What to Eat During and After Sankashti Chaturthi Fast

What to Eat During and After Sankashti Chaturthi Fast: Sankashti Chaturthi is a day devoted to Lord Ganesha, celebrated by fasting and praying to seek his blessings. Fasting on this day is considered sacred, and devotees follow strict dietary rules. While the primary goal of the fast is spiritual, it is also essential to consider what you eat before, during, and after the fast to maintain your health and energy levels. Whether you’re observing a waterless (nirjala) fast or consuming fruits and specific foods (phalahar), it’s important to nourish your body in a way that keeps you energized yet doesn’t compromise the sanctity of the fast.

Let’s take a look at what you can eat during and after the Sankashti Chaturthi fast, ensuring you stay healthy and strong throughout this spiritual journey.

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What to Eat During Sankashti Chaturthi Fast

If you are following a phalahar fast (eating fruits, dairy, and specific foods), here’s what you can consume to stay energized, hydrated, and aligned with the fasting tradition.

1. Fruits and Dry Fruits

One of the easiest and most nourishing options during the fast is fruits. Fruits provide a quick energy boost, are hydrating, and are easy on the digestive system.

• Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas are great for replenishing energy and balancing electrolytes.
• Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, apples help maintain hydration and digestion.
• Pomegranates: Known for their antioxidant properties, pomegranates help detox the body and boost energy.
• Papaya: Excellent for digestion and packed with enzymes that help ease stomach discomfort.
• Oranges: Refreshing and rich in vitamin C, oranges can keep you hydrated and energized.

When it comes to dry fruits, opt for:

• Almonds and Cashews: High in healthy fats, they offer long-lasting energy.
• Raisins and Dates: Naturally sweet and full of fiber, these dry fruits provide quick energy during the day.

Make sure you soak your dry fruits like almonds and cashews overnight to make them easier to digest.

2. Fasting Grains & Flours

While most grains are avoided during the fast, there are specific flours and grains that are permitted, and they can be used in various preparations.

• Singhara Atta (Water Chestnut Flour): This flour is often used to make rotis, puris, and pakoras. It’s light, easy to digest, and helps keep you full during the day.
• Rajgira Atta (Amaranth Flour): Known for its high protein content, rajgira flour can be used to prepare rotis, ladoos, and dosas. It’s a perfect choice for a fasting-friendly, nutrient-dense meal.
• Kuttu Atta (Buckwheat Flour): Buckwheat flour is used in making fast-friendly foods like rotis, parathas, and fritters. It’s high in fiber and easy on the stomach.

A popular dish made with these flours is sabudana khichdi, made with tapioca pearls, which is light yet filling.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy plays a significant role during the Sankashti Chaturthi fast, providing protein and nourishment without being heavy on the stomach.

• Milk: You can drink it plain or prepare it as a warm drink with a little jaggery or cardamom for added flavor.
• Curd: Fresh curd with a little rock salt (sendha namak) can be a cooling dish, perfect for maintaining your digestion throughout the fast.
• Buttermilk: A light and refreshing drink that can aid digestion. It’s made by churning curd with water and adding a pinch of rock salt and cumin powder.
• Paneer: Homemade or store-bought paneer is a great source of protein. You can have it in cubes or make a simple paneer curry without onions and garlic.

4. Vegetables Allowed

Although many vegetables are off-limits during the fast, there are some specific root vegetables that are allowed. These vegetables are easier on the digestive system and provide essential nutrients.

• Potatoes: Whether you prefer mashed, boiled, or roasted, potatoes are a great option to provide energy.
• Sweet Potatoes: Full of fiber and vitamins, sweet potatoes can be made into a simple curry or snack.
• Pumpkin: This vegetable is often used in curries or as a side dish.
• Raw Banana: This can be used to make a savory curry or chips, providing you with a filling and nutritious meal.
• Bottle Gourd (lauki) and Sweet Gourd (tori) are commonly consumed during the fast in the form of soups or simple curries.

These vegetables help maintain your energy levels while being gentle on your stomach.

5. Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are highly nutritious and provide a steady source of energy during the fast. They are also packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

• Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, and Pistachios: Rich in healthy fats, they help to sustain your energy levels.
• Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, and Flax Seeds: These can be eaten as snacks or sprinkled over your meals. They’re a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Make sure to soak nuts like almonds and cashews overnight to make them more digestible.

6. Beverages

Staying hydrated is crucial during the fast, and there are several beverages that can keep you refreshed and nourished.

• Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Coconut Water: Full of electrolytes, coconut water is an excellent hydrating drink.
• Lemon Water: Lemon juice with a pinch of rock salt not only keeps you hydrated but also helps balance your body’s pH levels.
• Herbal Teas: Non-caffeinated herbal teas, such as peppermint, ginger, or chamomile, can help you stay relaxed.
• Fresh Fruit Juices: Juices made from fruits like apples, oranges, or pomegranates (without added sugar) are refreshing and nutritious.

7. Sweets

Yes, you can indulge in some sweets while observing the fast, but they need to be fasting-friendly.

• Kheer: Made with milk, sabudana, or kuttu flour, this sweet dish can be consumed in moderation.
• Ladoos: You can make ladoos with rajgira flour, singhara flour, or coconut, sweetened with jaggery.
• Chikki: Made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and jaggery, chikki is a crunchy, sweet treat packed with energy.

These sweets not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide essential nutrients during the fast.

Find out more about permissible foods for a Thursday fast here

What to Eat After Breaking the Sankashti Chaturthi Fast

Once you’ve completed your fast and sighted the moon, it’s important to break the fast gently to avoid shocking your digestive system. Here are a few foods you can consume after breaking your fast.

