MahaShiva Ratri is considered one of the most auspicious nights of the year in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, a cosmic dance that represents the cycle of creation and destruction, on this night.
The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by devotees of Lord Shiva all over India. They observe a day-long fast and offer special prayers to the Lord. Devotees stay awake throughout the night, singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. On this day, worshippers engage in a unique ceremony (puja) known as “Rudrabhishek,” the successful execution of which is thought to fulfill wishes. One of the most sacred and pure Hindu ceremonies is this puja, which is also recognized as such.
Fasting is an essential aspect of the MahaShiva Ratri festival. Devotees abstain from eating food and drinking water throughout the day and night and break their fast only on the following day after offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
While fasting, it is important to consume foods that provide energy and keep the body hydrated. Here are seven foods that you can have while fasting for MahaShiva Ratri:
Milk: One of the most important sacrifices made to the Lord during Shivratri is milk. During Mahashivratri, milk is not only offered but also consumed. It is safe to enjoy your sweets as long as they don’t contain cereal. Sabudana kheer, makhana ki kheer, badam milk, and other delicious alternatives are excellent ways to boost your energy during Mahashivratri. Milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. It is also a great way to stay hydrated during the fast.
Fruits: Fruit salads, smoothies, and chaats are acceptable if you’re keeping a phallar fast, which allows you to eat fruits, milk, and water. Add your favorite dry fruits to give them some extra crunch. Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges are good sources of vitamins and minerals. They are easy to digest and provide energy.
Sabudana Pakodas (Tapioca pearls): Sabudana is a popular fasting food in India. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides energy. You did hear correctly. You can observe the Mahashivratri fast while enjoying your favorite deep-fried treats. And as long as you go by the fasting regulations, which forbid the consumption of cereal, onions, garlic, and non-vrat spices, no one can prevent you from doing so. To satisfy your needs, try preparing aloo pakoda, kacche kele ke pakode, or even singhara pakodas.
Potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and provide energy. They can be boiled, mashed, or made into a curry. You might be mistaken if you believe that on Mahashivratri, you must give up eating your favorite aloo sabzi. As long as they don’t contain onion, garlic, or turmeric, you are free to eat your favorite aloo kadhi, aloo sabzi, aloo tikki, and similar dishes.
Nuts and Dry fruits: Dry fruits can also be consumed while fasting, just like fruits. They will provide you with the necessary levels of energy to go through the day. You can either eat the dry fruits raw or turn them into a smoothie. Nuts and dry fruits such as almonds, raisins, and cashews are good sources of energy and nutrients. They can be eaten as a snack.
Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and is an excellent way to stay hydrated during the fast.
Singhara (Water chestnut) flour: Singhara flour is gluten-free and is commonly used to make pancakes or puris during fasting. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides energy.
Fasting is an essential aspect of the festival, and it is important to consume foods that provide energy and keep the body hydrated. The above-mentioned foods are some of the best options to consume while fasting for MahaShiva Ratri.
