Sacred Grains Used During Hindu Fasting Rituals

Sacred Grains Used During Hindu Fasting Rituals

It is a common practice for Hindus to observe a vrat or fast during poojas and/or major Hindu festivals and rituals like Shraddh. Navratri, Ekadashi, Karva Chauth, and Shivaratri are some major festivals with fasting as a major ritual. While some followers undertake a total or nirjala fast without even drinking water, elderly people, pregnant ladies, and/or those with health problems often opt for a partial fast. When a partial fast is undertaken, a completely vegetarian, Satvik diet is adopted. Also, some grains are chosen over others because they are believed to be more sacred as well as beneficial and purifying to both the mind and body. For instance, millets are acceptable while fasting, whereas rice and wheat are usually avoided. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and substance use must be completely kept away.

There are also people who opt for a Palahar fast. They opt for only fruits in the course of the day until sunset and skip the night meal. Individuals opting for intermittent fasting skip either their night meals or a meal during the day time, according to the tradition.

This article gives you a list of grains that you can consider using to prepare your food when you opt for a partial fast. Remember that rock salt is used in place of normal salt when food is cooked to be had during a fast because it is believed to be purer.

Sabudhana

This is the most popular grain chosen during fasting. Also known as tapioca pearls, these grains are highly versatile and you can make a wide range of dishes using them. They are rich in carbohydrates and can keep you energised the whole day. Moreover, the fact that they are low in fat and gluten-free makes them a good choice for incorporating into your fasting diet. Sabudhana is also light on the stomach and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Barley 

Known as jau in local parlance, these grains are full of nourishment and easily digestible because of their light nature. Apart from protein and dietary fibre, barley is a good source of minerals like magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. These grains are known to enhance digestion, stabilise blood sugar levels, and maintain heart health. They can be used to prepare normal food items and desserts.

Rajgira 

These grains are also referred to as amaranth. Often, flour is prepared from this flour to make different kinds of dishes. These grains are a powerhouse of essential amino acids, iron, calcium, and protein. They deliver steady energy, making them worth considering if you plan to do extended fasting. You can prepare almost anything that you do with wheat using this flour as well.

Buckwheat

Like rajgira, these grains are also mostly used in flour form. They are gluten-free and provide balanced energy levels. Buckwheat is an abundant source of essential minerals, protein, and fibre. The flour from these grains is used to make different types of foods and snacks. It is typically a non-cereal, which is why it is apt for fasting.

Singhara

Primarily used as flour, these grains are sourced from dried water chestnuts. These gluten-free grains are used to prepare several food items and have various benefits for the human body. Enriched in antioxidants, calcium, and potassium, Singhara grains not only help in body hydration but also in heart fortification, boosting energy levels, and supporting digestion. 

Barnyard Millet

Although classified as a millet, these grains are also popularly known as samak rice. Apart from being gluten-free and easy to digest, the nutritious barnyard millet is packed with antioxidants, dietary fibre, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. These grains are often cooked in combination with lentils and/or vegetables and are often used to prepare many types of savoury dishes.

Quinoa

Although not actually a grain, this superfood is often classified under this category and eaten during fasting. Quinoa is a complete protein source and aids in body metabolism. It is also rich in Vitamin B complex plus minerals like manganese, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Like Sabudhana, it is quite versatile and can be used to prepare many types of food items.

Benefits Associated with Fasting

The concept of fasting during Hindu rituals has been in existence for a long time. Some manuscripts refer to fasting as a kind of Tapasya. Various religious scriptures have also made several references to vrat or fasting, highlighting it as a key part of the Hindu culture. For example, in the Mahabharata, Bheeshma tells Yudhishtir that the vow of fasting or abstention of food is the greatest penance that can be undertaken by a person in his/her lifetime. 

Fasting helps in the overall upliftment of the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength of the people observing the vrat. There are a few major benefits associated with fasting that are worth knowing.

When an individual undertakes a fast with utmost intention, he/she develops a harmonious bond with the Almighty. A fast brings a restraint on the person observing a fast, which in turn, helps to control an unfocused mind. This spiritual act results in the individual being bestowed with divine grace. It guides him/her in refraining from worldly pleasures and developing the trait of self-denial. Additionally, when observed with complete devotion and faith, it opens up an opportunity for one to seek solace from the sins one has committed.  

Fasting is also an effective means of flushing out toxins from the human body. This helps in one in sharpening one’s senses along with developing better memory and clearer thoughts than before.  

The grains mentioned above are not specific to any particular Hindu fasting ritual. You can have them whenever you fast and not just during any Hindu festival or ritual. The point to be noted is that when fasting, one must consider consuming grains that comply with certain dietary restrictions. Nutritious, calorie-rich food is preferred so that fast undertakers have the energy to stay active all day. Moreover, these grains are easier to digest than others. It is best to opt for light meals and avoid overeating during a fast. Also, it is better to have smaller meal portions in the course of the day rather than large and heavy meals. 

Apart from grains, milk and other dairy products, vegetables like potatoes, fruits, makhana, and nuts can also be had during a partial fast.