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During Mahashivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva typically visit temples to offer “Panchamrit” to the deity, which is essentially a concoction of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee. Shivratri special events, complete with live music, devotional songs, and performances, are also conducted to mark this occasion. Additionally, Lord Shiva worshippers observe fasts, known colloquially as “vrats,” in honour of the deity. The act of fasting on Shivratri is considered auspicious because it’s believed to purify one’s mind and body as well as highlight their devotion to Lord Shiva.
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While observing these fasts, there are certain foods that devotees are allowed to consume. These foods must be “farali,” meaning fast-friendly, and they include dairy products, fruits, nuts, sago, and root vegetables, such as potatoes. However, it’s recommended to strictly avoid foods such as wheat, pulses, legumes, garlic, salt, and turmeric during Shivratri fasts. To this effect, special farali thalis are prepared across India to satiate the appetite of fasting Shiva devotees, which include a host of specialties like sabudana khichdi and fruit raita.
Here’s a list of food items that one can consume during their Shivratri fast.
Fruit Salad
Fruits are considered faral foods; therefore, they can be eaten liberally during Shivratri fasts. An innovative way to transform fruits into a nourishing and wholesome dish is by combining them in a fruit salad. All you have to do is chop up some of your favourite fruits, which could include bananas, apples, pears, pineapples, and strawberries, and toss them together to form a healthy, refreshing, and fast-friendly dish.
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Potato Chips
Potato, being a root vegetable, can be enjoyed in various forms during Shivratri fasts. Potato chips make for light and crispy evening snacks, and fortunately, it’s quite easy to craft them at home. Cut some potatoes into thin, round-shaped slices and toss them in an oven for baking; you can also shallow fry the potatoes. Remember not to season the chips with salt, though, as it’s prohibited to consume salt while observing a Shivratri fast.
Fruit Raita
Fruit raita is a creamy and delectable sweet dish that is equal parts tasty and nutritious. Usually a staple in special Shivratri thalis, this sweet treat incorporates a variety of fruits, such as apples, bananas, pineapples, and pomegranates, with layers of luscious yoghurt. The colourful fruits give this dish a vibrant and inviting appearance, while the yoghurt infuses it with richness and flavour, forming a satisfying, fast-friendly delicacy.
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Sabudana Khichdi
Like potato, sago, also known as “sabduana,” is an extensively used ingredient during Shivratri fasts. The appetising sabudana khichdi is prepared by blending sago pearls with potatoes, peanuts, and green chillies. The dish is high in fibre; therefore, it keeps one satiated for long periods, curbing hunger pangs and thus aiding in the process of fasting. Other sabudana-based Shivratri specialties include crispy sabudana vadas and velvety sabudana kheer.
Sing Batata Khichdi
Sing batata khichdi is a mouthwatering dish that combines boiled, mashed potatoes with crumbled peanuts. A staple in Gujarati households, this dish can be seasoned with cumin and coriander leaves to give it added flavour. By itself, the khichdi can be somewhat dry in texture; therefore, it’s often eaten in accompaniment with a flavourful peanut-based curd to elevate its taste profile. This khichdi serves as a hearty meal.
Thandai
Thandai is a creamy and invigorating milk and yoghurt-based sweet drink that’s a fixture in Shivratri celebrations. According to ancient myths, Lord Shiva was believed to be an ardent admirer of Thandai; therefore, this beverage is made in different flavours to mark Shivratri. This is also the reason why thandai is popularly offered to Lord Shiva as a prasad alongside “Panchamrit.” This drink is typically consumed in chilled form.
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Farali Pattice
Farali pattice is a potato-based fast-friendly delicacy that is basically a variation of aloo tikki. The snack comprises patties that have been stuffed with boiled mashed potatoes as well as a succulent concoction of nuts, raisins, and coconuts. This mixture is rolled into small balls and fried to create crispy and enticing patties. Boasting sweet and crunchy flavours, this dish can be savoured with a coconut chutney.
