Karwa Chauth is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by married women across many states of North India like Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. It is a day when wives fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. Sargi, a pre-dawn meal, holds immense importance during this fasting ritual. In this article, we will explore the concept of Sargi and suggest various foods to add to your thali for a nourishing and fulfilling Karwa Chauth.
Understanding Sargi
Sargi, derived from the Punjabi word 'Sargi,' which means 'pre-dawn,' is a crucial element of Karwa Chauth. It is a special meal that a mother-in-law prepares for her daughter-in-law to ensure her strength and well-being throughout the day of fasting. Sargi is typically consumed well before sunrise, usually around 4 AM, and its preparation varies from region to region.
Recipe - Ajmer Rasoi
The Sargi Thali symbolises a mother-in-law's love and blessings for her daughter-in-law and her desire for a happy and healthy married life. It often includes a variety of foods that provide sustained energy, hydration, and essential nutrients to help women endure the rigorous fast from sunrise to moonrise.
Foods to Add to Your Sargi Thali
- Dry Fruits and Nuts: A mix of almonds, cashews, and raisins is a common inclusion in the Sargi Thali. These nuts offer sustained energy, healthy fats, and a feeling of fullness that helps women stay strong throughout the day.
- Fresh Fruits: Including fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranates in your sargi thali adds a refreshing and hydrating element to your meal. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making them a great choice for maintaining energy levels during the fast.
- Buttermilk: Chanch or buttermilk is a beverage that is a must-add in your thali. Full of pro-biotics, chanch ids cooling for your stomach and helps your digestive system function better.
Recipe - Cook with Monika
- Pheni: This is another delightful addition to your Sargi. Cooked in ghee and milk, pheni is a rich and filling dish that satisfies your taste buds.
- Paranthas: Stuffed paranthas made with fillings like potatoes, radishes, or paneer are a hearty and satisfying option. These stuffed flatbreads keep you full for longer, making it easier to endure the day's fasting.
- Coconut Water: To stay hydrated and refreshed during the fasting hours, a glass of coconut water is an excellent choice. It replenishes lost fluids, contains natural electrolytes, and keeps you cool throughout the day.
- Sweets: No festival in India is complete without sweets. Include a variety of Indian sweets like jalebi, mithai, or gajar ka halwa in your Sargi Thali for a touch of indulgence. These sweets not only add a festive vibe but also provide an immediate energy boost.
- Sabudana Khichdi: Sabudana khichdi is a fasting favorite, particularly during Karwa Chauth. Made from tapioca pearls, it is easy to digest and offers sustained energy to keep you going throughout the day.
- Saffron Milk (Kesar Doodh): A glass of warm saffron-infused milk is a luxurious addition to your Sargi Thali. Besides adding a touch of opulence, saffron milk provides essential nutrients and keeps you warm and full during the fasting hours.