Can We Eat Singhara in Monday Fast? A Comprehensive Guide

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Hindu religious texts and traditions, many specific foods are permitted during fasting periods, while others are avoided entirely. A common question arises for devotees observing a Monday fast, or Somvar Vrat: can we eat singhara in Monday fast? The clear answer is yes, singhara, also known as water chestnut, is a widely accepted and highly nutritious food for fasting.

Quick Summary

Singhara, or water chestnut flour, is a permitted and nutritious food for those observing a Monday fast (Somvar Vrat). It is a gluten-free and sattvic option that provides sustained energy and is used in various fasting-friendly dishes like parathas, pakoras, and halwa.

Key Points

Singhara is allowed in Monday fast: Yes, singhara, or water chestnut, and its flour (singhare ka atta) are considered traditional and pure foods suitable for Monday fasts (Somvar Vrat).
Nutritionally beneficial for fasting: Singhara is a nutrient-dense food rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, providing sustained energy and helping to regulate blood pressure during fasting.
Gluten-free alternative: As a gluten-free food, singhara flour is an excellent substitute for regular wheat and rice flours, which are often prohibited during fasts.
Versatile for fasting recipes: From savory parathas and pakoras to sweet halwa, singhara flour can be used in a variety of delicious and satisfying fasting dishes.
Sattvic and easy to digest: Because it is a light and pure food, singhara promotes mental clarity and is easy on the digestive system, aligning with the spiritual principles of fasting.

Can Singhara Be Consumed During a Monday Fast?

Yes, singhara, or water chestnut, is not only permissible but is also a traditional and healthy choice for a Monday fast (Somvar Vrat). The flour, known as singhare ka atta, is particularly popular for making various fasting meals. Unlike regular grains such as wheat and rice, which are typically avoided, singhara is considered 'falahari'—a category of fruits and vegetables that can be consumed during fasts. Its rich nutritional profile and versatile nature make it a staple in many fasting diets, especially during Sawan Somvar and Navratri.

The Spiritual and Health Reasons for Choosing Singhara

Fasting is a practice of spiritual purification and self-discipline, and the choice of food plays a significant role. The foods permitted are typically 'sattvic,' or pure and light, to avoid burdening the body and to maintain mental clarity. Singhara fits this description perfectly. It is light on the stomach, easy to digest, and provides a steady source of energy, preventing the fatigue and weakness often associated with fasting.

Furthermore, from a health perspective, singhara is an excellent choice. It is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease who fast. It is also packed with nutrients like potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, which support overall health and help regulate blood pressure.

Preparing Singhara for Your Monday Fast

Singhara flour is incredibly versatile and can be used to prepare a variety of delicious dishes that adhere to fasting rules. It replaces regular grain-based flours in recipes to make them vrat-friendly. For cooking, it is important to use only permitted ingredients like rock salt (sendha namak) and certain spices such as black pepper and cumin.

Here are some popular ways to incorporate singhara into your Monday fast meals:

Singhare ki Roti or Paratha: A simple, unleavened flatbread made from a dough of singhara flour and mashed boiled potatoes.
Singhare ke Pakore: Crispy fritters made by dipping vegetables like potatoes in a thick batter of singhara flour before frying.
Singhare ka Halwa: A sweet dessert made with singhara flour, ghee, sugar or jaggery, and garnished with nuts.
Singhare ki Kadhi: A savory, curd-based curry thickened with singhara flour, perfect to eat with rotis or pakoras.

Comparison of Fasting Flours: Singhara vs. Kuttu

When observing a fast, people often choose between different types of flours. Singhara (water chestnut flour) and kuttu (buckwheat flour) are two of the most popular. While both are excellent for fasting, they offer slightly different properties and nutritional benefits.


Feature	Singhara (Water Chestnut) Flour	Kuttu (Buckwheat) Flour
Flavor	Nutty and earthy	Stronger, more intense flavor
Texture	Smooth and light	Slightly heavier
Nutritional Profile	Rich in potassium, low in fat	High in protein and fiber
Energy Release	Provides a steady, sustained energy boost	Can keep you feeling full for longer
Best For	Sweets, light breads, thickening agents	Heavier puris, parathas, and savory dishes

Conclusion: Enjoying Singhara During a Monday Fast

Observing a Monday fast does not mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition. Singhara is a perfectly acceptable and highly beneficial food that is in line with the principles of sattvic eating during a vrat. Whether you prefer it in a savory form like a paratha or as a sweet halwa, singhara provides the energy and nutrients needed to sustain you throughout your day of devotion. Its versatility and health benefits make it a cherished and trusted ingredient for those seeking to maintain a pure diet while fasting. For more traditional recipes, you can explore trusted culinary sources like Sanjeev Kapoor's website.

Authoritative Resource on Fasting Foods

Sanjeev Kapoor's Website: A renowned culinary resource offering a wide range of traditional Indian recipes, including specific dishes suitable for fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Singhara is the Hindi name for water chestnut, an aquatic fruit with a nutty and sweet flavor. When dried and ground, it becomes a versatile flour known as singhare ka atta.

Yes, singhara flour is naturally gluten-free and is not considered a regular grain like wheat or rice. This makes it suitable for consumption during fasts when regular grains are avoided.

You can use singhara flour to prepare a variety of fasting-friendly dishes, such as parathas, puris, pakoras, and halwa. It is often combined with mashed boiled potatoes and rock salt.

Singhara provides a good source of energy, is rich in potassium and fiber, and is easy to digest. It helps keep you feeling full and provides essential nutrients to prevent weakness during the fast.

Yes, fresh singhara fruit can be eaten raw. It is a nutritious and hydrating fruit that is suitable for consumption during fasting, along with other fruits.

During a fast, spices like black pepper, green chilies, coriander leaves, and cumin are often permitted. It is important to use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt.

Singhara contains dietary fiber which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion. However, diabetic individuals should always consult a doctor before fasting or making significant dietary changes.