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Fasting in India often follows food rules passed down through families. During Shravan, Ekadashi, and Sawan Somwar fasts, meals are made with vrat-friendly ingredients. People usually follow what is allowed in their home or tradition. Most families use ingredients like sabudana, milk, fruit, rock salt, honey, nuts, and ghee. Drinks made using these items help with hydration and provide gentle energy during the fast.
During the day, many people want something light and easy. Water is always the first choice, but some prefer drinks with a bit more nourishment. Some families allow curd, some do not. Some use honey or jaggery, while others keep it very plain. These drink ideas are based on common patterns seen during fasting, but you can always make changes based on your own customs.
All five drinks here are made with simple methods and common ingredients. These are suitable for people observing fasts in most parts of India, especially in Gujarati and Maharashtrian households.
1. Sabudana Coconut Milk Drink
Sabudana is used a lot during fasts. People make khichdi, vada, and kheer with it. You can also make a smooth drink using it. Soak a small amount of sabudana for a few hours and then boil it till the pearls turn soft and translucent. Once cooked, let it cool fully. Take a few spoons of the cooked sabudana and blend it with fresh coconut milk. Add a small pinch of cardamom and a spoonful of jaggery syrup or honey, based on what your family uses. The drink can be served at room temperature or chilled. It feels filling because of the starch and coconut milk together. It is good to have it around mid-morning or early evening.
2. Cardamom Lassi (Elaichi Chaas)
Lassi is often allowed during fasting days. It is cooling and supports digestion too. Use homemade curd to prepare it. Add one part curd to two parts water and churn it well using a wooden churner or hand blender. Add a little cardamom powder and a pinch of sendha namak. You can also add a small spoonful of honey if you prefer a sweet lassi. Some people add a little ginger juice too, but that depends on your home rules. Cardamom gives the drink a fresh taste and helps balance the sourness of curd. It’s a good option when the weather is hot or you feel low on energy.
3. Banana Almond Milk
This is a simple drink made from milk, fruit, and nuts. It keeps you full and gives slow energy. Use one ripe banana, a few soaked almonds, and a glass of boiled and cooled milk. Blend them all together with a pinch of cardamom. If you like it sweeter, add some honey or jaggery syrup. If dates are used in your home during fasts, one or two soaked dates can also be added. This drink is best taken in the evening or as the first thing after a full-day fast. It is smooth, thick, and keeps hunger away for longer. You can also try apple or chikoo instead of banana, based on what fruits are available.
4. Tulsi And Dry Ginger Herbal Water
Some families avoid milk or fruit during certain fasts. For such times, warm herbal drinks are useful. This one is easy and needs only water, tulsi leaves, and dry ginger. Boil three or four tulsi leaves with a small piece of dry ginger in a cup of water. Let it boil for five minutes and then strain it. Drink it warm or let it cool to room temperature. If your family uses jaggery during fasting, a spoonful of jaggery syrup can be added. Tulsi helps soothe the system, and ginger helps with digestion. This drink works well during the early morning or evening.
5. Sabja Lemon Water With Mint
Sabja seeds are used in many Indian drinks. They are allowed during most fasts and help in cooling the body. Soak one spoonful of sabja seeds in a little water for ten minutes. They will swell and become soft. In a glass, squeeze half a lemon, add a pinch of sendha namak, a few mint leaves, and the soaked sabja seeds. Pour chilled or room temperature water on top and stir gently. Add honey if needed. This drink is very light and easy on the stomach. It’s good for a warm afternoon or post-lunch break.
Drinks prepared with vrat ingredients can be easy and helpful during fasting. You do not need too many ingredients or special equipment. What matters is using what suits your home customs and keeping the body supported throughout the day. These five ideas are a starting point. You can change fruits, spices, or sweeteners based on what is followed in your home. Keep the methods simple, and the results will work well during the fast.
