Maha Shivratri is a significant festival for Hindus, celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across India. It is observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna Maas, symbolizing the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In 2024, Maha Shivratri was celebrated on March 8th, and devotees observed fasts, offered prayers, and prepared special Vrat Recipes to seek blessings. Many people observe a fast during this auspicious time, consuming specific foods that are considered Vrat-friendly.
Vrat-Friendly Dishes
Here are some recipes you can try during the Maha Shivratri fast:
- Sabudana Khichdi: Soak sabudana (sago pearls) in water until soft. Then, heat ghee, and add cumin seeds, green chilies, and ginger. Add the soaked sabudana, roasted peanuts, potatoes, and rock salt. Cook until the sabudana turns translucent. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
- Aloo Tamatar Sabzi: Heat ghee or oil, add cumin seeds, potatoes, tomatoes, and green chilies. Add spices like rock salt, black pepper, and cumin powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with vrat-friendly roti or puri.
- Kuttu Ka Dosa: Prepare a batter with kuttu (buckwheat) flour, water, potatoes, green chilies, rock salt, and coriander leaves. Pour the batter into a non-stick pan to make thin dosas. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with vrat-friendly chutney or yogurt.
- Singhare Atta Poori: Mix singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) with potatoes, rock salt, and water to make a soft dough. Roll out into puris and fry until they puff up and turn golden brown. Serve with vrat-friendly curry or yogurt.
- Sama Rice Pulao: Soak sama rice. Heat ghee, add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Add the rice, potatoes, peas, carrots, rock salt, and water. Cook until the rice is tender. Garnish with cilantro.
- Thandai: A traditional drink made with almonds, pistachios, black peppercorns, poppy seeds, milk, saffron, sugar, and rose petals. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, and enhances energy levels.
- Potato-filled cutlet: Potato tikkis seasoned with rock salt are a great option. Other potato dishes like Aloo Tikki, Aloo Pakora, Aloo Khichdi, Sweet Potato Chaat, and Aloo Halwa can also be prepared.
- Shrikhand: A simple dish made from sugar, saffron, green cardamom, and curd.
- Makhana Kheer: Roast makhana in ghee, boil milk, and add roasted makhana, cashew nuts, raisins, and almonds. Sweeten with sugar.
Other Vrat-Friendly Options
- Fruits and Dry Fruits: Fruits, fruit chaat, fruit salad, and fruit milkshakes can be consumed. Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, dates, cashews, raisins, and dried apricots are also good choices.
- Kuttu Cheela: Made with buckwheat flour, it is nutritious and packed with good carbs.
- Shakarkandi Chaat: A mix of spices, rock salt, and sweet potato.
- Vratwale Paneer Rolls: Paneer rolls that are high in protein.
- Dahi Aloo: A combination of curd and potatoes.
Simple and Delicious Vrat Recipes for Maha Shivratri
Here are a few delicious and simple vrat recipes you can prepare for this Maha Shivratri.
1. Sabudana Khichdi (Tapioca Pudding)
Ingredients:
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls) – 1 cup
- Peanuts – 1/2 cup (roasted and coarsely ground)
- Potato – 1 (boiled and chopped)
- Green chilies – 2 (chopped)
- Rock salt – as per taste
- Ghee – 1 tablespoon
- Coriander leaves – for garnish
Method:
- Soak sabudana for 4-5 hours.
- Sauté green chilies and potatoes in ghee.
- Add sabudana and peanuts.
- Mix well with rock salt.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
2. Vrat Wali Aloo Tikki (Potato Patties)
Ingredients:
- Potatoes – 4 (boiled and mashed)
- Rock salt – as per taste
- Green chilies – 2 (finely chopped)
- Coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon
- Peanuts – 2 tablespoons (coarsely ground)
- Ghee – for frying
Method:
- Mix all ingredients and shape into patties.
- Fry the patties in hot ghee until golden.
- Serve with yogurt or fasting chutney.
3. Singhade Ka Halwa (Water Chestnut Flour Pudding)
Ingredients:
- Singhade ka atta (water chestnut flour) – 1 cup
- Ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Cashews and almonds – for garnish
Method:
- Roast the flour in ghee until golden brown.
- Add water and cook on low heat.
- Add sugar and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Garnish with nuts and serve hot.
4. Makhana Kheer (Fox Nut Pudding)
Ingredients:
- Makhana (fox nuts) – 1 cup
- Milk – 1 liter
- Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Cashews and almonds – 1/4 cup (chopped)
Method:
- Lightly roast makhanas in ghee.
- Boil milk and add roasted makhanas.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder.
- Garnish with nuts and serve hot or chilled.
Enjoy these vrat recipes during Maha Shivratri while immersing yourself in the devotion to Lord Shiva. Har Har Mahadev!
Conclusion
Observing a fast during Maha Shivratri is considered highly auspicious, promoting spiritual growth and enlightenment. By incorporating these vrat-friendly recipes into your observance, you can maintain your energy and enjoy the culinary traditions associated with this sacred festival. These dishes, made with permissible ingredients, offer nourishment and satisfaction, enriching the spiritual experience of Maha Shivratri.
