Start with sabudana khichdi and buttermilk. Lunch can be samak pulao with cucumber raita. Evening calls for makhana or sweet potato chaat with fruit. Dinner is kuttu puris, jeera aloo and the curd gravy, finished with a small bowl of kheer.

Since so much of this is starch, a few habits help: squeeze lemon over sabudana and chaat to cut the heaviness, keep frying moderate, balance plates with fruit, curd and milk, and drink water, coconut water or buttermilk through the day.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Fasting customs and permitted ingredients vary by family and region.