Since ancient times, India has had a rich long-standing culture of festivals and celebrations. Maha Shivratri is truly one of them. On this day, devotees celebrate in honour of Lord Shiva, chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’, and follow a special fast. There are various mythological folklores explaining why this Hindu festival is so auspicious. Some believe that it was on this day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati making it so special; some think that this day is a celebration of the event of Lord Shiva saving the world during Samudra Manthan, a mythological episode of churning of the ocean of milk; whereas others say that it was on this day when Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Shiv Lingam for the first time ever, making this day holy. Thus, this day is celebrated throughout India in a unique manner. It is the day to honour Lord Shiva and express the gratitude whole heartedly. It is believed that if a devotee observes a fast and worship Lord Shiva on this day with sincerity, pure devotion and love, he/she would be blessed with immense happiness and prosperity. Besides that, fasting helps the body detoxify and that aids in meditations. Especially in this fast paced world, such a conscious effort helps individuals in the long run. As the name suggests, Maha Shiv Ratri or The Great Night of Shiva, devotees worship the Shiva Lingam throughout the night by offering bael (wood apple) leaves, milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst chanting the mantra, Om Namaha Shivaya. On this day, many observe a very strict fast where they only consume a diet specially formulated for the occasion; truly, maha shivratri vrat food is quite specific. Different people consume different foods during this vrat depending on their culture or the region that they live in. Some abstain themselves from water, some avoid salt or replace it with Sendha namak (rock salt), while most others observe a fast where they avoid onion, garlic, rice, pulses or wheat. During this time, Sabudana recipes like Sabudana Khichdi and sabudana vada, or Vrat recipes without salt, and vrat recipes with potatoes, or recipes made using Singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) are mostly in demand. But we think, any celebration or festivities are incomplete without sweets. So instead of the usual vrat recipes, we have brought to you some mouth-watering, sweet, maha shivratri vrat food ideas to make this occasion even more special. So, now, you don’t have to keep thinking of what to eat during maha shivratri vrat or fasting or upvaas. Check out the list we curated specially for you.

1. Sabudana Laddu Sabudana or sago is really almost irreplaceable for an upvas. So one of the sabudana recipes that we suggest is the Sabudana laddu. Roasted sabudana or sago pearls crushed into a fine powder and mixed with desiccated coconut along with some flavourful ingredients and made into laddu, will surely put you in awe. A quick bite sized laddu always impresses everyone, doesn’t it? So, you must try this sabudana recipe for fast. Watch the step by step process of how to make it by simply clicking on the link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQpp_3HInMQ&list=PLI-l1OOUnVtOX2Kx7rUPop–ylKmPlCzV&index=4

2. Nariyal Aur Sabudane Ki Kheer  The next sweet sensation is filled with the goodness of coconut (nariyal). It is a unique and tastier version of usual sabudana kheer. This recipe with sabudana wins million hearts in a jiffy. Tender coconut, coconut milk and soaked sago along with jaggery (Gur) make it a kheer which no one can resist. It is a very simple recipe, so you can make it quickly and use the rest of the time to sip on it. Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it? Garnish it with nuts of your choice and serve it chilled or warm, whichever way, it tastes delicious. Click on the link below to watch the recipe and try it out on this Maha Shivratri. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qESv6pvMIrs

3. Mango sago pudding Next one is a combination of sago and our favourite ingredient, mango! Although mangoes aren’t in season, you can still incorporate ripe mango pulp from the tin and make this tasty mango sago pudding. Soaked sago, mango pulp, with the flavour of cardamom make it an out-of-this-world pudding. To make it look and taste even nicer, dress it with desiccated coconut on the top. Serve it chilled and impress all the family members. It is surely a unique recipe, check out how to make it by clicking on the link below. https://www.foodfood.com/recipedetails/mango-sago-pudding