Maha Shivratri Fasting Food: Your Guide to Eating During the Festival

There's often confusion about what is okay as MahaShivratri fasting food and what is not, as different sources say different things. It can make it hard for people to stick to their fasting routine. 

During Maha Shivratri, devotees commonly practice fasting to show dedication and seek spiritual purification. Many people abstain from consuming food and sometimes even water for the entire day or part of it. 

To end there's often this confusion as to what is okay to be , we bring you a list of choices as fasting food for Mahashivratri.
 

• Sabudana Khichdi:
  

Sabudana Khichdi is one of the renowned dishes and simple Maha Shivratri fasting food recipes. It is a beloved dish prepared from tapioca pearls, peanuts, and spices. These pearls are soaked to tenderness, sautéed with crunchy peanuts, and seasoned with spices like cumin and green chilli, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavours, perfect for sustaining energy during fasting.

• Fruit Salad:

Fruit salad mixes fresh seasonal fruits, giving a lively explosion of flavour and essential nutrients. Laden with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it replenishes energy levels and helps maintain hydration, making it an ideal choice for Maha Shivratri fasting food.

• Vrat Ke Chawal:
  

Also known as sama ke chawal or barnyard millet, these tiny grains are cooked similarly to rice, offering a gluten-free alternative rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. Light and easily digestible, vrat ke chawal provides sustained energy throughout the day and, hence, is the perfect fasting food for Maha Shivratri.

• Singhare Atte Ka Halwa:
  

Singhare atte ka halwa is a luscious pudding prepared from water chestnut flour, ghee, and sugar, garnished with aromatic dry fruits. Its rich, indulgent taste and smooth texture make it a quintessential dessert for Maha Shivratri fasting, satisfying both the palate and the soul.

• Potato Recipes:
   

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient in fasting cuisine and part of many Maha Shivratri fasting food recipes. They offer endless possibilities and are packed with energy and essential nutrients. Whether boiled, mashed, or turned into crispy pancakes, potatoes provide a hearty and comforting addition to fasting meals.

• Kuttu Ki Puri:
  

This deep-fried bread made from buckwheat flour is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Paired with creamy curries or tangy chutneys, kuttu ki puri is a classic fasting food for Maha Shivratri. 

• Makhana (Fox Nuts):

Roasted makhana, or fox nuts, are a crunchy and nutritious snack option. They are low in calories and high in protein. Seasoned with rock salt and pepper, they provide a guilt-free indulgence during fasting periods, satisfying cravings while nourishing the body. 

• Rajgira Paratha
  

These soft, gluten-free flatbreads made from amaranth flour are rich in protein and essential amino acids. When served hot with creamy yoghurt or tangy chutneys, rajgira paratha is a wholesome and satiating meal option as food for Maha Shivratri fast. 

• Coconut Milk-Based Dishes:

Coconut milk adds a creamy richness to fasting dishes, imparting a unique flavour profile and nutritional benefits. From savoury curries to sweet desserts, coconut milk-based dishes are a decadent yet nourishing addition to Maha Shivratri fasting menus. 

• Dairy Products:

Dairy products like yoghurt, paneer, and milk-based drinks provide essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins. Incorporating these dairy delights into fasting meals ensures a balanced diet and promotes overall well-being during Maha Shivratri observances.

Here are some dairy drinks and dishes you can have as food for the Maha Shivratri fast.

• Lassi: A traditional Indian yoghurt-based drink, lassi can be prepared in various flavours, such as plain, sweet, or savoury. It's refreshing, hydrating, and packed with probiotics and protein, making it an excellent choice for breaking the fast.
• Grilled Paneer: Grilled paneer is a simple yet delicious dish where slices of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated with spices and grilled to perfection. It's a protein-rich, satisfying, and flavourful option, ideal for Maha Shivratri fasting.
• Thandai: Thandai is a traditional Indian drink made from milk, nuts, and spices like saffron, cardamom, and fennel seeds. It's often prepared during festivals like Maha Shivratri and Holi, and it's known for its cooling properties and delicious taste.
• Shrikhand: Shrikhand is a sweetened yoghurt dessert flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. It's creamy, rich, and indulgent, making it a delightful treat to enjoy during fasting.
• Buttermilk (Chaas): Buttermilk, or chaas, is a refreshing drink made from diluted yoghurt, seasoned with salt, roasted cumin powder, and fresh herbs like mint or cilantro. It aids digestion, replenishes electrolytes, and helps keep the body cool, making it an ideal beverage choice for Maha Shivratri fasting. 

Fasting Tips for Maha Shivratri

Here are some tips to help you observe Maha Shivratri fasting:

1. Plan your meals: Before starting the fast, plan your daily meals and snacks. Include a variety of Maha Shivratri fasting foods like fruits, dairy products, nuts, and gluten-free grains to ensure a balanced diet.
2. Stay hydrated: Have plenty of water, coconut water, herbal teas, or homemade fruit juices throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels.
3. Avoid excessive salt and spices: Fasting meals are typically low in salt and spices to aid digestion and maintain electrolyte balance. Use minimal salt and mild spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger.

Include protein-rich foods: Dairy products like yoghurt, paneer, and milk-based drinks should be part of your fasting food for Maha Shivratri. This will help you meet your protein requirements and keep you full.

1. Choose slow-digesting carbohydrates: To provide sustained energy throughout the day, choose slow-digesting carbohydrates like barnyard millet (sama ke chawal), buckwheat (kuttu), and water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta).
2. Limit fried foods: While many Maha Shivratri fasting foods are fried, consuming them in moderation is essential. Excessive intake of fried foods can lead to digestive discomfort and sluggishness.
3. Pay attention to your body: Listen to your body's signals and adjust your fasting routine. If you feel weak or dizzy, breaking the fast with light foods like fruits or yoghurt is okay.
4. Rest and relax: Take this opportunity to rest and rejuvenate your body and mind. Avoid strenuous activities and give yourself permission to unwind and relax. 

If you are staying at any of the Club Mahindra Resorts during the festival, please ask our staff for Maha Shivratri fasting food; they will help you. 

During Maha Shivratri, there's a wide range of tasty fasting foods to enjoy, from comforting sabudana khichdi to sweet singhare atte ka halwa. We hope the above list of fasting foods for Maha Shivratri will help you keep up with your fast properly.