45 Sankashti Chaturthi Recipes Recipes

Vrat-Friendly Dishes for Sankashti Chaturthi

Traditional Phalahar foods such as milk-based dishes, fruits, sabudana, potatoes, and nuts help maintain strength during fasting hours. Popular preparations include Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Vada, Piyush, and various sweet prasad recipes that are offered during evening prayers. These recipes are designed to be nourishing while keeping the body calm and the mind focused on devotion.

Special importance is given to prasad items, especially sweets prepared with jaggery, coconut, milk, or fasting flours, as they are believed to please Lord Ganesha. Many devotees also prefer one-dish farali meals after moonrise to gently break the fast. Overall, Sankashti Chaturthi recipes beautifully balance nutrition, tradition, and spirituality, making the fasting experience meaningful, satisfying, and spiritually uplifting.

1. Satvik Phalahar Recipes (Fruit, Milk & Light Foods)

The foundation of Sankashti Chaturthi fasting, as they align closely with vrat rules and sattvic dietary principles. These foods are prepared using fruits, milk, nuts, natural sweeteners, and easily digestible ingredients, while strictly avoiding grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and regular salt. Phalahar dishes are light on the stomach and help maintain energy levels during long fasting hours. They are especially suitable for devotees observing a complete fast until moonrise. The gentle flavors and simple preparation methods promote physical calmness and mental clarity during prayers. Many of these recipes also double as prasad, adding devotional significance to the fasting meal. Overall, satvik phalahar foods offer the perfect balance of nourishment, purity, and spiritual comfort.

Panchamrut
Panchamrut is a devotional mixture of five sattvic ingredients—milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. It is traditionally used as a sacred offering during prayers and consumed after the fast. This blend is considered auspicious and nourishing for devotees. It provides gentle energy and spiritual significance during Sankashti Chaturthi.

Sabudana Kheer
A classic fasting sweet made with soaked sabudana cooked in milk and sweetened to perfection. The texture is rich and creamy, yet light on the stomach, making it ideal for breaking the fast after moonrise. The soft pearls of sabudana absorb the milk’s flavour, delivering a comforting taste. This kheer keeps you satiated and also serves as a devotional offering during Sankashti Chaturthi.

Piyush
Piyush is a traditional fasting drink made with milk, sugar, and subtle spices. It provides hydration and energy without heaviness, making it suitable for long fasting hours. The gentle sweetness combined with milk’s soothing qualities makes it a popular vrat beverage. Often served chilled, it refreshes the body and uplifts the mood.

Banana Wafers (Yellow Banana Chips / Banana Wafers)
Thinly sliced bananas are lightly deep-fried to make a crispy and satisfying fasting snack. These wafers are either salt-free or lightly seasoned with rock salt, keeping them vrat-compliant. The natural sweetness of bananas makes them a healthier alternative to regular chips. They are ideal for snacking during the day to curb hunger pangs.

Sweet Potato Khichdi
This sweet potato-based dish combines grated sweet potatoes with mild flavours to create a soft, comforting meal. It is easy to digest, nutrient-rich, and fully suitable for fasting days. The natural sweetness and hearty texture make it satisfying without feeling heavy. It can be enjoyed as a light meal or offered as prasadam.

2. Vrat-Friendly Savory Dishes (No Grains, No Onion/Garlic)

Vrat-friendly savory dishes play an important role during Sankashti Chaturthi fasting, especially for devotees who prefer non-sweet meals. These dishes are prepared without regular grains, onion, or garlic, strictly following traditional fasting rules. Ingredients like sabudana, potatoes, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and vrat-approved flours are commonly used to create filling yet light meals. Rock salt (sendha namak) replaces regular salt to maintain vrat purity. Despite limited ingredients, these dishes offer satisfying flavors and good nutritional balance. They help sustain energy levels during long fasting hours without causing heaviness. Often consumed after moonrise, these savory preparations bring comfort, variety, and nourishment to the fasting thali.

