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One of the most significant festivals for the Hindu community, Maha Shivaratri, is set to be celebrated on February 18, 2023. Literally translating to "the great night of Shiva," the festival is celebrated on the 13th night and the 14th day of February, Phalguna or Maagh according to the Hindu calendar, with a lot of enthusiasm by the devotees of Lord Shiva. To mark this significant day, devotees turn up in large numbers at the Shiva temples, take holy dips in the Ganges, and bathe the "Shiva lingam" in milk and water. Many followers even stay up all night in the temples singing and chanting prayers, followed by the distribution of prasad, in order to appease Lord Shiva.
Besides the prayers and vigils that go on throughout the night of Maha Shivaratri, the festival is also marked by its characteristic fasting, or the Maha Shivaratri Vrata, which is highly significant for every Shiva devotee. People even opt to fast through the day without a single drop of water. On the other hand, the majority of devotees observe a fast where they largely consume fruits along with plenty of water and milk to stay hydrated.
If you're fasting this Maha Shivaratri, we've got some great vrat-friendly recipe ideas to help you plan your day.
1. Arbi Ki Kadhi
Arbi or colocasia, is one such root vegetable that one can consume even during the fasting period. Besides being absolutely versatile, arbi is rich in fibre and antioxidants that can keep us satiated for long hours, which helps during the fasting season. This vrat-friendly kadhi is devoid of besan and uses colocasia and water chestnut flour with chilli powder to make soft yet crispy pakoris and sour curd with rock salt to make a vrat-friendly kadhi.
2. Shakarkandi Ka Halwa
Aside from Shakarkandi ki Chaat, this halwa made with shakarkandi, or sweet potato, will leave you speechless. Sweet potatoes, sugar, ghee, and some flavourings are just some of the minimal ingredients used in this simple recipe, but the balance of flavours and filling is quite a win!
3. Samak Ka Dhokla
Give your teatime snack a delicious spin with this easy dhokla dish. Soft, fluffy, flavourful dhokla made with samak ke chawal, or little millets, is the perfect snack to minimise cravings and hunger and maximise nutrition.
4. Dahi Aloo
An irresistible, luscious curry that is sure to make your fasting memorable! flavourful. Dahi or curd lends this aloo dish a rich flavour and texture that is tangy and dense at the same time. Dahi aloo is a refreshing variation from the regular potato dishes.
5. Makhana Kheer
One of the most loved prasads during Maha Shivaratri is the makhana kheer. It is a delectable dessert made of milk simmered until thick with lotus seeds and flavourings like nuts and cardamom. Makhana, or lotus seed, is a favourite ingredient across many fasts.
