Can We Eat One-Time Food in Monday Fast: Monday fasting, also known as Somvar Vrat, is a revered practice for devotees of Lord Shiva. It holds spiritual significance, as it is believed that fasting on this day brings peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of desires. One common query regarding Monday fasting is whether devotees can eat food, especially a one-time meal, during the fast.
In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of one-time food fasting (Ek Bhojan Vrat) and clarify the guidelines surrounding it. We’ll also take a closer look at Phalahar, another form of Monday fasting, and the types of food permitted under each.
What is a Monday Fast?
Monday fasting is observed in many ways, depending on personal preferences and religious customs. The most common types of Monday fasts include:
- Nirjala Monday Fast: Complete fasting with no food or water.
- Phalahar Monday Fast: Only specific foods like fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly items are allowed.
- One-Time Meal (Ek Bhojan Vrat): Devotees eat one regular meal during the day, consisting of simple vegetarian food.
Can you eat one-time food on Monday fast?
Yes, you can eat one-time food during a Monday fast. This form of fasting is called Ek Bhojan Vrat, where devotees consume one regular meal during the day and fast for the rest of the day.
Tradition and Practice:
In Ek Bhojan Vrat, the one-time meal usually consists of simple vegetarian food, like what you might normally eat on any regular day, such as:
- Dal (Lentils)
- Roti (Indian bread)
- Chawal (Rice)
- Vegetable curries
This meal is usually prepared without onions, garlic, or any heavy spices, in keeping with the principles of fasting. It’s a more lenient form of fasting compared to Phalahar or Nirjala, where food restrictions are stricter.
What Can Be Eaten in a One-Time Meal In Monday Fast?
The food consumed during a one-time meal in Ek Bhojan Vrat is typically a simple, vegetarian, satvik meal. Here’s what you can include:
- Dal (Lentils): Lightly spiced, simple lentil preparations like moong dal or arhar dal.
- Roti (Chapati): Whole wheat chapatis prepared with minimal oil.
- Rice (Chawal): Plain boiled rice or lightly spiced jeera rice.
- Vegetable Curries: Simple, satvik preparations of vegetables like aloo sabzi, bhindi, or lauki.
- Curd (Dahi): Fresh curd or buttermilk can be consumed with the meal.
This one-time meal is intended to be simple and nutritious, without being heavy or extravagant. The focus is on moderation and simplicity, aligning with the spiritual purpose of the fast.
Phalahar Monday Fast
For devotees seeking a more restrictive form of fasting, the Phalahar Monday Fast is a popular option. In this type of fasting, only specific foods like fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly snacks are consumed throughout the day.
What is Phalahar?
Phalahar is a type of fasting diet where only specific food items like fruits, milk, and vrat-approved ingredients are consumed. Unlike Ek Bhojan Vrat, which allows a full meal, Phalahar restricts food choices significantly.
Difference from One-Time Meal Fast:
The key difference between Phalahar and one-time meal fasting is the type of food you can consume. In Phalahar, you are restricted to eating:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, pomegranates, papayas, etc.
- Dairy Products: Milk, buttermilk, curd, and paneer.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, makhana (fox nuts).
- Vrat-Friendly Flours: Kuttu (buckwheat flour), Singhara (water chestnut flour).
- Snacks: Sabudana khichdi, boiled potatoes, and vrat-friendly snacks like kuttu or singhara puris.
Phalahar allows you to eat multiple times a day, but you must stick to vrat-accepted foods that are light and easily digestible.
Phalahar vs. One-Time Meal: Which to Choose?
Both Phalahar and Ek Bhojan Vrat are acceptable forms of fasting, and the choice between them depends on personal preference, health, and devotional strength.
- Devotional Aspect: Both are spiritually significant. Some devotees find one-time meals easier, while others prefer the stricter Phalahar.
- Health Considerations: Those who cannot fast for long hours may opt for Phalahar, while those who can handle a single meal may prefer Ek Bhojan Vrat.
- Flexibility in Practice: Some devotees combine both, eating Phalahar-friendly items during the day and having a one-time meal in the evening.
Benefits of One-Time Meal and Phalahar Fasting
- Spiritual Benefits: Fasting brings mental clarity, enhances devotion, and deepens the connection with Lord Shiva.
- Health Benefits: Both methods can detoxify the body, improve digestion, and promote physical well-being.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While observing any form of Monday fast, it’s essential to avoid these common mistakes:
- Overeating: Even if you’re allowed a meal or snacks, keep portions in check.
- Non-Satvik Ingredients: Avoid foods like onions, garlic, grains, and heavy spices in both one-time meals and Phalahar.
Conclusion
Whether you follow the Phalahar method or the one-time meal fast, both forms of Monday fasting are valid expressions of devotion to Lord Shiva. Each allows you to practice fasting in a way that aligns with your spiritual goals and physical needs. The most important part of any fast is the intention behind it—observing it with dedication, mindfulness, and discipline.
FAQs
- Can I drink tea or coffee during Phalahar? Yes, but try to avoid non-vrat additives like regular sugar or creamer.
- Can I consume sweets during the one-time meal? Yes, but only vrat-friendly sweets are made from ingredients like jaggery or vrat flours.
- Is it necessary to follow only one type of fast? No, you can choose between Phalahar, one-time meal fasting, or a combination based on your health and devotion.
Read more: How to Make Persian Cat Food at Home: A Guide for Cat Lovers
