Karwa Chauth fasting tips: How to plan Sargi plate according to your dosha

Karwa Chauth fasting tips: How you prepare for Karwa Chauth fasting depends entirely on your Dosha — Vata, Pitta or Kapha — the three energy types that govern your physical and mental traits (Image: Canva)

Remember when our mothers and grandmothers lovingly prepared Sargi trays at the crack of dawn for Karwa Chauthh? While it felt like just another tradition wrapped in moonlight and mehndi, Ayurveda has something deeper to say. According to this ancient science, fasting isn’t about starving, it’s about aligning with your body's inner functioning. And believe it or not, that early morning kheer or handful of almonds, are savoured because your Dosha needs it.

Karwa Chauth Fasting tips

Sargi is more than sentiment, it’s an Ayurvedic strategy. “Ayurveda recognises fasting as powerful, but only when it suits your unique body type,” Dr Partap Chauhan, Founder and Director, Jiva Ayurveda, Ayurvedic care through telemedicine, tells Moneycontrol. “One person’s superfood can be another’s imbalance,” he adds with a smile.

Also read | 7 best ayurvedic eating habits to boost digestion, live more mindfully

By eating before sunrise, we fuel our agni (digestive fire) before it begins to wane during a fast. But how you prepare for the day depends entirely on your Dosha — Vata, Pitta or Kapha — the three energy types that govern your physical and mental traits.

Diet tips according to Ayurvedic Doshas

Dr Chauhan suggest Sargi choices according to your dosha:

The Vata dominant (airy and sensitive): Vata folks are creative but often cold, anxious, and prone to hunger pangs. “Never fast on an empty stomach if you’re Vata,” warns Dr Chauhan. He adds, “Add warm milk, dates, soaked almonds, chapati with ghee, or kheer. These foods ground your energy and keep your mind steady throughout the day.”

The Pitta dominant (fiery and driven): Pitta types have strong digestion but also get irritable and acidic when hungry. “They need to keep their inner fire from burning too hot,” says Dr Chauhan. Opt for coconut water, milk, sweet fruits, soaked raisins, or dates. Cooling, sweet foods keep the body calm and mind composed.

Also read | Diet guide: 7 Ayurvedic diet rules you must follow for complete health and fitness

The Kapha dominant (earthy and slow): keep it light: Kapha personalities are calm but tend to feel heavy or sluggish. Fasting helps them most. “They don’t need a big Sargi—just something light and stimulating,” advises Dr Chauhan. “Include more light fruits, warm water with honey, or herbal tea. This helps clear mental fog and energise the body,” he adds.

It’s not starving, it’s self-care:

In Ayurveda, fasting is a sacred pause, not a punishment. “It’s about giving your body time to rest, and your mind a chance to reset,” says Dr Chauhan. When done with awareness, as during Karwa Chauth, fasting becomes more than a ritual, it’s a path to purification and inner balance.

FAQs on Karwa Chauth Fasting Tips

1. What is the purpose of Sargi in Karwa Chauth fasting?

Sargi is an Ayurvedic strategy providing energy before the fast. It aligns with your body's needs, according to your Dosha, ensuring you have the necessary nutrients to sustain you through the day.

2. What foods are recommended for Vata dominant individuals during Sargi?

Vata individuals should have warm milk, dates, soaked almonds, chapati with ghee, or kheer. These foods help ground their energy and maintain steadiness throughout the day.

3. What should Pitta dominant individuals include in their Sargi?

Pitta types should consume cooling, sweet foods like coconut water, milk, sweet fruits, soaked raisins, or dates. These keep the body calm and prevent irritability.

4. What are the Sargi recommendations for Kapha dominant individuals?

Kapha individuals should opt for light and stimulating foods such as light fruits, warm water with honey, or herbal tea. These choices help clear mental fog and energise the body.

5. How does Ayurveda view fasting?

Ayurveda sees fasting as a sacred pause, not starvation. It allows the body to rest and the mind to reset, promoting purification and inner balance when done with awareness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.