Sabudana Thalipeeth
Sabudana Thalipeeth is a popular fasting savoury pancake made from soaked sabudana and mashed potatoes. Mildly spiced and pan-fried to golden perfection, it offers a filling option during vrat days. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it enjoyable and satisfying. It pairs well with fasting-friendly curd or chutney.

Sabudana Vada
These deep-fried fritters combine sabudana and boiled potatoes into a crispy, airy snack. Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, they are a favourite fasting food across regions. Peanuts add texture and nutrition while keeping the flavours mild. Serve them hot for the best taste and crispness.

Crispy Sabudana Pakoda
Sabudana pakodas are crunchy fritters made using sabudana, potatoes, and peanuts. Fried until golden, they deliver a satisfying bite that works well during fasting hours. These pakodas are especially popular as evening snacks. They should be served fresh to enjoy their full crispiness.

Farali Idli Sambar
Farali Idli Sambar is a fasting-friendly adaptation of the classic South Indian combination. The idlis are steamed and light, while the sambar is prepared without lentils or onion-garlic. Together, they form a wholesome and comforting meal. This dish adds variety to traditional vrat menus.

3. Fasting Sweets & Prasad Recipes

Fasting Sweets & Prasad Recipes play a central role in Sankashti Chaturthi as they are prepared both for devotion and nourishment. These recipes are made using vrat-friendly ingredients such as milk, jaggery, coconut, sabudana, singhare ka atta, and ghee, ensuring they follow traditional fasting rules. The sweetness in these dishes is kept mild and natural, making them suitable for consumption after long fasting hours. Most of these sweets are first offered as naivedya to Lord Ganesha and then consumed as prasad, adding spiritual significance to the meal. Their rich aroma and soft textures bring comfort and satisfaction without feeling heavy. Apart from their devotional value, these recipes also provide instant energy and nourishment. Together, fasting sweets and prasad recipes beautifully balance faith, tradition, and mindful eating during Sankashti Chaturthi.

Modak 
Modak is the most cherished sweet offering to Lord Ganesha. Steamed to perfection, these dumplings are filled with coconut and jaggery, making them soft and aromatic. They are traditionally offered as naivedya and later consumed as prasad. Their mild sweetness aligns perfectly with fasting practices.

Mawa Modak

Mawa Modak is a rich and festive Indian sweet especially prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is made using khoya (mawa), sugar, and mild flavorings like cardamom.
The modak has a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture with a delicate sweetness.
It is considered a favorite offering to Lord Ganesha.
Mawa Modak adds richness and devotion to festive celebrations.

Singhada Sheera (Farali Singhara Halwa)
Singhada Sheera is prepared using water chestnut flour cooked with ghee and sweetener. Dense and aromatic, it is well-suited for fasting consumption. This halwa is often prepared as prasadam after prayers. Its earthy flavour and richness make it especially satisfying.

Sweet Faraali Pancakes
These mildly sweet pancakes are made from fasting-safe flours and natural sweeteners. Soft in texture, they provide a comforting dessert option without breaking vrat rules. They taste excellent with honey or jaggery syrup. These pancakes can be served as a light snack or dessert.

Sabudana Vermicelli Payasam
This fasting dessert features thin sabudana vermicelli cooked slowly in milk. The result is a silky, mildly sweet payasam that feels soothing after prayers. The sabudana adds texture while keeping the dish sattvic. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

4. Farali Main Meals & One-Dish Vrat Recipes

Farali Main Meals and One-Dish Vrat Recipes are designed to provide complete nourishment while strictly following Sankashti Chaturthi fasting rules. These dishes are ideal for consumption after moonrise or during partial fasts, as they are filling without being heavy. Prepared using fasting-approved ingredients like sabudana, potatoes, rajgira, and singhare ka atta, they offer sustained energy throughout the day. The recipes avoid grains, lentils, onion, and garlic, keeping them fully vrat-compliant. Their balanced texture and mild seasoning make them easy to digest for all age groups. These one-dish meals simplify fasting cooking while still delivering comfort and satisfaction. They are a practical choice for devotees who prefer wholesome, home-style meals during Sankashti Chaturthi.

Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is one of the most popular fasting dishes and a Sankashti Chaturthi staple. Made with soaked sabudana, peanuts, potatoes, and mild spices, it provides long-lasting energy. The dish is light on digestion yet filling enough for fasting days. Its soft texture and subtle flavour suit all age groups.

Rajgira Paratha
Rajgira Paratha is a nutritious fasting flatbread prepared using amaranth flour and boiled potatoes. It is gluten-free, protein-rich, and ideal for vrat days when grains are avoided. The paratha has a soft texture and mild taste. It pairs well with fasting-friendly curd or peanut chutney.

Farali Dosa
Farali Dosa is a creative fasting version of the classic dosa made without rice or lentils. Prepared using fasting-allowed ingredients, it offers a crisp exterior and soft centre. The dosa is light yet satisfying, making it suitable for evening meals after moonrise. It pairs well with fasting chutneys or plain curd.

Upvas Masala Dosa

Upvas Masala Dosa is a fasting-friendly version of the classic dosa made without rice or lentils. It is prepared using vrat-allowed ingredients like sabudana, rajgira, or potato-based batter. The dosa is crisp on the outside and soft inside, making it light yet satisfying. It is usually filled with a mild potato stuffing suitable for upvas. This dosa is commonly enjoyed after moonrise during fasting days.

Health Benefits During Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat

Observing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is not only spiritually beneficial but also offers several health advantages when followed correctly.

1. Improves Digestion

Fasting gives the digestive system a break. Light phalahar foods like fruits, milk, and sabudana are easy to digest and help reset digestion.

2. Detoxifies the Body

Avoiding grains, processed foods, and heavy meals allows the body to naturally detox, helping eliminate toxins and improve metabolism.

3. Boosts Metabolic Health

Short-term fasting helps regulate insulin levels and improves metabolic efficiency, which can support weight management.

4. Enhances Mental Clarity

Sattvic foods and fasting promote mental calmness, better focus, and reduced stress, supporting emotional well-being.

5. Supports Gut Health

Simple foods reduce bloating and acidity while improving gut balance, especially when overeating is avoided.

6. Encourages Mindful Eating

Eating after moonrise teaches portion control and mindful eating, reducing unhealthy food cravings.

Note: People with medical conditions, pregnant women, children, and the elderly should follow a modified vrat.

Sankashti Chaturthi Fasting Rules

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every month on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (fourth day after the full moon). The fast is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is believed to remove obstacles, bring peace, and fulfill wishes.

🕉️ 1. Nature of the Fast

• Devotees observe a day-long fast from sunrise until moonrise
• The fast is broken only after sighting the moon
• Some devotees follow a strict nirjala fast (no food or water)
• Others observe a partial fast (phalahar vrat) based on health and tradition

🌙 2. Moonrise Ritual (Very Important)

• The fast is broken only after moonrise
• Moon worship is performed by:
  • Offering water (arghya)
  • Chanting Ganesh mantras
  • Offering prasad to Lord Ganesha
• Food is consumed only after prayers

🍽️ 3. Foods Allowed During Sankashti Chaturthi Fast

Only sattvic and vrat-approved foods are allowed:

Allowed ingredients

• Fruits and fruit juices
• Milk, curd, buttermilk, ghee
• Sabudana (sago)
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes
• Peanuts and dry fruits
• Rajgira (amaranth), singhara atta
• Rock salt (sendha namak)

🚫 4. Foods Strictly Avoided

• Grains (rice, wheat, maize, oats)
• Pulses and lentils
• Onion and garlic
• Regular salt
• Packaged or processed foods
• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food

🍬 5. Prasad and Sweets

• Fasting sweets are allowed and encouraged
• Common prasad items include:
  • Modak
  • Sabudana kheer
  • Panchamrut
  • Milk-based sweets
• Prasad must be offered first, then consumed

