Teej, a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra (usually falling in August or September as per the lunar calendar), is a significant occasion for Hindu women. It’s a day filled with sparkling saris, colorful kurtas, and matching jewelry, where married and unmarried women and girls come together to dance, pray, and celebrate in their homes and temples.

While festivities and vibrant attire take center stage, fasting is also a vital aspect of Teej. Women dedicate this day to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, taking a traditional fast. Married women pray for the long life of their husbands, while unmarried girls fast with the hope of finding a good husband, a blessing from Lord Shiva.

Traditionally, women and girls abstain from consuming even a drop of water for the entire 24 hours of Teej. However, for various reasons, including health concerns, not everyone can observe such rigorous fasting. For those who choose to incorporate pure foods into their fasting regimen, here’s a selection of recommended items suitable for Teej fasting and other similar occasions:

Fruits

Fruits are nature’s nutritional treasure trove, rich in vitamins and minerals. You can enjoy a variety of fruits like apples, berries, cucumbers, pomegranates, and more. These can be consumed raw, juiced, or crafted into a refreshing fruit salad.

Dry fruits and nuts

Dry fruits such as almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, walnuts, apricots, and raisins are packed with good fats and essential nutrients. They are also exceptionally filling. You can munch on them as a snack or incorporate them as ingredients or toppings in other dishes for added flavor and nutrition.

Vegetables

Teej fasting allows for the consumption of select vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, colocasia, bottle gourd, pointed gourd, and pumpkin shoots. These can be simply boiled or gently fried in ghee without the addition of spices and salt. Potatoes and sweet potatoes, for instance, can be boiled and enjoyed, while other vegetables can be fried to perfection.

Milk and milk products

Milk, curd, buttermilk, and paneer are welcome additions to your Teej fasting menu. Ensure that all dairy products consumed on this day are salt-free. These dairy items are not only filling but also refreshing, providing essential sustenance throughout the day.

Coconuts

Every part of the coconut is suitable for consumption during fasting. You can relish the flesh, water, and milk of the coconut. Drinking coconut water is particularly invigorating and energizes your body for the entire day.

On Teej, as you engage in prayers and celebrations, these nutritious and pure foods will keep you nourished and satisfied during your fast. They add a delightful twist to the festivities, ensuring that your Teej is not only spiritually enriching but also a culinary delight.

(Cover image from: https://blog.foodmandu.com/)

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