Essential Guidelines for Observing Ekadashi Fasting
Understanding Ekadashi Fasting
Ekadashi Fasting Guidelines: Each year, millions participate in the Ekadashi fast, which is known for its numerous health benefits. This practice enhances both physical and mental resilience. If you plan to observe the Ekadashi fast, it's crucial to know what foods and drinks are appropriate.
Permissible Foods and Drinks During Ekadashi
1. Nirjala Fast: Some devotees choose to abstain from both food and water throughout the day, breaking their fast only the following day. If this is too challenging, at least ensure you drink water.
2. Jalahar: This involves consuming only water during the fast. You can drink water freely throughout the day and night. However, if health issues arise, many opt for milk instead.
3. Ksheerbhoji: This term refers to the consumption of milk, specifically cow's milk, during Ekadashi. Buffalo or goat milk is not permitted. This practice is also known as Dudhahari or Payohari.
4. Rasbhoji: This means drinking only fruit juices. Acceptable fruits include grapes, pomegranates, papayas, bananas, apples, sweet limes, oranges, pineapples, and coconut water.
5. Phalahar: This refers to eating fruits as your main food source. Suitable fruits include bananas, papayas, apples, grapes, and sweet limes. Dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are also allowed.
6. Naktbhoji: This term means eating only at night. You can consume fruits during the day and have a meal after sunset, ensuring that the meal consists of items allowed during the fast, such as sago khichdi, water chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and buckwheat flour dishes.
Some fasts require individuals to refrain from food all day and eat only once at night, known as 'Nakta Vrat,' with the observer referred to as 'Naktbhoji.'
Foods and Drinks to Avoid During Ekadashi
1. Coffee: Coffee beans are seeds from a fruit, and consuming seeds or their juices is not allowed during the fast. Coffee is classified as a legume, which is prohibited.
2. Tea: Tea is made from dried leaves and is considered forbidden, similar to other leafy vegetables like spinach and fenugreek.
3. Chyawanprash: This health supplement contains over 40 ingredients, some of which may not be suitable for the Ekadashi fast.
4. Paneer: Even if made from cow's milk, paneer is a processed dairy product that cannot be consumed during the fast.
5. Peas: Green peas are legumes and should be avoided during Ekadashi.
6. Tomatoes: Although some consider tomatoes a fruit, their consumption is also restricted.
7. Sharbat: All types of sherbets, including Rooh Afza, are forbidden on Ekadashi.
8. Drinks: Any alcoholic beverages or soft drinks are prohibited.
9. Vegetables: On Ekadashi, avoid vegetables such as carrots, turnips, cabbage, and spinach.
10. Other Foods: Stay away from items like chocolate, barley, eggplant, green beans, toffee, mushrooms, and fried snacks.
Conclusion
Observing the Ekadashi fast can be a spiritually enriching experience, provided one adheres to the guidelines regarding permissible and forbidden foods. By following these rules, devotees can enhance their fasting experience and reap its benefits.