☕ 6. Tea and Coffee

• Depends on family tradition
• Many devotees avoid tea and coffee
• Milk, plain water, or fruit juice is preferred

👨‍👩‍👧 7. Children, Elderly & Health Considerations

• Children and elderly may follow a light phalahar diet
• Milk, fruits, and soft sabudana dishes are suitable
• Health should always take priority over strict fasting

📿 8. Spiritual Guidelines

• Maintain cleanliness and calmness
• Avoid anger, negativity, and harsh speech
• Spend time in prayer, chanting, or reading devotional texts
• Fasting is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical

FAQS

1. What are Sankashti Chaturthi recipes?
Sankashti Chaturthi recipes are special fasting dishes prepared to observe the sacred vrat dedicated to Lord Ganesha. These recipes follow sattvic principles and are made without grains, pulses, onion, garlic, or regular salt. They are designed to be light, nourishing, and spiritually appropriate for fasting.

2. What foods are allowed during Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
Foods allowed during Sankashti Chaturthi include fruits, milk and milk products, sabudana, potatoes, peanuts, sweet potatoes, rajgira, and singhare ka atta. Rock salt, known as sendha namak, is used instead of regular salt. These ingredients help maintain energy while keeping the fast pure.

3. Can sabudana be eaten on Sankashti Chaturthi?
Yes, sabudana is one of the most commonly consumed ingredients during Sankashti Chaturthi fasting. It is easy to digest and provides quick energy. Dishes like sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, and sabudana kheer are widely prepared.

4. Are sweets allowed during Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
Yes, fasting-friendly sweets are allowed and are often offered as prasad. These sweets are usually made using milk, jaggery, coconut, dry fruits, or fasting flours. They are prepared without refined flour or grains.

5. When is food consumed on Sankashti Chaturthi?
Traditionally, devotees observe a day-long fast and eat only after moonrise. The fast is broken after performing moon worship and offering prasad to Lord Ganesha. Some people may follow a partial fast based on personal or family traditions.

6. Is tea or coffee allowed during Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
This depends on individual beliefs and family customs. Many devotees avoid tea and coffee, preferring milk or light fasting beverages instead. It is best to follow the fasting rules traditionally observed in your household.

7. Why are onion and garlic avoided in Sankashti Chaturthi recipes?
Onion and garlic are avoided because they are considered non-sattvic foods. Sankashti Chaturthi fasting focuses on purity, calmness, and spiritual discipline. Sattvic foods help maintain mental clarity and devotion.

8. Can children and elderly people follow Sankashti Chaturthi fasting recipes?
Yes, children and elderly people can follow modified fasting meals using light phalahar foods. Milk-based dishes, fruits, and soft sabudana preparations are suitable for them. Health and comfort should always be given priority.

9. What is the importance of prasad in Sankashti Chaturthi recipes?
Prasad is first offered to Lord Ganesha before being consumed. It represents devotion, gratitude, and blessings. Fasting sweets and simple satvik dishes are commonly prepared as prasad.

10. Can Sankashti Chaturthi recipes be prepared in advance?
Some recipes such as ladoos and dry fasting snacks can be prepared in advance. However, freshly cooked food is generally preferred for prasad and for breaking the fast. Planning ingredients ahead of time can make fasting day preparation easier.

Conclusion

Sankashti Chaturthi recipes beautifully reflect the balance between devotion, discipline, and nourishment. Prepared using simple, sattvic ingredients, these fasting foods support both physical well-being and spiritual focus throughout the vrat. From light phalahar dishes and comforting sabudana preparations to wholesome farali meals and sacred prasad sweets, each recipe carries religious significance and traditional wisdom. Observing the fast with mindful food choices helps devotees maintain energy while honoring Lord Ganesha with purity and faith. Ultimately, Sankashti Chaturthi recipes transform fasting into a meaningful and fulfilling spiritual practice rooted in tradition and devotion.