Each year, married Hindu women across India celebrate Karwa Chauth, a day-long fast observed from sunrise to moonrise. Traditionally practiced in North Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, this festival symbolizes love, devotion, and the well-being of one’s spouse.
On this day, women observe a nirjala vrat — abstaining from both food and water — until they sight the moon. The fast is broken after offering prayers and performing rituals alongside their husbands.
While the festival celebrates faith and endurance, nutritionists emphasize that long hours without food or water can stress the body, especially in hot climates. Hence, preparing the body and choosing the right foods before and after the fast are vital for health and safety.
The pre-dawn meal, known as sargi, holds immense significance. It’s usually prepared by the mother-in-law and shared before sunrise. A balanced sargi plate determines how comfortably one can sustain the fast throughout the day.
A wholesome sargi should include:
Complex carbohydrates: oats, poha, or whole grains for sustained energy
Proteins: milk, yogurt, paneer, or lentils
Healthy fats: nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, or flaxseeds
Hydration sources: coconut water, buttermilk, or fresh fruits
Avoiding fried, spicy, or very salty foods is essential, as they can trigger thirst and acidity during the day.
To understand how women can fast safely while maintaining energy and hydration, MedBound Times spoke to Sumaiyya Shoaib, Dietitian/Nutritionist (MSc Clinical Nutrition, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow), Clinical Dietician at Mr. Johnny Care Services, and Head of Operations–Dietary and Food Services at Green Foods, Lucknow.
What are the most common nutritional mistakes women make during Karwa Chauth fasting?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: Honestly, the biggest mistake I notice is that many women skip their pre-fast meal or eat a very heavy, oily meal early in the morning thinking it will keep them full for longer. In reality, it just slows down digestion and causes acidity and fatigue later in the day. Another common issue is not drinking enough water before starting the fast. Hydration is extremely important, especially since the fast continues without water. Ideally, the sargi (pre-dawn meal) should have a mix of complex carbs, protein, fiber, and fluids — things like milk, dry fruits, fruits, and some whole grains work very well.
Are there specific foods to avoid during pre-fast or post-fast meals?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: Yes, definitely. Before fasting, it’s best to avoid caffeine-based drinks, fried, spicy, or very salty foods. They cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty through the day. And after the fast, instead of immediately jumping to fried snacks or sweets, it’s better to start gently. Start by rehydrating first — begin with water or coconut water, then take something light like fruits or milk. Give the stomach a few minutes to adjust before having your full meal.
What’s your take on fasting for women with diabetes, anemia, or thyroid disorders?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: In such cases, fasting needs to be handled very carefully. For diabetic women, long hours without food can cause blood sugar to drop dangerously low. Anemic women already have low hemoglobin, so fasting can make them dizzy and extremely weak. And for thyroid patients, irregular eating can slow metabolism even more. I always recommend they talk to their doctor or dietitian before fasting — sometimes they can follow a modified fast with fluids or fruits to stay safe while still observing the ritual.
What’s the best way to break the fast safely — should women start with fruits or liquids?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: Always start with rehydration first. Taking a few sips of plain water or coconut water helps restore electrolyte balance. Then you can have fruits or milk, something that’s light and easy to digest. After a short break, you can move to your main meal — something balanced with roti, sabzi, dal, and maybe a small portion of sweet if you wish. The key is to not overload the stomach all at once.
Is it safe for pregnant women to observe a full-day Karwa Chauth fast without water?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: From a medical and nutritional perspective, it’s really not advisable. During pregnancy, both the mother and the baby rely on a steady supply of nutrients and fluids. Staying without food or water for long hours can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, and dizziness. Even mild dehydration can impact the amniotic fluid volume, which isn’t good for the baby.
What are the potential health risks to the mother and baby?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: The risks mainly include dehydration, drop in blood sugar levels, fatigue, and even early contractions in later months. The baby’s development can also be affected if the mother’s body starts producing ketones due to long fasting hours. That’s why I usually advise women to modify the fast rather than doing it strictly.
For lactating mothers, can fasting affect milk supply or quality?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: Yes, it can. Milk production depends a lot on hydration and calorie intake. If a mother isn’t eating or drinking enough, it can reduce both the quantity and the quality of the milk for a short period. The baby may not feed as well or may get fussy or irritable.
What’s your advice for maintaining religious observance without compromising health during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Sumaiyya Shoaib: I completely understand the emotional and cultural value of Karwa Chauth, and I never tell women to give it up. Instead, I suggest modifying it. For instance, you can stay on light liquids like milk, coconut water, or fresh fruit juices throughout the day, and still take part in the rituals and prayers. The idea is to maintain the spirit of the fast while keeping yourself and your baby safe. Health should always come first.
Before the fast (Sargi):
Include balanced portions of carbs, proteins, and fluids.
Limit caffeine, salty, and spicy foods.
Hydrate well (1–2 glasses of water or coconut water).
Avoid overeating — moderation ensures steady digestion.
After breaking the fast:
Start with water or coconut water.
Wait 5–10 minutes, then eat a light fruit or a glass of milk.
Follow with a simple, balanced dinner (roti, dal, sabzi, and curd).
Avoid fried or heavy sweets immediately after fasting.
Health professionals recommend that women with diabetes, thyroid disorders, anemia, pregnancy, or lactation avoid full-day nirjala fasting. Modified fasts, with fruits or fluids, are a safe alternative that allows one to honor the tradition without risking health.⁵
Karwa Chauth is more than a ritual — it’s a symbol of love and resilience. However, health and faith must go hand in hand. As Dietitian Sumaiyya Shoaib emphasizes, “The idea is to maintain the spirit of the fast while keeping yourself and your baby safe. Health should always come first.”