Which food can we eat in Shivratri fast?

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Hindu traditions, many devotees observe a fast on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri to honor Lord Shiva. If you are participating, it's crucial to know which food can we eat in Shivratri fast to ensure your fast is both spiritually pure and physically sustainable.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of sattvic foods allowed during the Shivratri fast, including fruits, dairy, specific flours, and root vegetables. It also covers common foods to avoid and offers tips for staying hydrated and energetic throughout the day of observance.

Key Points

Sattvic Food Only: Adhere to a sattvic diet of pure, light foods to maintain energy and mental clarity, avoiding processed foods, regular salt, onion, and garlic.
Fruits and Dairy are Key: Fresh fruits like bananas and apples, along with dairy products such as milk, curd, and paneer, are excellent sources of nutrients and energy during the fast.
Use Vrat-Friendly Flours: Replace regular grains with permitted flours like kuttu (buckwheat), singhare (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth) for wholesome meals.
Sabudana is a Staple: Tapioca pearls, or sabudana, are a popular fasting food that provides a great energy boost and can be prepared in various dishes.
Stay Hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated with water, coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh juices, while avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Use Rock Salt: For seasoning, use only rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt for all fasting preparations.
Mindful Eating: Focus on consuming fresh, minimally processed foods in moderation and eat mindfully to honor the spiritual purpose of the fast.

What is a Sattvic Diet for Fasting?

Observing a fast on Shivratri involves adhering to a sattvic diet, a dietary regimen rooted in Ayurveda that promotes purity, balance, and mindfulness. Sattvic foods are light, fresh, and easy to digest, which is essential for maintaining physical energy and mental clarity during a religious observance. This differs significantly from standard, everyday meals that might include processed items or ingredients like onion and garlic, which are considered rajasic or tamasic and avoided during fasting.

Permitted Food Categories and Examples

Fruits and Dry Fruits: Fruits are a primary source of natural sugars and energy during a fast. All fresh fruits, including bananas, apples, oranges, pomegranates, and papaya, are excellent choices. Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and raisins provide sustained energy and healthy fats.
Dairy Products: Milk and its derivatives are an integral part of the Shivratri diet. Consuming milk, curd (yogurt), buttermilk, paneer (cottage cheese), and ghee helps provide protein, calcium, and good fats. A simple bowl of curd with fresh fruit or a glass of lassi can be very nourishing.
Vrat-Friendly Flours: Grains like wheat and rice are typically avoided. Instead, special gluten-free flours are used. These include buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and amaranth flour (rajgira ka atta). These flours can be used to make puris or rotis.
Root Vegetables: Many root vegetables are permitted and are a great source of carbohydrates. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and arbi (colocasia) are commonly eaten. These can be prepared as simple curries or chaats using rock salt.
Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): A very popular fasting food, sabudana is rich in carbohydrates and gives a quick energy boost. Dishes like sabudana khichdi (tapioca pearls with peanuts and potatoes) or sabudana kheer are a perfect fit for the vrat.
Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds make excellent snacks to keep hunger at bay. They are packed with healthy fats and protein.
Rock Salt (Sendha Namak): Regular table salt is not used during fasting. Only rock salt (sendha namak), a purer, unprocessed variety, is permitted for seasoning all fasting-friendly dishes.
Natural Sweeteners and Herbs: For sweetness, jaggery or honey are used instead of refined sugar. Mild spices and herbs like cumin, black pepper, and coriander are also allowed.

Comparison of Common Fasting Foods


Food Item	Nutritional Value	Energy Source	Common Preparation	Key Benefit for Fasting
Sabudana	Carbohydrate-rich, low-fiber	Quick-release energy	`Khichdi`, `kheer`, `vada`	Instant energy boost, easy to digest
Kuttu Flour	High fiber, protein, minerals	Sustained energy	`Puri`, `roti`, `pakora`	Keeps you full longer
Fruits	Vitamins, minerals, fiber	Natural sugars	Fruit salad, smoothies	Hydrating, nutrient-rich
Dairy (Curd)	Protein, calcium, probiotics	Protein, healthy fats	Plain with rock salt, raita	Aids digestion, provides protein
Makhana	Protein, antioxidants	Healthy snack	Roasted with ghee, `kheer`	Light and nutritious

Dishes to Enjoy During Shivratri Fast

There are numerous delicious and satisfying dishes you can prepare with the permitted ingredients:

Sabudana Khichdi: A light and flavorful meal made with soaked sabudana, roasted peanuts, potatoes, and mild spices. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh coriander for extra flavor.
Kuttu ki Puri and Aloo Sabzi: Fried puris made from buckwheat flour, served with a simple curry of potatoes cooked with rock salt, cumin, and green chilies.
Fruit Chaat: A refreshing mix of chopped fresh fruits like apples, bananas, pomegranates, and oranges, sprinkled with rock salt and black pepper.
Makhana Kheer: A creamy dessert made by simmering fox nuts in milk with jaggery and nuts.
Sweet Potato Chaat: Boiled and cubed sweet potatoes mixed with yogurt, rock salt, cumin powder, and a dash of lemon juice.

Essential Hydration and Precautions

Staying hydrated is key during any fast, especially if you are not consuming full meals. Water is, of course, essential, but other options like coconut water, buttermilk (chaas), fresh fruit juices, and herbal teas (like tulsi or ginger) also help maintain energy and electrolyte balance. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as they can cause dehydration. Listen to your body and opt for lighter food options if you feel weak or have any health conditions. For those with diabetes or other health concerns, it is wise to consult a doctor before a prolonged fast. You can find more helpful resources for healthy fasting and mindfulness on the official website of The Art of Living.

Conclusion

Fasting on Shivratri is a deeply spiritual and personal journey. By understanding which food can we eat in Shivratri fast, you can honor this tradition with a balanced and mindful approach. Embracing sattvic foods ensures you stay nourished and energetic while focusing on the spiritual significance of the day. Whether you opt for a phalahar (fruit-based) fast or a more partial one, the wide variety of permitted foods and recipes ensures a fulfilling and pure vrat. Remember to prepare your meals with devotion, eat mindfully, and stay hydrated throughout the day to ensure a successful and spiritual observance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sabudana (tapioca pearls) is a staple fasting food and is commonly consumed during the Shivratri vrat. It is often made into dishes like khichdi or kheer.

Yes, fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates are excellent for fasting. Dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, and raisins are also permitted and provide sustained energy.

Only rock salt, or sendha namak, is used for cooking during the Shivratri fast. Regular table salt is avoided as it is considered processed.

Yes, root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and arbi are allowed and are a good source of carbohydrates for energy during the fast.

Most sources advise against consuming caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee during the fast, as they can cause dehydration and are not considered sattvic.

Foods to avoid include grains like wheat and rice, legumes, lentils, regular salt, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.

Those with health conditions like pregnant women, the elderly, or those who are unwell should opt for a milder fast or consume a light, nourishing meal with their doctor's guidance, rather than a strict fast.