Ekadashi September 2023: Things To Eat And Not To Eat While Ekadashi Fasting

Ekadashi September 2023: The Ekadashi fast is one of the most significant fasts in Hinduism. The day of Ekadashi occurs twice in a month on the 11th Day of each moon cycle (Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha). The upcoming Ekadashi is Aja Ekadashi, which will be observed on 10 September 2023. The Ekadashi fasting comes with a set of rules and regulations - in terms of conduct, and discipline in the diet. One is not allowed to consume grains on the day of Ekadashi fasting. Food for fasting should be light and simple to digest. When you eat big, difficult-to-digest meals, your body expends all of its energy doing so, which also puts you to sleep. Therefore, one should consume light, easily digestible foods during fasting. in order for all energies to flow toward God, your sadhana, or the higher chakras. Ekadashi is a very effective day for advancing spiritually.

Ekadashi September 2023: Things To Eat And Not To Eat While Ekadashi Fasting  What To Consume On Ekadashi Fasting 

According to their endurance and determination, devotees can choose any type of Ekadashi fasting during Sankalp and consume food according to it. Four different types of Ekadashi fasting have been mentioned in Hindu Religious Scriptures: 

1. Phalahar (Only Fruits) - Only fruits may be consumed during this fast. Only premium fruits like mangos, grapes, bananas, almonds, and pistachios should be consumed and green vegetables should be avoided.

2. Jalahari (Only Water) - Only water may be consumed during this fast Sankalp. The majority of followers observe this fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi. Though, if one wishes, one can observe this fast on all Ekadasies. 

3. Ksheerbhoji (Only Milk) - One may consume only milk on Ekadashi if one takes the Ksheerbhoji Ekadashi Sankalp. Other than milk, the consumption of milk products like yogurt, and buttermilk is also allowed. 

4. Naktabhoji (One Time Meal Without Grains) - In this type of fasting, one can consume a single meal in a day before sunset. Beans, wheat, rice, and pulses are among the grains and cereals that should not be consumed in a single meal because they are restricted during the Ekadashi fast. 

During the Ekadashi fast, Sabudana, Makhana, Singhada, Shakarkandi, Potatoes, and Groundnuts are staple foods for Naktabhoji.

The Ekadashi meal for many includes Kuttu Atta and Samak Rice. However, as both of these are regarded as pseudo or semi-grains, their validity as Ekadashi foods is disputed. It is best to stay away from these things during fasting.

Also Read: Important Ekadashi Fasting Rules Everyone Must Know

Ekadashi September 2023: What Not To Eat On Ekadashi Fasting 

Rice, meats, onions, garlic, wheat and lentils are all absolutely prohibited to consume on this day. One should also refrain from consuming Tea and Coffee on Ekadashi. 

While cooking the Ekadashi Prasadam, one is allowed to use Desi Ghee. One should not cook the Ekadashi Prasadam in refined or any seed-based oil. 

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)