“पुंडलिक वरदे हरी विठ्ठल, श्री ज्ञानदेव… तुकाराम, पंढरीनाथ महाराज की जय!”
Maharashtra carries a rich spiritual and traditional legacy, and at the heart of it lies the Varkari Sampradaya : a community bound by deep devotion to Lord Vitthal, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Central to this devotion is the Vaari, a spiritual journey where lakhs of Varkaris walk nearly 250 km to Pandharpur. It isn’t just a pilgrimage; it’s Maharashtra’s biggest celebration of faith, devotion, and humanity. When the Varkaris finally reach Pandharpur after days of walking, that day is celebrated as Ashadhi Ekadashi : one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar.
Understanding the Ashadhi Ekadashi Fast
Ashadhi Ekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a four-month yogic slumber (Yoganidra), marking the beginning of Chaturmas. Observing a fast on this day is said to bring special merit, or punya.
But fasting on Ekadashi goes beyond food. It’s equally about restraining the mind, speech, and behaviour : staying away from anger, greed, hatred, falsehood, and gossip. These practices together capture the true spirit of the fast, which is why it’s regarded as a means of spiritual purification. People observe the fast through Ekadashi and break it only the following morning.
As the day approaches, the fasting spirit takes over Maharashtrian households. Mothers start preparing fasting ingredients a day in advance ; sabudana, dahi, fruits, potato wafers, sweet potatoes, and more, turning the vrat into both a spiritual and culinary tradition.
Why Dahi Deserves a Place on Your Vrat Thali
On a fasting day, the right food choices can be the difference between feeling exhausted and staying alert, focused, and light. One ingredient that truly deserves a spot on your vrat thali is Dahi. It strikes a perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and cultural significance more than just a kitchen staple, curd carries satvik qualities that calm the mind and nourish the body through the day of fasting.
Sustains Energy and Controls Hunger
Curd is rich in probiotics that aid digestion and soothe the stomach. As a wholesome food, it offers a good balance of protein, calories, and casein, a dairy protein that digests slowly, providing a steady release of amino acids. Its high calcium and phosphate content, combined with this slow digestion, keeps you full for longer and helps control frequent hunger pangs.
Gently Aids Digestion
Curd is well known for supporting healthy digestion. Its probiotics promote good gut bacteria and improve nutrient absorption, while the lactic acid produced during fermentation helps reduce heat generation in the body and offers a cooling effect. Ideal for a day of fasting.
Boosts Immunity and Mental Clarity
Curd positively influences the gut-brain axis, the communication network between the gut and the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety, especially helpful during a day of fasting. The good bacteria present in curd also help calm inflammation and strengthen immunity during dietary stress.
Balances pH and Reduces Acidity
An empty stomach during fasting often leads to increased stomach acid, which is why a burning sensation is common on Ekadashi. Curd, with a mildly acidic pH of 4.5–5.5, helps buffer this excess gastric acid. Its protein also binds with stomach acids, offering additional soothing relief.
The Perfect Balance for “Duppat Khashi”
There’s a popular Marathi saying — “Ekadashi ani Duppat Khashi” — meaning that even on a fasting day, we often end up eating more than usual, fried snacks, khichdi, and other vrat delicacies. To balance this and keep digestion light and your stomach cool, curd is a must-have on your vrat thali.
Adding dahi to your Ekadashi fast doesn’t just nourish the body, it supports digestion, hydration, and immunity too. Whether enjoyed plain, as raita, or paired with fruits as a light dessert, curd brings the perfect balance of calm and energy to your day of devotion.