Can you eat popcorn on ekadasi?
In this brief guide, we will address the query “ can you eat popcorn on ekadasi?”. We will also discuss what is the history of ekadasi, what happens on the ekadashi event, what foods are allowed to be consumed on ekadasi, what foods are not allowed to be eaten on ekadasi, what is popcorn, is it safe to eat popcorn on ekadasi and why are grains not allowed on ekadasi.
Can you eat popcorn on ekadasi?
No, you can not eat popcorn on ekadasi. Popcorns are made from corn and they belong to the category of grains which are not permitted on ekadasi.
What is the history of ekadasi?
The 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the Hindu month of Kartik in the bright fortnight is Devotthan Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi (Sukla Paksha). On Shayani Ekadashi, the 11th day of the Hindu month Ashadha, it is said that God Vishnu sleeps and wakes up after 4 months.
This day commemorates the end of Chaturmas, a period during which marriages are forbidden, and the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. It is also believed that God Vishnu wedded Tulsi on the next day of Devotthan Ekadashi, hence this day is known as Tulsi Vivah, when the Tulsi plant and the black Saligram stone, which represents God Vishnu, are married.
What happens at the Ekadashi events?
Some people fast on this day to commemorate the event. During the Devotthan Ekadashi fast, only fruits and milk are permitted. Even non-fasting people avoid onion, garlic, salt, non-vegetables, and grains.
Sugarcane, sugar beet, and sweet potato are some of the special fruits eaten on this day. On this Ekadashi, as well as all other Ekadashis throughout the year, there is a tradition of not eating rice.
What foods are allowed to be consumed on ekadasi?
There is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can eat on this fasting day in addition to sugar cane, sugar beet, and sweet potato. All fruits, such as bananas, apples, and oranges, can be eaten, as well as cucumber, radish, pumpkin, lemon, olives, squash, and coconut.
All nuts and oils from nuts such as coconuts, olives etc are allowed. On this day, you may also consume sugar. Some species allowed on ekadasi include black pepper, salts, and turmeric.
What foods are not allowed to be eaten on ekadasi?
There are plenty and diverse foods that are avoided on the ekadasi belonging to different food categories. Some food groups not allowed on ekadasi includes:
- Grains Not Allowed: Wheat, Farina, Millet, Barley, Pasta, Dalia, Rice, Corn, Rice Flour, Chickpea Flour, Urad Dal Flour, and other flours prepared from grains and beans are used in Idli, Chapati, Dosa, and Macaroni.
- Not allowed vegetables: although certain vegetables are allowed on ekadasi, some are not permitted to be consumed on such days and these include eggplants, tomatoes, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, bell peppers, chickpeas, beans of many kinds, as well as bean-based goods such as papadams, tofu, tempeh, grain drinks, and more.
- Leafy Vegetables Are Not Allowed: Salads with spinach, cabbage, and leafy herbs like parsley, curry, neem Leaves
- Indian Vegetables Are Not Allowed: Karela (Bitter Lemon), Drumsticks Loki Parmal Toroi Kundli, Banana Flower Okra (Lady Fingers)
- Spices Not Allowed: Seeds of Sesame, Seeds of Cumin, Mustard Seeds Hing Fenugreek, Celery, Fennel, Tamarind, Poppy Seeds, Seeds of Kalonji, Seeds of Ajwain, Nutmeg, Cloves and Cardamom
- Products manufactured with corn starches: Baking Soda, Powdered Sugar, Several Soft Drinks, Custard, Various Yoghourts, Puddings, Cheese Cream, Sweets, Candies, Tapioca
- Oils not allowed: Corn oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, and other oils
- Products cooked in these oils are not permitted: Certain Snack Foods, Nuts, Potato Chips
What is popcorn?
Popcorn is a snack made from dried corn kernels that have been fried. When corn kernels are heated, the water inside expands and the kernels rupture, forming puffs.
Popcorn is typically served with salted butter, but it can also be flavoured with herbs, spices, cheese, chocolate, or other things. Popcorn that has been air-popped is a nutritious snack high in vitamins, minerals, carbs, and fibre.
Is it safe to eat popcorn on ekadasi?
No, it is unsafe and unhealthy to eat popcorn on ekadasi. Popcorns are made from corn or maize which belong to the category of grains. Grains are totally avoided on ekadasi and the practice is based on religion and backed by scientific theories.
Why are grains not allowed on ekadasi?
There are mythological and scientific reasons for avoiding grains on ekadasi. These include
- According to mythology, humans in Kalyug are mortal and lustful, and so incapable of practising austerity. They rely on food grains to exist and cannot live without them. To minimise physical distress, it is recommended that people in Kalyug fast on Ekadashi and avoid all types of grains, including rice.
- According to science, eating rice or any other grain on Ekadashi can bring health problems due to the moon’s position. Grains hold water, and as the moon’s location affects all water bodies on the planet, it also affects the fluid inside our bodies. As a result, eating rice or grain on this day may have a negative impact on your health.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query “ can you eat popcorn on ekadasi?”. We have also discussed what is the history of ekadasi, what happens on the ekadashi event, what foods are allowed to be consumed on ekadasi, what foods are not allowed to be eaten on ekadasi, what is popcorn, is it safe to eat popcorn on ekadasi and why are grains not allowed on ekadasi.
