Short answer: yes, makhana is widely eaten during Navratri and other fasts. It is a seed, not a cereal grain. If you are buying flavoured makhana, check the seasoning: of our six flavours, only Himalayan Salt & Pepper is seasoned with just Himalayan pink salt and black pepper.
Why is makhana eaten during fasts?
Makhana is the puffed seed of the Euryale ferox plant, which grows in water. Many Hindu fasting traditions avoid cereals such as wheat and rice, and most pulses, but allow seeds, dairy, fruit and certain vegetables. That is why makhana has long been a staple for Navratri, Ekadashi, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami.
Vrat rules vary by region and by family. When in doubt, follow your own tradition.
Which Vayu Farms flavours suit a vrat?
| Flavour | What the seasoning contains | Our note |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Salt & Pepper | Himalayan pink salt, black pepper | The simplest option |
| Fresh Mint | Spices and seasonings, mint leaves, salt, sugar | Check your tradition |
| Caramel | Sugar, milk solids, salt | Check your tradition |
| Truffle | Milk solids, herbs and spices, salt | Check your tradition |
| Peri Peri | Spices and seasonings, salt, sugar | Not for a strict vrat |
| Cheese & Herbs | Milk solids, herbs and spices, salt, sugar | Not for a strict vrat |
All six are roasted with rice bran oil. The full ingredient list is on each product page.
Simple makhana vrat recipes
Roasted makhana with ghee and sendha namak
Heat a little ghee in a pan, add plain makhana and roast on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp. Season with sendha namak and a pinch of black pepper.
Vrat-style makhana chaat
Toss roasted makhana with chopped cucumber, raw mango in season, rock salt, roasted cumin powder and a squeeze of lime.
Makhana kheer
Roast makhana in ghee until golden, then simmer in full-fat milk with sugar or jaggery, cardamom and saffron until it thickens. Finish with chopped pistachios.
Makhana raita
Stir lightly crushed makhana into thick yoghurt with sendha namak, roasted cumin and fresh coriander. Serve with kuttu ki puri or singhara atta roti.
How much to eat
A 45g pouch of our Himalayan Salt & Pepper Makhana has about 194 kcal, which makes it a light snack between vrat meals.
Stock up on Himalayan Salt & Pepper Makhana before Navratri.