Mahashivratri is a significant Hindu holiday that is observed by followers of Shiva all around the world. People observe Mahashivratri by fasting, reciting mantras, offering gifts to the Shiva deity, meditating, doing yoga, partaking in Bhaang, and other customs. Fasting is a crucial component of the festival celebration.
However, the Mahashivratri fast is distinct from the majority of Hindu fasts. Most fasts allow food and other items to be consumed after the Pooja, at this point the fast is deemed to be over. Nonetheless, the Mahashivratri fast continues day and night. However, there are some health advantages to fasting that you should be aware of. Here are some of the many physical advantages of fasting, in addition to the spiritual notion that doing so during Mahashivratri might atone for sins.
Since fasting is of great significance to this day many households have their own culture and tradition of preparing food for vrat. Others just eat fruits and milk, while some follow a nirjala fast during which they do not even drink a drop of water. On certain days, some people choose to eat light, satvik foods. We have some quick and simple meals right here that you may try on the day of Maha Shivratri if you’re also intending to fast with only light eats to get through the day before you open the fast. Mahashivratri is also a great occasion to indulge in some traditional Indian cuisine, as there are many delicious dishes that are traditionally prepared during this festival.
- Sabudana Khichdi:
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting food that is usually consumed during the Mahashivratri fast. This dish is made from sabudana and is seasoned with cumin seeds, green chillies, roasted peanuts, and potatoes. It is a filling and nutritious dish that is perfect for a fasting day. Here are the steps to prepare Sabudana Khichdi:
Ingredients:
1 cup sabudana
1 medium-sized potato
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chillies
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves
Steps:
- Rinse the sabudana in a colander until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 3-4 hours.
- Peel and dice the potato into small cubes. Finely chop the green chillies.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds to it. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add diced potatoes and cook them until they are soft.
- Add green chillies, roasted peanuts, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Drain the water from the soaked sabudana and add it to the pan. Mix well.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sabudana is translucent and soft.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
- Significance:
- Sabudana is a popular ingredient used during the Mahashivratri fast as it is rich in carbohydrates and provides energy to the body. The dish is also easy to digest and helps in keeping the stomach full for a longer period of time.
- Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi:
Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi is a simple yet delicious dish that is commonly prepared during the Mahashivratri fast. This dish is made with potatoes, tomatoes, and a few spices. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in no time. Here are the steps to prepare Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabzi:
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized potatoes
3 medium-sized tomatoes
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chillies
1 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves
Steps:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop the green chillies.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds to it. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add diced potatoes and cook them until they are soft.
- Add green chillies, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they are soft.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Garnish with cilantro
- Sago Vada
Ingredients:
1 cup sago (sabudana)
2 potatoes, boiled and mashed
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
2 green chillies, finely chopped
1 tsp ginger, grated
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Steps:
- Rinse the sago in water until it becomes soft.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, roasted peanuts, green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Mix in the soaked sago and knead the mixture until it forms a dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into vadas.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the vadas until they are golden brown.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
- Significance:
- Sago Vada is a popular fasting food in India. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides energy to the body during fasting. The peanuts and potatoes add protein and fiber to the dish.
- Sweet Potato Halwa
Ingredients:
2 sweet potatoes, grated
1/2 cup ghee
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 cup chopped nuts
Steps:
- Heat ghee in a pan and add the grated sweet potatoes.
- Cook the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add milk and sugar to the pan and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the halwa thickens and the sweet potatoes are fully cooked.
- Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts to the pan and mix well.
- Serve hot.
- Significance:
- Sweet Potato Halwa is a popular dessert made during Mahashivratri. It is a rich source of energy and is a great way to end a day of fasting. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthy treat.
- Masala Puri
Ingredients:
1 cup wheat flour
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
- Steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt.
- Add water and knead the mixture until it forms a dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into puris.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the puris until they are golden brown.
- Serve hot with chutney.
- Significance:
Masala Puri is a traditional snack that is commonly prepared during Mahashivratri. It is a filling and nutritious dish that is perfect for a day of fasting. The spices in the dish also aid digestion and help in keeping the body warm.
On Maha Shivratri, give these vrat-friendly meals a try at home and share your results in the comments section below.