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- The Hindu religion has a variety of types of fasts or vraths. Different regions and different dieties have their own variatons and restrictions.Vrath basically means a restricted mode of eating, wherein you can eat only restricted number of food items, and at restricted times.
- The vaishnav fasting allows one full meal to be eaten, without moving from one's place. Throughout the rest of the day, many other items may be eaten. Saboodana khichidi, sweets which do not contain any kind of flour ie. Only milk and coconut, etc., juices, fruit, are some of the items allowed during a vrath.
- There are some particular vraths like santoshi maa ka vrath where no sour item can be used, like lemons, curds, tamarind, etc.
- There are people who follow the vrath by consuming only saboodana khichidi once through the day, and tea or coffee.
- Then there is the most restricted fast of Jains, where they can
only drink boiled water, that too after sunrise and before
sunset. Nothing else is allowed during the day and night. Extreme
followers do not even brush their teeth with paste, or take medicines
of any kind. You will find out more about jain fasts and what may be
consumed during the eight days of "pajushan" where fasting,
restriant and penance is practiced all over.
- In this week we have tried to cover various types of recipes which can be allowed in a vrath. We have been very liberal using allowed flour like the waterchestnut flour, and kootoo, etc. But most people would restrict their fast to very few items, other than their one full meal in one place.
- Someof the items allowed are sago, waterchestnut flour, fruit, milk and pure milk products (without using flours other than that of waterchestnut). Then potato wafers, fries, banana chips, peanut or other chikki, jaggery and peanuts, etc. are all allowed. Lemon, or other juices can be consumed.
- Some restricted items are all grains, cereals, and their products including flours. Masalas like red chilli powder, garam masala, etc.
So hope this rough guide helps you through your vraths, with a smile.
Notes:
- Shelflife is not given any recipe, since they are to be eaten fresh. There are however exceptions like peanut chutney.
- The items allowed and restricted listed above is only a rough selection, since it is a long choice.
- Ghee is generally not used in most recipes, because it would tend to
Make the dish greasy even if it cools to room temperature.
But sago khichidi must be made in ghee, since oil would give a distinct unpleasant smell.
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