Navratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, is not just about worship and festivities but also about the strict dietary rules that come with fasting.
Fasting during Navratri involves abstaining from grains, legumes, and certain spices. Instead, devotees consume fruits, certain flours, and spices like cumin and rock salt. But what about fennel seeds, or saunf? Can they be consumed during the Navratri fast? Let’s explore!
What is Saunf (Fennel Seeds)?
Saunf, or fennel seeds, are small greenish seeds known for their sweet aroma and refreshing taste. They are widely used in Indian households:
- As a mouth freshener after meals.
- In curries and pickles for flavor.
- In Ayurveda, saunf is considered cooling, digestive, and sattvik in nature, known to reduce acidity and bloating.
Despite its health benefits, its place in fasting rules is not so straightforward.
Can Saunf Be Eaten During Navratri Fast?
The simple answer is: Saunf (fennel seeds) is generally not allowed in Navratri fasts.
Here’s why:
- Saunf falls under the category of seeds/spices that are avoided, like coriander and mustard.
- In strict traditions, only a few spices (jeera, black pepper, cardamom) are considered vrat-friendly.
- Saunf is used more as a post-meal freshener, not as a sattvik ingredient for fasting meals.
Some families with lenient fasting traditions may allow chewing a few fennel seeds as a mouth freshener, but it is not used in cooking vrat recipes.
The same principle applies to other Hindu fasts such as Ekadashi, Shivratri, and Somvar vrat, where saunf is also not considered vrat-friendly.
Also check Can We Eat Elaichi in Fast?
Why Saunf is Usually Avoided in Navratri
There are a few reasons why saunf does not find its place in vrat foods:
- Seed-based spices are generally excluded, except jeera and black pepper.
- Strong flavors like fennel, mustard, or coriander are considered too stimulating, which goes against the sattvik principle of fasting.
- Traditional vrat recipes such as sabudana khichdi, kuttu puri, or vrat sweets never include saunf, making it clear it isn’t part of fasting cuisine.
Also check Can We Eat Kaju Katli During Fasts?
Alternatives to Saunf During Navratri Fast
If you usually rely on fennel seeds for digestion or freshness, here are sattvik alternatives you can use instead:
- For digestion: Jeera (cumin) or black pepper — both are vrat-friendly and aid the stomach.
- For freshness: Elaichi (green cardamom) or a small piece of clove can be chewed after meals.
These substitutes will give you the same benefits while keeping your vrat pure and sattvik.
Also check out Can We Eat Radish in Navratri Fast?
Conclusion
In conclusion, fennel seeds or saunf can be consumed during the Navratri fast, and they are actually beneficial for digestion and detoxification. However, fasting rules can vary, so it’s important to consider regional and familial traditions.
Saunf provides numerous health benefits, especially when you’re consuming heavy or starchy foods during your fast, making it a great addition to your Navratri diet.
FAQs
Can we take saunf in fast?
Yes, you can take saunf (fennel seeds) during fasts like Navratri or Ekadashi. Saunf is not considered a grain; instead, it’s a seed and often used as a mouth freshener or in herbal drinks. Many people consume it in fennel tea or as a digestive aid while fasting.
Which spices are not allowed in Navratri fast?
During Navratri fasts, strong spices are avoided. Prohibited ones include turmeric (haldi), asafoetida (hing), mustard seeds, fenugreek, garam masala mixes, and regular table salt. Instead, people use rock salt (sendha namak), black pepper, green cardamom, cloves, and cumin seeds (jeera) in their vrat-friendly recipes.
Which seeds can we eat in Navratri fast?
Seeds like fennel (saunf), sesame (til), pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and melon seeds (magaz) are usually allowed in fasts, as they are natural and provide energy. They can be added to sweets, drinks, or eaten raw for strength during fasting.
Is saunf a grain?
No, saunf is not a grain. It is a seed obtained from the fennel plant. Since fasting rules mainly restrict grains and cereals, saunf is considered safe and is commonly consumed.
Can we eat fennel seeds in fast?
Yes, fennel seeds are allowed in most Hindu fasts like Navratri, Ekadashi, and Monday fasts. They aid digestion, freshen breath, and also prevent acidity, which is very helpful when you are on a limited diet during vrat.
Can we eat mukhwas in fast?
It depends on what the mukhwas is made of. If it contains fennel seeds, cardamom, clove, or coconut, it can be consumed. However, if it has added sugar-coated fennel with synthetic colors, betel seeds, or other grains, it is best avoided. Always check the ingredients before consuming.
Can we eat variyali in fast?
Yes, variyali (another name for fennel seeds in Gujarati) is allowed in fasts. Just like saunf, it can be chewed directly, added to tea, or taken as a refreshing mouth freshener.