Which dry fruits are allowed in Shivratri fast?

November 20, 2025 •

5 min read

Devotees observing the Shivratri fast often seek foods that provide energy and adhere to spiritual guidelines. Dry fruits are a popular and permitted choice, offering essential nutrients to sustain the body during the vrat. Knowing which dry fruits are allowed in Shivratri fast is key to maintaining both your devotion and your health throughout the auspicious day.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of dry fruits and nuts that are permitted during the Shivratri fast, detailing their nutritional benefits and offering advice on how to consume them. It covers everything from almonds and dates to cashews and figs, with tips on preparation and recipe ideas to support your fast.

Key Points

Permitted Dry Fruits: Most unsalted, plain dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashews, raisins, dates, figs, walnuts, and pistachios are allowed during the Shivratri fast.
Energy and Nutrition: Dry fruits are an excellent source of natural sugars, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, providing sustained energy during the vrat.
Soaking Benefits: Soaking nuts such as almonds and walnuts overnight makes them easier to digest and enhances nutrient absorption, which is particularly helpful during a fast.
Preparation Rules: For Shivratri fasting, it is crucial to use only unsalted and unsweetened dry fruits, avoiding any processed versions.
Versatile Use: Dry fruits can be eaten raw as a snack, blended into nutritious milkshakes with permitted milk, or added to fasting desserts like makhana kheer or dry fruit laddoos.
Moderation is Key: While nutritious, dry fruits are calorie-dense, so it is important to consume them in moderation to avoid overeating during the fast.

Permitted Dry Fruits for the Shivratri Vrat

Observing a Shivratri fast, or vrat, requires careful attention to the diet to maintain a sattvic (pure) and energetic state of mind and body. Dry fruits and nuts are highly recommended during this period due to their high nutritional content, healthy fats, and natural sugars that provide sustained energy. Most unsalted, plain dry fruits and nuts are allowed, making them an excellent choice for a partial or phalahar fast.

List of Allowed Dry Fruits and How to Consume Them

Almonds (Badam): These are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E. Soaking them overnight makes them easier to digest and enhances nutrient absorption, which is particularly beneficial for a sensitive fasting digestive system.
Cashews (Kaju): Rich in magnesium and healthy fats, cashews offer quick energy and help keep hunger at bay. They can be eaten raw, added to milk-based preparations like kheer, or used to make vrat-friendly laddoos.
Raisins (Kishmish): A natural source of sweetness, raisins provide a quick boost of energy and are rich in iron, which combats fatigue. A small handful can satisfy sweet cravings.
Dates (Khajur): With their high natural sugar and fiber content, dates are excellent for providing instant energy and promoting satiety. They are a great way to naturally sweeten milkshakes or energy bites.
Figs (Anjeer): These are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps stabilize energy levels. Figs can be eaten as they are or blended with nuts and dates for a nutrient-dense snack.
Walnuts (Akhrot): Known for being brain food, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. A few walnuts can help maintain focus during the day of fasting.
Pistachios (Pista): A good source of protein and fiber, pistachios can be a light and crunchy snack. Be sure to choose unsalted, plain versions during the fast.
Dried Apricots: These are a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, which help in maintaining energy and healthy digestion.
Fox Nuts (Makhana): A very popular and light fasting food, makhana can be roasted in a little ghee with rock salt for a savory snack, or used in kheer.

The Importance of Soaking Nuts for Better Digestion

During a fast, your digestive system is not working at full capacity, so making foods easier to digest is important. Many nuts contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that can make them hard on the stomach. Soaking nuts like almonds and walnuts overnight and peeling the skin (in the case of almonds) can help reduce these compounds, improving digestibility and nutrient absorption. This process is called activating the nuts and is considered a sattvic practice that supports the body during a fast.

