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Karwa Chauth 2024 begins on Sunday 20th October and women across the country are preparing to observe the Hindu festival with a day long fast. As per the rituals, Karwa Chauth is a day for women to show devotion to their partners by following a rigorous nirjala vrat where married women don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. Before the fast begins at dawn, many women enjoy a nutritious feast called a Sargi Thali that prepares them for the long day ahead.
Since the fast can be a strain on the body, it’s important to choose the additions to your Sargi Thali with care. Some foods are preferred for their high nutritional value and ability to aid digestion while there are some things which are best avoided to ensure the most comfortable experience.
Here are 5 foods you should be adding in your sargi platter and 5 you should avoid.
5 Foods To Eat In Your Sargi Thali
Dried Fruit
Almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins pack a powerful nutritional punch. These concentrated sources of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals offer long-lasting energy in a compact form. Their easy digestibility and hunger-curbing properties make them ideal for maintaining stamina throughout the day.
Fresh Fruit
Apples, bananas, and oranges deliver a refreshing blend of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Bananas provide natural sugars and potassium for balanced energy, while apples and oranges offer hydration and antioxidants to revitalise you.
Paneer
This versatile cheese is a protein powerhouse. Its slow-digesting properties help keep you feeling full for longer periods. Enjoy it grilled, in whole wheat wraps, or tossed in a light salad. As an added bonus, paneer’s high calcium content supports bone health during fasting periods.
Potatoes
Potatoes are carbohydrate-rich comfort food that keeps you feeling full. Whether prepared as paratha or a simple vegetable dish, their starch content provides gradual energy release. This steady fuel source helps maintain stamina without sudden energy dips.
Grains
Oats, quinoa, and whole wheat are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. These grains break down slowly, providing sustained energy without crashes. Start your day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal, whole wheat flatbreads, or a nutrient-dense quinoa salad to power through your fast.
5 Foods To Avoid In Your Sargi Thali
Refined Sugars
Avoid sweets or dishes made with refined sugar, as they can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. These spikes are often followed by an energy crash, making it difficult to sustain energy throughout the fasting day.
Processed Foods
Packaged or processed foods, such as ready-made snacks, are high in unhealthy fats, preservatives, and refined carbohydrates. They may provide quick energy but lack lasting nutrition, leaving you tired and hungry.
Salty Snacks
Excessively salty foods like chips or namkeen should be avoided. High salt intake can lead to dehydration, making it harder to stay hydrated during the fast. Opt for low-sodium options instead.
Fried Foods
Fried items like pakoras or puris are heavy and can cause indigestion. They are also high in unhealthy fats, which can lead to sluggishness and discomfort during fasting. Choose lighter alternatives for your sargi meal.
White Bread and Refined Flour Products
Items like white bread or parathas made from refined flour should be avoided as they offer little nutritional value. They digest quickly, leading to a drop in energy levels, making it hard to sustain energy during the fast.