Yogini Ekadashi Fasting Food Guide: What to Eat and Avoid During Ekadashi Vrat

Yogini Ekadashi Fasting Food Guide: What to Eat and Avoid During Ekadashi Vrat (image: canva)

Ekadashi, one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar, is observed twice a month and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe Ekadashi vrat (fast) to seek blessings and spiritual upliftment. While some follow a strict fast without consuming even water, others choose more flexible dietary options depending on their physical strength and devotion. In Hindu scriptures, four main types of Ekadashi fasting food are mentioned, each with its own significance and rules.

Types of Ekadashi Fasting

1.  Jalahar (जलाहर): This is the most austere form of Ekadashi fast where devotees only consume water throughout the day. It is commonly observed on Nirjala Ekadashi, but devout followers may choose it for any Ekadashi.
2. Ksheerbhoji (क्षीरभोजी): In this type, devotees survive only on milk and milk products like curd, ghee, and butter. This type is less intense than Jalahar and ideal for those needing energy while still observing fast.
3. Phalahari (फलाहारी): This is the most commonly followed type where people consume only fruits such as banana, mango, grapes, almonds, and pistachios. Leafy vegetables are avoided.
4. Naktabhoji (नक्तभोजी): In this method, a single sattvic (pure) meal is consumed just before sunset. The meal excludes all grains and cereals like wheat, rice, pulses, and beans.

1. Fruits – Banana, mango, grapes, apple, dry fruits
2. Tubers – Potato, sweet potato (Shakarkandi)
3. Flours – Singhara atta (water chestnut), sabudana, rajgira
4. Milk products – Cow milk, yogurt (curd), buttermilk, ghee, butter
5. Other – Groundnuts, rock salt (sendha namak)

1. Grains and Pulses – Wheat, rice, dal, besan, and legumes like green peas
2. Coffee & Cocoa – Though not grains, they are beans, which are forbidden
3. Chocolates – Contain cocoa, milk, and sugar—avoid them
4. Chhena & Paneer – Considered impure during fast due to milk coagulation
5. Buffalo or Goat Milk – Only cow milk is traditionally allowed
6. Processed Drinks – Rooh Afza, due to chemicals and additives
7. Seeds – Like flaxseeds or sesame, even if used in supplements

1. Can I drink tea or coffee? Tea is acceptable if you’re dependent on it, but coffee is best avoided due to its bean origin and high caffeine.
2. Can I eat chocolate or cocoa products? No. Cocoa is a bean and so is generally prohibited during Ekadashi.
3. Is paneer allowed? Though made from milk, paneer (and sweets like rasgulla or rasmalai) is a fermented milk product and should be avoided.
4. What type of milk is best? Only cow milk is traditionally accepted during Ekadashi vrat. Avoid buffalo or goat milk.
5. Can I take medicines or supplements? Consult your doctor. Avoid non-vegetarian capsules or supplements with sesame or flaxseed oil—even if labelled vegetarian.