Gauri Vrat 2024 Fasting Rules: What to eat and avoid during the fast

Gauri Vrat 2024: Unmarried women observing Gauri Vrat with traditional fasting rituals and foods. [Image: Canva]

Gauri Vrat is a significant fasting ritual observed primarily by unmarried women in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. This five-day fast is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, also known as Parvati, and is believed to bless the devotees with a suitable life partner and marital bliss. This year, Gauri Vrat will commence on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, and end on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Observing the fast involves adhering to specific dietary rules and practices to ensure the sanctity of the ritual. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to eat and avoid during Gauri Vrat.

What to Eat During Gauri Vrat

1. Fruits: Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes are permissible. They are light, nutritious, and help maintain energy levels throughout the day.
2. Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and paneer are allowed. They provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein.
3. Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): Sabudana khichdi or kheer is a popular choice during fasting. It is filling and provides a good amount of carbohydrates.
4. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: These starchy vegetables can be consumed in various forms like boiled, roasted, or made into a curry with minimal spices.
5. Kuttu (Buckwheat Flour): Used to make chapatis, puris, or pakoras. Buckwheat is rich in protein and fiber.
6. Singhara (Water Chestnut Flour): Another alternative to regular flour, used for making dishes like singhara halwa or puris.
7. Makhana (Fox Nuts): Roasted makhana is a light and healthy snack that can be eaten during the fast.
8. Peanuts and Dry Fruits: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and raisins are great for snacking and provide essential fats and proteins.
9. Rock Salt (Sendha Namak): Regular salt is avoided during fasting, but rock salt is permissible.

What to Avoid During Gauri Vrat

1. Grains and Pulses: Rice, wheat, lentils, and all other grains and pulses should be strictly avoided.
2. Non-Vegetarian Food: Meat, fish, eggs, and other non-vegetarian items are not allowed during the fast.
3. Onion and Garlic: These ingredients are considered tamasic in nature and should be avoided to maintain the sattvic quality of the food.
4. Regular Salt: Common table salt is not used during fasting; instead, rock salt is preferred.
5. Spicy and Oily Food: Heavy, spicy, and oily foods are best avoided as they can cause discomfort and are not conducive to the spirit of fasting.
6. Caffeine: Coffee and tea should be consumed in moderation or avoided, as they can cause dehydration.
7. Processed and Junk Food: Packaged snacks, chips, and fast food are not suitable during the vrat as they often contain ingredients that are not allowed.

Want to experience the cultural richness of July? Check Complete List of Festival in July 2024.