Category: Fasting foods

According to Indian culinary traditions, several special flours, known as 'Vrat Atta' or 'Farali Atta', are permitted during religious fasts like Navratri and Maha Shivratri. These gluten-free alternatives to common grains are not just for tradition, but are also packed with unique nutritional benefits.

Singhara flour, derived from water chestnuts, is a staple in many Indian households and has been used for centuries. The simple answer to the question, "Is singhara flour used in fasting?" is a resounding yes, as it is a pure and gluten-free alternative to regular grains like wheat during religious fasts. This makes it a popular choice for festivals like Navratri and Maha Shivaratri.

According to ancient Ayurvedic principles, dairy products, including curd, are considered sattvic foods, meaning they promote purity and balance in the body and mind. For those observing the nine-day Hindu festival, a common question arises: "Can we have curd during Navratri fast?" The answer is a definitive yes, as curd is not only permissible but highly beneficial for maintaining energy and digestive health throughout the fast.

According to Hindu traditions, observing a fast on Ekadashi involves abstaining from grains, and studies suggest metabolic benefits from such dietary restrictions. For many devotees, questions arise about specific food items like sweet potatoes, and whether they align with the spiritual and dietary guidelines of the fast.

According to Hindu traditions, Rajgira, also known as Amaranth, is a widely accepted pseudo-cereal for consumption during fasts like Navratri and Ekadashi. The resulting rajgira halwa is not only a delicious and comforting sweet dish but also a permissible and nutritious option for those observing a vrat.

Observing the bi-monthly Ekadashi fast often involves abstaining from grains, which has made Ekadashi flour a popular dietary option for devotees. This special, gluten-free flour is a strategic blend of non-grain ingredients, providing both sustenance and nutrition during the spiritual observance.

Specific food restrictions are a cornerstone of many religious fasts, and cultural differences across regions further complicate rules for devotees. This makes the question 'is moong dal ok for fasting?' highly relevant for individuals looking to observe their spiritual duties correctly while consuming a nutritious diet.

During festivals like Navratri, millions of people turn to samak chawal as a fasting staple. So, which millet is samak, and why is this tiny, gluten-free grain such a popular and nutritious choice for a variety of dishes?

According to Hindu dietary guidelines, coconut is considered a sattvic food, making it a permissible ingredient for a Janmashtami fast. Yes, you can eat coconut in Janmashtami fast, but the preparation and form of consumption can vary depending on the specific traditions observed by devotees.

Did you know that despite its name, buckwheat is not a true cereal grain but a fruit seed related to rhubarb and sorrel? In India, this nutritious food is known by several regional names, most commonly as Kuttu, and holds significant cultural importance, especially during fasting rituals.