Can We Eat Seeds in Shivratri Fast? A Guide to Permissible Foods

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 50 million Hindus across the globe observe the Maha Shivratri fast, often questioning specific dietary rules. This guide clarifies the long-standing query: can we eat seeds in Shivratri fast, and provides comprehensive information on other permitted items.

Quick Summary

This article explains which seeds are permissible during the Shivratri fast according to traditional sattvic food rules. It details the nutritional benefits of including certain seeds, nuts, and other vrat-friendly foods to sustain energy and spiritual focus throughout the day.

Key Points

Seeds are Allowed: Many types of seeds, including pumpkin, sunflower, and chia, are permissible during a Shivratri fast as they are considered sattvic and not grains.
Choose Vrat-Friendly Seeds: Opt for natural, uncooked, or simply prepared seeds and nuts, such as dry-roasted makhanas or raw almonds, to align with fasting rules.
Use Rock Salt Only: Any preparation involving seeds, like roasted snacks, must use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular table salt.
Combine with Other Allowed Foods: Seeds and nuts are best consumed with other permitted items like fruits, milk, or curd to provide a balanced intake of nutrients throughout the fast.
Fuel Your Body Properly: Eating nutrient-dense seeds and nuts helps provide sustained energy and prevents feelings of fatigue, supporting the spiritual focus of the fast.
Avoid Deep-Frying and Regular Spices: While seeds are allowed, preparations should remain simple. Avoid excessive oil, deep-frying, and prohibited spices to maintain the purity of the food.

Understanding the Shivratri Fast and Sattvic Diet

The Maha Shivratri fast is a day of deep spiritual significance, and the dietary restrictions are designed to maintain a sattvic (pure and harmonious) state of mind and body. This means avoiding foods that are considered rajasic (stimulating) or tamasic (dulling). The primary rule is to abstain from grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and regular table salt, opting instead for specific vrat-friendly foods. This is where the question of seeds and nuts arises.

The Role of Seeds and Nuts in Fasting

Seeds and nuts are considered ideal fasting foods for several reasons. They are energy-dense, packed with essential nutrients, and provide sustained energy release, preventing the fatigue often associated with fasting. Unlike processed snacks, they are natural and aligned with the sattvic diet principles. Their rich profile of healthy fats, protein, and fiber keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. Incorporating them mindfully can provide the necessary sustenance for a day-long fast while still adhering to the spiritual sanctity of the occasion.

Which Seeds and Nuts Are Permissible?

Commonly Allowed Seeds:

Pumpkin Seeds: A great source of magnesium and zinc, they support immune function and are easy to consume roasted or raw.
Sunflower Seeds: These are rich in Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, and healthy fats.
Flax Seeds: Known for their omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They can be ground and added to other dishes.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are excellent for hydration due to their ability to absorb water. They are also high in fiber and omega-3s.
Makhana (Fox Nuts/Lotus Seeds): A traditional favorite for fasting, makhanas are light, crunchy, and an excellent source of protein and essential minerals.
Melon Seeds: Often used in traditional sweets or dry-roasted, these seeds offer nutrients and can be easily consumed.

Commonly Allowed Nuts:

Almonds: Packed with protein and fiber, they are a great way to boost energy.
Walnuts: Known for brain-boosting benefits and healthy fats, they are a fulfilling snack.
Cashews: A good source of healthy fats and minerals.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts are a popular and affordable snack during fasts.

A Comparison of Fasting-Friendly Foods


Food Item	Nutritional Benefit	Recommended Use During Fast
Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower, Flax)	High in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins (E, B), and minerals (zinc, magnesium).	Can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into powders to mix with yogurt or smoothies.
Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews)	Excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and sustained energy.	A handful can be consumed as a snack or used in fasting sweets and desserts.
Makhana (Fox Nuts)	Light, high in protein, fiber, and calcium.	Roasted with a little ghee and rock salt, or used in kheer.
Dairy Products (Milk, Yogurt, Paneer)	Rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics for good digestion.	Consume as is, or use to prepare lassi, kheer, or paneer dishes.
Specific Flours (Kuttu, Singhara, Rajgira)	Gluten-free, high in fiber and minerals, and provides slow-releasing energy.	Used to make rotis, pooris, or cheelas that are served with vrat-friendly curries.
Fruits	Natural source of hydration, vitamins, and instant energy from natural sugars.	Consume fresh as a snack or part of a fruit salad throughout the day.

How to Prepare Seeds for the Shivratri Fast

To consume seeds during your fast, you can incorporate them into various recipes. One simple method is to dry roast them with a little ghee and rock salt for a tasty snack. Another option is to create a nutritious fasting trail mix by combining assorted nuts, seeds, and raisins. For a more substantial dish, ground seeds can be added to yogurt or a fruit smoothie to increase protein content. Makhana can be used to prepare a delicious and light kheer, boiled in milk with a natural sweetener like jaggery. Always use sendha namak (rock salt) for any preparations, as regular table salt is not permitted during the fast.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of whether you can eat seeds during the Shivratri fast is answered with a clear yes, provided they are part of a sattvic, grain-free diet. The key is to consume them in their natural form or prepare them with other fasting-friendly ingredients, avoiding prohibited items like regular salt, onion, and garlic. Seeds and nuts offer a practical and nutritious way to maintain energy levels and spiritual focus throughout the fast, making them an excellent inclusion in your vrat diet. For further guidance on sattvic living, you might explore resources like the The Art of Living website on fasting recipes and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pumpkin seeds are permissible during the Shivratri fast. They are a great source of minerals like magnesium and zinc and can be eaten raw or lightly roasted with rock salt.

Yes, chia seeds are allowed. They are excellent for hydration and provide fiber and omega-3s, which are beneficial for sustaining energy throughout the fast.

Yes, makhana is a very popular and widely accepted fasting food for Shivratri. It is light, nutritious, and can be roasted or made into kheer.

Yes, sunflower seeds can be consumed during the fast. They are a good source of Vitamin E and healthy fats, and can be a healthy snack option.

No, you must use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular table salt. Regular salt is prohibited during the fast.

Yes, flax seeds are allowed during the Shivratri fast. They can be ground and added to yogurt or other fasting-friendly dishes to enhance their nutritional value.

You can eat them raw, soaked (like almonds), or lightly roasted in ghee. You can also incorporate them into dishes like kheer or add them to fruit salad.