What to Eat During Hanuman Fasting: Fasting for Lord Hanuman is not just about skipping meals—it’s about devotion, discipline, and purity. Many devotees observe Hanuman fasts, especially on Tuesdays or Saturdays, to seek his blessings, build mental strength, or overcome personal struggles. But the big question is: What can you eat during Hanuman fasting?
If you’re planning to keep a Hanuman fast but aren’t sure what’s allowed and what’s not, this guide will help. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why Do People Observe Hanuman Fasting?
Hanuman fasting is common among devotees who seek strength, courage, and protection from Lord Hanuman. Many observe it to:
- Overcome obstacles in life.
- Seek blessings for health, prosperity, or career growth.
- Show gratitude and devotion to Lord Hanuman.
- Develop self-control and discipline through fasting.
Some keep a full-day fast, consuming only water or fruits, while others follow a partial fast, eating sattvic food (pure vegetarian and free from onion, garlic, and tamasic elements).
What to Eat During a Tuesday Fast
Types of Hanuman Fasting
Not all Hanuman fasts are the same. The type of fasting you observe determines what you can and cannot eat.
1. Tuesday Fast (Mangalvar Vrat)
- The most common Hanuman fast.
- Devotees avoid grains, onion, garlic, and non-veg food.
- Simple sattvic meals are allowed.
2. Hanuman Jayanti Fast
- Observed on Hanuman Jayanti (his birth anniversary).
- Some devotees eat only fruits and milk.
- Others may have one meal of sattvic food.
3. Sankat Mochan Fast
- Usually done to overcome difficulties.
- Only fruits, dairy, and specific fasting-friendly flours are allowed.
What to Eat During Hanuman Fasting?
Fasting doesn’t mean starving. You can still have nutritious, light, and energy-boosting foods to keep you going. Here’s what’s allowed:
1. Fruits and Natural Foods
Fruits are the easiest and safest option during fasting. They are light, easy to digest, and packed with energy.
✅ Allowed Fruits:
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pomegranates
- Papayas
- Oranges
- Watermelon
Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, raisins, and cashews are also great for keeping energy levels up.
2. Fasting-Friendly Flours and Grains
Regular wheat and rice are not allowed. Instead, you can use:
✅ Alternative Flours:
- Buckwheat Flour (Kuttu Atta): Used for making rotis or puris.
- Water Chestnut Flour (Singhara Atta): Ideal for pancakes and rotis.
- Amaranth Flour (Rajgira Atta): Great for parathas or laddoos.
- Tapioca Pearls (Sabudana): Used in khichdi, vadas, or kheer.
3. Dairy Products
Milk and dairy products are considered pure and can be consumed freely.
✅ Allowed Dairy Items:
- Milk
- Curd (Yogurt)
- Buttermilk
- Paneer
- Ghee (clarified butter)
Avoid processed cheese and flavored dairy drinks as they might contain additives.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are a great source of protein and energy while fasting.
✅ Good Choices:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Peanuts (in moderation)
You can also use flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds for an energy boost.
5. Sweeteners and Salt
Instead of regular sugar and salt, use:
✅ Allowed Sweeteners:
- Jaggery
- Honey
- Rock Sugar (Mishri)
✅ Salt Replacement:
- Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) instead of regular table salt.
Read more about What to Eat on Saturday Fast
What to Avoid During Hanuman Fasting?
Even a small mistake can break your fast. Here are the foods you should completely avoid:
🚫 Not Allowed:
- Regular wheat and rice.
- Lentils, pulses, and legumes.
- Onion and garlic (considered tamasic).
- Processed and packaged foods.
- Meat, eggs, and fish.
- Alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Refined sugar and iodized salt.
Meal Ideas for Hanuman Fasting
If you’re wondering what to cook while fasting, here are some simple meal ideas:
Breakfast:
🥣 Fresh fruit bowl with honey and dry fruits.
🥛 A glass of warm milk or buttermilk.
Lunch:
🍚 Sabudana khichdi (tapioca pearls cooked with peanuts and mild spices).
🍲 Aloo (potato) sabzi with rajgira roti.
Evening Snack:
🥜 Roasted makhana (fox nuts) with rock salt.
🥥 Coconut slices or peanut chikki (jaggery-based snack).
Dinner:
🥘 Kuttu atta (buckwheat) roti with plain curd.
🍠 Boiled sweet potatoes with sendha namak.
Staying Hydrated While Fasting
Fasting can make you feel tired, so hydration is key. Instead of regular tea or coffee, try:
- Coconut water (natural and refreshing).
- Lemon water (boosts energy).
- Herbal teas (tulsi, ginger, or mint tea).
- Buttermilk (light and cooling).
Tuesday Fasting: What to Eat, What Not to Eat, and How to Do It Right
Breaking the Fast the Right Way
At the end of your fast, don’t jump straight into heavy food. Start with:
✔️ A glass of warm milk or fruit juice.
✔️ Light sattvic food like khichdi or boiled vegetables.
✔️ Avoid deep-fried or spicy food immediately.
Final Thoughts
Hanuman fasting is about self-control and devotion, not just avoiding certain foods. Eating clean, sattvic meals keeps the mind calm and the body healthy. If you plan your meals properly, you’ll feel light, energetic, and spiritually uplifted throughout the fast.
Would you like fast-friendly recipes or more meal ideas? Let me know in the comments! 😊