Dry Fruit Consumption vs. Other Fasting Foods


Feature	Dry Fruits & Nuts	Fried Foods (e.g., Kuttu Puri)	Dairy Products (e.g., Curd)
Energy Source	Sustained release; mixture of natural sugars, fats, and protein.	Quick energy from carbs and fat, but can cause a crash later.	Sustained energy from protein and fat, can be heavy on the stomach.
Digestibility	Easier to digest, especially when soaked.	Can be heavy and cause bloating.	Generally easy to digest, but can vary by individual.
Nutrient Density	Very high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.	Lower nutrient density, more about calories.	Good source of protein and calcium.
Preparation Effort	Minimal; can be eaten raw.	Requires cooking and frying, more time-consuming.	Minimal; can be consumed as is.
Satiety	High fiber content keeps you feeling full longer.	Can lead to feeling heavy and sleepy shortly after eating.	Moderately high satiety, especially with added dry fruits.

Delicious Shivratri Dry Fruit Recipes

Here are some simple, vrat-friendly recipes to incorporate dry fruits into your fast:

Dry Fruit Laddoos: Blend a mix of pitted dates, almonds, cashews, and a tablespoon of ghee. Roll the mixture into small balls. These are perfect energy bites for the day.
Dry Fruit and Almond Milkshake: Soak almonds and a few dates overnight. In the morning, blend them with milk and a pinch of cardamom. This provides a wholesome, filling, and energizing drink.
Makhana and Dry Fruit Kheer: Roast makhana in ghee until crisp. Add to boiling milk with a few chopped dates and raisins for sweetness. Garnish with almonds and pistachios for a delicious and nourishing dessert.

Best Practices for Including Dry Fruits in Your Fast

To make the most of consuming dry fruits during your Shivratri fast, keep these points in mind:

Eat in Moderation: Dry fruits are calorie-dense, so a handful is often enough for a snack. Excessive consumption can defeat the purpose of a light, sattvic diet.
Opt for Unsalted and Unsweetened: Choose plain, unsalted versions to avoid artificial additives and adhere to fasting guidelines. Added salt or sugar can interfere with the spiritual discipline of the vrat.
Stay Hydrated: Dry fruits are high in fiber, so it's essential to drink plenty of water, milk, or herbal teas to aid digestion and prevent dehydration.
Consider Soaking: As mentioned, soaking nuts like almonds and walnuts can improve digestion, making them easier on the stomach while fasting.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of dry fruits during the Shivratri fast is both spiritually pure and physically beneficial, helping you maintain your energy and focus throughout the day. Dry fruits offer a versatile and nutritious way to honor your vrat traditions without compromising your well-being. Incorporating them thoughtfully will make your fasting experience much smoother and more fulfilling.

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially when fasting. Your health and spiritual practice should go hand in hand. You can find more fasting recipes and information about Hindu festivals on reputable sites like Times of India Food.

Conclusion

Dry fruits are not only permitted but are a highly beneficial and nourishing part of a Shivratri fast. Varieties like almonds, cashews, raisins, dates, and figs provide a steady source of energy, fiber, and essential nutrients, preventing fatigue and hunger pangs. By choosing unsalted, unsweetened options and preparing them mindfully, such as by soaking nuts, you can support your body and mind in maintaining focus on the spiritual significance of the day. They offer a simple, pure, and effective way to sustain yourself, whether eaten raw or incorporated into delicious, vrat-friendly recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, almonds are one of the most recommended dry fruits for the Shivratri fast. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, and soaking them overnight can improve digestion.

Yes, dates are allowed during the Shivratri fast. They are a great natural sweetener and an excellent source of quick energy, thanks to their natural sugars and high fiber content.

No, it is best to avoid roasted and salted pistachios. During a Shivratri fast, you should stick to plain, unsalted dry fruits and use only rock salt (sendha namak) in your food.

You can eat dry fruits raw as a snack, blend them into a milkshake with milk, or use them to make vrat-friendly recipes like laddoos or kheer. Soaking harder nuts like almonds can also be beneficial.

Yes, raisins and figs are both allowed during the Shivratri fast. Raisins offer a natural sweetness and iron, while figs provide fiber to aid digestion and maintain energy levels.

Yes, dry fruits are versatile ingredients for fasting recipes. They can be added to kheer, mixed into energy laddoos, or sprinkled over fruit salads to add texture, flavor, and nutrients.

To prevent fatigue, consume a handful of mixed dry fruits and nuts as a snack in between meals. The combination of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber will provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full.