is considered disrespectful to Lord Vishnu. Additionally, the moon's position on this day affects water content in the body, and regular rice, which holds a lot of water, can be disruptive.

Permissible foods typically include fruits, dairy products, nuts, and certain non-grain items like millets, sabudana (tapioca pearls), and root vegetables. Processed foods, grains, and pulses are to be avoided.

No, you should use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of common table salt when preparing fasting meals. Rock salt is considered purer for religious purposes.

For best results, soak the samo rice for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. You can then cook it with water and fasting-friendly spices like cumin, ginger, and green chilies.

No, they are different names for the same grain, barnyard millet, which is commonly consumed during fasts in India. It is also known as moraiyo and bhagar in various regions.

Yes, due to its high fiber and protein content, samo rice provides sustained energy, helping you feel full for longer and avoiding energy crashes during the fast.

You should avoid using regular salt, onion, garlic, and other spices that are not considered sattvic. Any ingredients or cooking utensils that have been in contact with prohibited grains should also be avoided.