Falahari Sabudana Tikkis

Falahari is a fast undertaken by several people during Navratri. Some people fast on all nine days and some only on the first and last day, depending on personal preference. During these fasts, they follow a falahari diet, meaning no salt or grain is consumed. The devotees depend on fruits, milk, dry fruits and seeds, among other options. Food items use rock salt (sendha namak) for their cooking, preparing dishes like potato, sabudana khichdi, and more. .

Another popular Navratri dish is sabudana tikkis, which is made from sago, potato, coriander leaves, red chilli powder, oil, green chilli, rock salt, and roasted, crushed peanuts. The mixture is shaped into small tikkis and then cooked. It’s a quick and easy dish to make. The potato ensures one feels full for a long time. And the green chilli adds a touch of spice to the dish, which can be eaten with chutney for additional spice..

While fasting, the body is already cleansing. During this time, eating sabudana (sago) is doubly useful since, besides being filling, it also has several health benefits. It's rich in antioxidants and resistant starch, regulating the digestive system, reducing the risk of serious diseases, and improving strength and energy when working out.

Sabudana, a staple these days, has been an important part of Chinese cuisine for several thousand years. It reached India as recently as the 1940s through south-east Asia, as an import. Units were set up in Tamil Nadu around 1943, and soon the food gained popularity throughout the country. .