Fasting (vrat) is one of the most personal forms of Hindu devotional discipline, and the food eaten during it follows its own careful rules — grain-free, simple, and prepared with care. Avyani's Master Samagri Catalogue records seven such items, all optional and used according to the specific vrat being observed.
Vrat Falahaar covers the special grain-free foods eaten during religious fasting — days when regular grains, pulses and common salt are set aside. Fasting itself is traditionally understood as a discipline of simplification, a way of quietening the body so attention rests more easily on the day's devotion, whether that's an Ekadashi kept in Vishnu's honour or a Karva Chauth observed for a husband's wellbeing — see our Vishnu Rituals and Devi Rituals guides. Avyani's Master Samagri Catalogue records seven such items, all of them optional and used according to the specific vrat being observed.
Flours for Fasting
Kuttu Atta (कुट्टू का आटा), buckwheat flour, and Singhare Ka Atta (Panifal Atta) (सिंघाड़े का आटा), water chestnut flour, are both used to prepare fasting-friendly rotis and snacks.
Grains and Seeds for Fasting
Sama Rice (समा चावल), barnyard millet, Rajgira (Ramdana) (राजगिरा/रामदाना), amaranth, and Sabudana (साबूदाना), sago, are permitted grain substitutes eaten during vrat.
Fasting Essentials
Makhana (मखाना), fox nuts, is a common fasting snack, and Sendha Namak (सेंधा नमक), rock salt, is the only salt permitted during most fasts.
When These Are Used
These items feature prominently during Navratri, Karva Chauth and other fasting observances described throughout our Festival Rituals guide.
Vrat Falahaar at a Glance
| Item | Hindi | English | Mandatory / Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuttu Atta | कुट्टू का आटा | Buckwheat Flour | Optional |
| Makhana | मखाना | Fox Nuts | Optional |
| Rajgira (Ramdana) | राजगिरा/रामदाना | Amaranth | Optional |
| Sabudana | साबूदाना | Sago | Optional |
| Sama Rice | समा चावल | Barnyard Millet | Optional |
| Sendha Namak | सेंधा नमक | Rock Salt | Optional |
| Singhare Ka Atta (Panifal Atta) | सिंघाड़े का आटा | Water Chestnut Flour | Optional |