1. Start with Water: Drink a glass of water or coconut water to hydrate your body. This helps in digestion and eases the transition from fasting to regular eating.
2. Light Foods: Begin with easy-to-digest foods like sabudana khichdi, fruits, or warm milk with jaggery.
3. Soups and Light Curries: A simple moong dal khichdi or vegetable soup is a great option to nourish your body.
4. Avoid Heavy or Spicy Foods: It’s best to avoid fried, spicy, or greasy foods right after fasting. Instead, choose simple, home-cooked meals like upma or poha made with kuttu or singhara flour.

Foods to Avoid During Sankashti Chaturthi Fast

While fasting helps in purifying the body and mind, it is important to avoid foods that could disrupt the digestive process or go against the principles of a sattvic (pure and spiritual) diet. Here’s a detailed look at the foods you should avoid during Sankashti Chaturthi fasting.

1. Grains and Pulses

Grains and pulses are typically not allowed during Sankashti Chaturthi fast, as they are considered too heavy for the digestive system. These foods are also believed to be tamasic (influencing inertia and dullness), which goes against the sattvic nature of the fast.

• Wheat: Avoid wheat flour, and wheat-based products like chapati, paratha, and bread.
• Rice: Regular rice is not permitted. This includes all types of rice-based dishes such as biryani, pulao, or plain rice.
• Lentils (Dal): Most lentils like moong dal, masoor dal, and toor dal are not allowed during the fast.
• Chickpeas and Kidney Beans: Both chickpeas (chana) and kidney beans (rajma) are considered too heavy and should be avoided.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are considered tamasic foods, which are thought to affect the clarity of mind and hinder the spiritual benefits of fasting. As these foods are not in line with a sattvic diet, they should be avoided during the fast.

• Onions: Both raw and cooked onions are prohibited.
• Garlic: Like onions, garlic is avoided due to its stimulating properties, which are thought to disrupt the peaceful state of mind sought during fasting.

3. Non-vegetarian Foods

Non-vegetarian foods are strictly prohibited during the fast, as they are not considered pure or sattvic. These foods are heavy on the stomach and can divert attention from the spiritual purpose of fasting.

• Meat: Chicken, mutton, beef, or any type of meat is not allowed.
• Fish: Any type of fish or seafood is also avoided during the fast.

4. Processed and Packaged Foods

Processed and packaged foods are typically rich in artificial preservatives, colors, and additives, which are not in alignment with a pure and sattvic diet. These foods can make the body feel heavy, bloated, and sluggish, disrupting the positive effects of the fast.

• Chips: Avoid packaged chips or any fried, packaged snacks.
• Canned Foods: Foods like canned soups or processed vegetables should be avoided.
• Junk Food: Fast foods, pastries, pizzas, and other heavily processed items are best kept off the menu.

5. Oily and Greasy Foods

During a fast, the aim is to cleanse the body and mind. Oily and greasy foods can be difficult to digest and may lead to sluggishness, acidity, or discomfort. These foods are not in line with the principles of maintaining a pure and light diet during the fast.

• Deep-Fried Foods: Avoid foods like pakoras, samosas, or deep-fried snacks, as they can make you feel heavy and uncomfortable.
• Fried Snacks: Chips, fries, and fried snacks made with regular flour or refined oils should be avoided.

6. Sugar and Sweets (with Refined Sugar)

While certain sweets made with jaggery or natural sweeteners are allowed, those made with refined sugar should be avoided. Refined sugar is considered tamasic, and it can lead to energy crashes and disrupt the balance of the fast.

• Sweets with Refined Sugar: Avoid sweets like chocolates, mithai, and cakes made with white sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• Pastries and Ice Cream: These foods, which are high in sugar and fat, should be avoided to maintain the purity of your diet during the fast.

7. Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine is a stimulant that can lead to dehydration, cause acidity, and disturb the peaceful state of mind sought during the fast. It’s best to avoid caffeinated beverages during Sankashti Chaturthi.

• Tea and Coffee: These beverages, which are high in caffeine, should be avoided during the fast. Instead, herbal teas or warm milk are more appropriate.
• Soda and Energy Drinks: Drinks that contain caffeine or added sugar should be avoided to maintain the benefits of fasting.

8. Alcohol

Alcohol is strictly prohibited during the fast. It is not only a stimulant but also considered tamasic, which can cloud your mind and focus, making it difficult to maintain the spiritual essence of the day. It also dehydrates the body, which can affect your energy levels.

• All Forms of Alcohol: Wine, beer, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages should be completely avoided.

9. Heavy Dairy Products (Other than Milk and Buttermilk)

While milk and buttermilk are commonly consumed during the fast, other heavy dairy products should be avoided as they can be difficult to digest, especially when consumed after a long period of fasting.

• Cheese: Particularly hard cheeses should be avoided.
• Cream and Butter: These can be too rich and heavy on the digestive system, disrupting the lightness of the fast.

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Conclusion

Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is a spiritual practice that can bring inner peace and blessings when followed mindfully. Choosing the right foods during the fast is essential to maintain your energy and stay healthy. Focus on easily digestible, nutrient-dense options like fruits, dairy, fasting flour, and light vegetables. After the fast, gently break it with hydrating liquids and light, nourishing meals to ensure a smooth transition back to regular eating.

Remember to listen to your body and enjoy the process, as fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi is not just about abstaining from food, but about purifying both body and mind in devotion to Lord Ganesha.