Mahashivratri is a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees observe a fast to seek divine blessings. Following the right dietary rules is essential to ensure a spiritually fulfilling and healthy fast.

Foods Allowed During Mahashivratri Fast

Fruits and Dry Fruits

• Apples, bananas, pomegranates, and almonds, walnuts, raisins provide energy.

Milk and Dairy Products

• Milk, curd, paneer, and buttermilk help maintain strength and hydration.

Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)

• Used to make sabudana khichdi or kheer, a common fasting dish.

Kuttu (Buckwheat) and Singhara (Water Chestnut) Flour

• Used to prepare rotis, pakoras, or puris, as regular wheat is not allowed.

Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)

• Regular salt is avoided; sendha namak is used in fasting recipes.

Makhana (Fox Nuts)

• A light snack that is nutritious and easy to digest.

Coconut Water and Herbal Teas

• Helps in hydration and detoxification while fasting.

Foods to Avoid During Mahashivratri Fast

Grains and Lentils

• Rice, wheat, pulses, and legumes should be avoided.

Onion and Garlic

• Considered tamasic and not suitable for fasting.

Non-Vegetarian Food

• Meat, fish, and eggs are strictly prohibited.

Processed and Packaged Foods

• Junk food, aerated drinks, and artificially flavored snacks should be avoided.

Table Salt

• Replace with rock salt (sendha namak) for fasting meals.